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{{Short description|Bangladeshi playwright and theatre artist}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Selim Al Deen
|native_name = সেলিম আল দীন
| image = সেলিম আল দীন.jpg
| caption = Deen in 2006
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1949|8|18}}
| birth_place = [[Feni District]], [[East Bengal]], [[Dominion of Pakistan]]
| birth_name = Mainuddin
| alma_mater = {{ubl|[[Jahangirnagar University]]|[[University of Dhaka]]}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|df=yes|2008|1|14|1949|8|18}}
| death_place = [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh
| resting_place = Jahangirnagar University campus
| nationality = Bangladeshi
| spouse = Begumzadi Meherunnesa Selim
| awards = [[#Awards|full list]]
}}
'''Selim Al Deen''' (18 August 1949 – 14 January 2008)<ref name=nomore/> was a Bangladeshi playwright and theatre artist.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kamol| first=Ersahad|title=Silver Jubilee:Bangladesh Film Archive celebrations : Events on the 2nd day|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=2004-06-11|url =http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/06/11/d40611140373.htm|access-date=2018-08-19}}</ref> He was the founder chairperson of the Department of Drama and Dramatics at [[Jahangirnagar University]].<ref name=epic>{{cite news |url=http://prothom-alo.com/index.news.details.php?nid=MTMzOTk=|script-title=bn:সেলিম আল দীনের মহাকাব্যিক বিদায়|trans-title=Epic departure of Selim Al-Deen |work=Prothom Alo |language=bn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120130423/http://www.prothom-alo.com/index.news.details.php?nid=MTMzOTk= |archive-date=2008-01-20|access-date=2021-01-14}}</ref> He was awarded [[Bangla Academy Literary Award]] in 1984 and [[Ekushey Padak]] in 2007 by the [[Government of Bangladesh]] for his contribution to theatre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://banglaacademy.org.bd/?page_id=1315|script-title=bn:পুরস্কারপ্রাপ্তদের তালিকা|language=bn|trans-title=Winners list|access-date=2 April 2019|publisher=Bangla Academy}}</ref><ref name=ekushey>{{cite news|url= http://www.moca.gov.bd/site/page/c706da0c-29ee-4f0f-95d9-fa6705e19001/|script-title=bn:একুশে পদকপ্রাপ্ত সুধীবৃন্দ|access-date=3 April 2019|publisher=Government of Bangladesh|language=bn|trans-title=Ekushey Padak winners list}}</ref>

==Early life and education==
Deen was born as Mainuddin to Mofizuddin Ahmed and Firoza Khatun in Shenerkhil village of [[Sonagazi Upazila]] of [[Feni District|Feni]] on 18 August 1949.<ref name=nomore>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-19320|title=Selim Al Deen no more|date=2008-01-15|work=The Daily Star|access-date=2018-08-20|language=en}}</ref> He was the third of their seven siblings. He assumed this pen name later. His school life started in 1954. He travelled with his father to different parts of the country and received education in many institutions as his father was doing a transferable government job in the department of Customs and Excise. He passed matriculation examination in 1964 from Manglakandi High School and ISc from Feni College in 1966. In 1967m he was admitted to the [[University of Dhaka]] to study [[Bengali literature]]. But later he graduated from the [[Government Saadat College|Karatia College]], [[Tangail]]. He came back to the University of Dhaka and obtained his MA degree from the Bengali Department.<ref name=nomore/> In 1995, he earned his PhD from [[Jahangirnagar University]].<ref name=nomore/> His first job was in an advertising firm as a copywriter. In 1974, he joined Jahangirnagar University as a lecturer. He married Begaumjadi Meherunnisa Parul the same year.<ref name=epic/>

