| Born | 16 October 1956 Barishal, Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Died | 21 June 1992 (aged 35) Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Occupation | poet |
| Nationality | Bangladeshi |
Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah (1956-1992)(Bangla: রুদ্র মোহাম্মদ শহীদুল্লাহ্) was a Bengali poet. Shahidullah was noted for his revolutionary and romantic poetry.
In the popular culture of Bangladesh, Shahidullah's most well known contribution is the song Bhalo Achi Bhalo Theko, popular ever since it was written. In 1991, an annual fair called Rudra Mela was started to commemorate the poet.
Poet Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah was the husband of writer Taslima Nasrin. He died as a result of drug abuse. His notable song amar bhitor o bahire is regarded by some people as a suicide note to Taslima Nasrin. The works of this brilliant poet were popularized later by legendary singer-songwriter of India Kabir Suman and famous bengali singer Sabina Yasmin. As once famously stated by Kabir Suman, the song Amar bhitor o bahire became a all time popular song for the Bengalis of both Bangladesh and West Bengal. The longing embedded in the lyrics add to the poignancy of the piece. Dhaka, May 6 (BDNEWS) – Rudra Mela, the fair arranged annually in memory of poet Rudro Mohammad Shahidullah, Friday opened with his most chanting song - Bhalo achhi, bhalo theko/Akasher thikanay chithi likho.'
With an well-composed harmony of local and foreign instruments tuning with the song meaning "I am fine and hope so thy, write me at the address in sky," Dhaka university's Fine Arts Institute premises, the fair venue, momentarily got a festive mood in reminiscence of the poet of unbound love and liveliness.
Earlier, eminent intellectual Kamal Lohani inaugurated the fair at 11.30 am. Then the award for juvenile painting competition was distributed.
In the first session of the fair, Dr. Bishwajit Ghos presented the keynote paper on Rudro's poetry and Poet Asad Chowdhury, Nurul Huda, Nasiruddin Yousuf, Golam Kuddus and Ahkamullah took part in the discussion.
After the discussion, the entertainment session of the fair started with recitation of solo poem by the performers of Rudra Sangsad. Eminent recitation artists Shimul Mustafa and Progga Laboni also performed solo while Prokash, Srote, Udichi, Shorobritto, and Shorokalpan took part in groups.
Folk songs of Sameer Baul, Babul Sarkar, Ruma Akter and other Baul artists enthralled audience for hours with their touching odes.
Iffat ara Nargis, Fakir Sahabuddin, Arif Rahman, Mita Haque and Rathiandra Roy also rendered songs in the day long programme.
Rudra Award 2004 went to famous recitation artist Shimul Mustofa .
Rudra Muhammad Shahidullah was born on October 16, 1956 in Bagerhat district. He penned a good number of poetry collections and was a skilled organiser also. He died on June 21, 1992.