Popular film actor of Dhallywood's golden era Wasim passed away at a hospital in Dhaka early Sunday. He was 74.

The actor breathed his last at Shahabuddin Medical College Hospital, Gulshan after battling with several old age complications.

Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association general secretary Zayed Khan confirmed the news.

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Although Wasim had been suffering from multiple diseases including brain, liver, and kidney complications, the actor tested negative for Covid-19, according to the hospital sources.

Born as Mesbahuddin Ahmed on March 23, 1947, Wasim started his silver screen career as an assistant director of film Chhando Hariye Gelo (1972), directed by S.M. Shafi. His acting debut came through the film ‘Rater Por Din’ (1973) opposite popular actress Babita, and the film was directed by Mohsin who named him Wasim. 

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As an exceptional actor known for his 'paradigm shift' endeavour through coming from competitive bodybuilding to mainstream commercial films, Wasim soon reached new heights and fame with the success of his silver screen projects - including Rajdulari, Daku Mansur, Chandan Dwiper Rajkanya, The Rain, Iman, Dost Dushman, Asman Zameen, Dhormo Amar Ma, Asami Hajir, among others. His film, The Rain (1976), was dubbed in 47 languages and shown in many theatres across the globe.

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He reigned as one of the top heroes in Dhallywood from 1983 to 1990, mostly for his role in folk fantasy and action films. He acted in about 152 films in his acting career before unofficially retiring from the industry in 2010.

Wasim completed his matriculation from Mymensingh Zilla School and Intermediate from Anondomohan College in Mymensingh. He completed his alma matters with a BA and MA in General History from Dhaka University. 

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In 1964, he was crowned as 'Mr. East Pakistan' for bodybuilding and for being the fittest person of the then East Pakistan. He is often considered as the first bodybuilder actor not only in Bangladesh but in Southeast Asia. 

Wasim was elected and served as the first Secretary-General of the National Sports Council. He also served as the President of the Bangladesh Bodybuilding Federation for a brief period of time.

The legendary actor left behind his only son Dewan Fardun who is a barrister in England. His only daughter Bushra Ahmed committed suicide in 2006 and his wife passed away in 2003. 

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