==Theater debut==
Deen was attracted to reading literary works at a very young age. As he turned on to admit into Dhaka University in 1966, he decided to become a career writer. In the early years, Deen wanted to be a poet and published some of poems he composed. But soon he realised that poetry was not his cup of tea.<ref name=goon>{{cite news |url=http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=62523&sec=22|title=Recalling Selim Al Deen by Nirmalendu Goon|work=Daily Naya Diganta|language=bn |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708222557/http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/fullnews.asp?News_ID=62523&sec=22|archive-date=2011-07-08|access-date=2021-01-14}}</ref> It was his instructor and a playwright [[Munier Chowdhury]] who encouraged him to focus attention on drama.<ref name=tales>{{cite news |title=Telling our tales, our way|url=http://www.newagebd.com/2006/jan/01/newyear06/heroes04.html|work=New Age|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109182146/http://www.newagebd.com/2006/jan/01/newyear06/heroes04.html|archive-date=2007-11-09|access-date=2021-01-14}}</ref> First he started reading plays and study the life of playwrights. Then he started to write plays himself. He wrote his first drama in 1968 while still a university-student. His first radio play was {{Transl|bn|Biporit Tomosay}} ('On the other side of Darkness') was broadcast in 1969.<ref name=epic/> He wrote a play for [[Bangladesh Television]] styled {{Transl|bn|Librium}} (later renamed {{Transl|bn|Ghoom Nei}}) which was broadcast in 1970.<ref name=goon/> His first play for the theatre was {{Transl|bn|Shorpo bishoyok golpo}} (tr. Story about snakes') was staged in 1972<ref name=epic/>

Deen's close study of [[European culture]] is reflected in his initial plays. His earlier works including {{Transl|bn|Sharpa Bishawak Galpo}}, {{Transl|bn|Jondis o Bibidho Balloon}}, {{Transl|bn|O Mul Shomoshya}}, {{Transl|bn|Karim Bawali'r Shotru o Mul Mukh Dekha}}, {{Transl|bn|Charkakrar}} ''Documentary'' were cast in European format.<ref name=tales/>

However soon he realised that the tales of rural farmers are no less heroic than the Herculean feats of Achilles or Prometheus. This realisation changed his mindset and diverted his attention to the lives of his countrymen.

==Career==
Deen carried out extensive research for his doctoral dissertation in which he proved that the history of Bengali drama is older than that of European drama. He moved earth and heaven to collect data in support of his thesis.<ref name=goon/> During 1977 to 1979, Selim Al-Deen studied Bengali {{Transl|bn|Jatra}} which prompted him to write his first unique drama {{Transl|bn|Kittonkhola}}. The success of {{Transl|bn|Kittonkhola}} instilled in him enormous confidence that using tradition as the foundation was pregnant with success.

Deen's subsequent works, namely {{Transl|bn|Bashon}}, {{Transl|bn|Atotai}}, {{Transl|bn|Saifulmulk Badiuzzaman}}, {{Transl|bn|Keramat Mangal}}, {{Transl|bn|Hat Hodai}} and {{Transl|bn|Chaka}} followed the pattern of [[Realism (theatre)|epic realism]] which he inaugurated in [[Bengali culture]]. He also brought the folklore tradition called {{Transl|bn|Kathya-natya}}{{Definition needed|date=August 2021}} to his dramas like {{Transl|bn|Joiboti Koinnar Mon}}.<ref name=tales/>

Upon the realization that Bengali drama was lagging far behind other branches of [[Bengali literature]], Selim Al-Deen did not divert his attention away and continued his focus. He started experimenting with form and style to explore different possibilities. The early nineties saw Selim Al-Deen focusing on a new style derived from folk traditions. In {{Transl|bn|Jaiboti Konya'r Mon}}, the {{Transl|bn|kathya-natya}} style was used. {{Transl|bn|Kathya-natya}} was traditional of play that was being ignored for a long time.{{Clarify|reason=this sentence doesn't make sense|date=August 2021}} He resorted to the same format while composing {{Transl|bn|Hargaaz}}.

===Dhaka Theatre===
Deen was one of the founding members of Dhaka Theatre which is a leading theatre group of the country and rendered vital contribution in advancing the progressive drama movement. Notably, Dhaka Theatre staged almost all of Selim's plays. He and his fellow artists ran the theatre movement across rural Bangladesh to popularise the culture in rural areas of Bangladesh.<ref name=tales/>

==Achievements==
Since the 1980s, Deen has played a pivotal role in the theatre movement of Bangladesh. Apart from his active involvement with Dhaka Theatre, his fundamental contribution was introduction of a novel sense of direction to modern Bengali Drama, based on tradition. Al-Deen has also been one of the key organisers of Bangladesh's village theatre movement. He took the monumental task of creating the only dictionary on dramatics available in Bengali. Having been awarded almost all national recognitions possible in the field of theatre, Deen's work is studied at many universities across the world. Several of his plays have been translated into other languages. They have been staged outside Bangladesh too. In fact, he is one of few Bangladeshi writers to have his plays staged by West Bengal troupes.<ref name=ill>{{Cite news |date=2008-01-14|title=Noted playwright Selim Al Deen critically ill|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-19086|access-date=2021-01-15|work=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref> He helped to build the Dramatics department of [[Jahangirnagar University]] and involved there as a teacher for 30 years.<ref name=tales/>

Deen secured mass popularity when his plays were broadcast through television. Some of his notable television serials include {{Transl|bn|Granthikgan Kahey}} and {{Transl|bn|Chhaya Shikari}}.<ref name=ill/>

Deen's play {{Transl|bn|Nishwora Bhalobasha}} aired on [[Bangladesh Television]] on 2 January 2005 was achieved immediate popularity. The main cast was Shahriar Nazim Joy, [[Dipa Khondokar]], Mamnun Emon, Kumkum Hassan and Anuja. The play was directed by Nayeem Imtiaz Nayemul.

==Works==

===Books===
Deen's books include ''Jaundice and various balloons'' (1975), {{Transl|bn|Muntaser Fantashi}} (1976), {{Transl|bn|Shakuntala}} (1977), {{Transl|bn|Kitton Khola}} (1978–80), {{Transl|bn|Bashon}} (1985), {{Transl|bn|Keramatmangal}} (1985), {{Transl|bn|Hat Hadai}} (1988), {{Transl|bn|Chaka}} (1991), {{Transl|bn|Hargoj}} (1993) {{Transl|bn|Ekti Marma Rupkatha}} (1992), {{Transl|bn|Jaibotir Konnar Mon}} (1992), {{Transl|bn|Bonopungshul}} (1996), {{Transl|bn|Prachcho}} (1998) and {{Transl|bn|Nimojjan}} (2004). He published two poetry collections, {{Transl|bn|Kobi O Timir}} (1990) and {{Transl|bn|Swapna Ramanigan}} (2007). His only novel is titled {{Transl|bn|Amrita Upkshan}}. He compiled the seminal theatre dictionary {{Transl|bn|Bangla Natyakosh}}. His plays are included in the textbook curricula of the University of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University, [[Jadavpur University]] and [[Rabindra Bharati University]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2008-01-15|title=Compiler of 'Bangla Natyakosh' dead|url=http://twocircles.net/2008jan15/compiler_bangla_natyakosh_dead.html|access-date=2021-01-15|website=TwoCircles.net|language=en-US}}</ref>

Deen was also the founder of fusion theory{{Definition needed|date=August 2021}} and neo-ethnic theatre.{{Definition needed|date=August 2021}}{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}} {{Transl|bn|Ekti Marma Rupkotha}} is one of the few instances of neo-ethnic theatre in Bengali literature.

==={{Transl|bn|Ronger Manush}}===
Based on unmixed rural settings,{{Definition needed|what are unmixed rural settings?|date=August 2021}} {{Transl|bn|Ronger Manush}} was written by Selim Al Deen jointly with Masum Reza. This is a 111-episode TV play produced by [[NTV (Bangladesh)|NTV]].

==={{Transl|bn|Chaka}} in the USA and India===
{{Transl|bn|Chaka}} by Deen premiered in 1990 at the Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, United States. It was translated into English as ''The Wheel'' by [[Syed Jamil Ahmed]] and adapted by Steve Friedman. The play was jointly directed by Syed Jamil Ahmed and Denny Partridge. Inspired by its success, Denny Partridge directed ''The Wheel'' again at Barnard's Minor Latham Playhouse, in New York City on 13, 14 and 15 November 2003. The cast featured Ian Anthony, Ann Cheung, Samantha Debicki, Ariana Getz, Oscar Olivo, Lindsay Strachan, Chloe Waters-Wallace, Matt Wilstein and Jessica Valadez. In 2006, Syed Jamil Ahmed directed the play in Hindi (titled {{Transl|hi|Pahiye}}) at the National School of Drama, New Delhi, India.

===Films===
''[[Kittonkhola]]'' was made into a film in 2000. Directed by [[Abu Sayeed (film director)|Abu Sayeed]], the film was adapted from the stage play written by Deen. Featuring Raisul Islam Asad and Naila Azad Nupur, the film brought to light the lives of [[Jatra (Bengal)|jatra]] artistes and their struggles to make a living off the dying performing art.

===Unfinished projects===
As many as six plays written by Deen are available which remain to be staged.<ref name="epic"/> Before his death, he was working on a new play styled {{Transl|bn|Haar-Haddi}} ('Pile of Bones') that remains unfinished. He conceived of establishing a World Cultural Centre in Dhaka, his dream project.

==Awards==
* [[Bangla Academy Literary Award]] (1984)
* Kathak Sahitya Puroshkar (2002)
* Nandikaar Puroshkar (1994)
* Best Tele-playwright Award (1994)
* National Cinema Award for best dialogue (1994)
* Khaleqdad Chowdhury Sahitya Puroshkar (2001)
* [[Ekushey Padak]] (2007)
* Alokta Sahitya Puroshaker (2007)
* Munier Chowdhury Sammanona by Theatre (2003)<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-01-14|title=Remembering Selim Al Deen on his 13th death anniversary|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/arts-entertainment/news/remembering-selim-al-deen-his-13th-death-anniversary-2027773|access-date=2021-01-15|work=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref>

==Death and legacy==
Deen died at Labaid Cardiac Hospital in Dhaka on 14 January 2008 after being admitted to hospital following a cardiac attack on 11 January. The same day he was scheduled to be flown to Thailand for a better medical care. He had been suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney and diabetic problems.<ref name=nomore/> He was given life support as his condition deteriorated quickly and became critical.<ref name=ill/>

After [[Islamic funeral|janaza]] at different places, he was buried on 16 January 2008 at a graveyard near the Jahangirnagar University central mosque.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-01-17|title=Selim Al Deen laid to rest|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-19560|access-date=2021-01-15|work=The Daily Star|language=en}}</ref>

The road to his village home in Senerkhil has been named after him. The road is known as ''Selim Al Deen Road'' that connected Notun Bazar and Darograr Hat. A government primary school has also been named after him and his mother. The school is located in front of his village residence.

=== Sexual misconduct allegation ===
During the height of [[Me Too movement]], a former student of Deen, Musfiqa Laizu, came out and accused him of sexually exploiting students.<ref>{{Cite web|title=#MeToo: সেলিম আল দীন একজন যৌন নিপীড়ক ছিলেন|url=https://womenchapter.com/views/28899|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Women Chapter|language=bn}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Cite news|date=2008-01-26|title=Good-bye my friend, it's hard to die —|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-20561|access-date=2021-01-15|work=The Daily Star|language=en|author=Syed Jamil Ahmed}}
{{Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Dialogue}}
{{Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Story}}
{{Bengali theatre}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Deen, Selim Al}}
[[Category:1949 births]]
[[Category:2008 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Feni District]]
[[Category:University of Dhaka alumni]]
[[Category:Jahangirnagar University alumni]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi male writers]]
[[Category:Bengali-language writers]]
[[Category:20th-century dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Male dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Bangladeshi dramatists and playwrights]]
[[Category:Jahangirnagar University faculty]]
[[Category:Recipients of Bangla Academy Award]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Ekushey Padak]]
[[Category:Best Dialogue National Film Award (Bangladesh) winners]]
[[Category:Best Story National Film Award (Bangladesh) winners]]
[[Category:20th-century screenwriters]]

Selim Al Deen - Revision history

imported>Abm1994: brief refine intro for consistency additionally and fixed typos

Bot: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.

Bot: robot: Create/upgrade articles. If there is a mistake please report on my talk page.