‘Meghmallar’ director Zahidur Rahim Anjan dies at 61

He was undergoing treatment at a hospital in India’s Bangalore

Award-winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan has died at the age of 61.

He passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in India’s Bangalore on Monday night, filmmaker Akram Khan confirmed.

He told Glitz, “Anjan da was suffering from liver disease for a long time. He went to India for treatment. An operation was performed, but he did not recover. His condition deteriorated after the surgery.

"His wife Shaheen Akhtar is there. A decision will be made to bring his body back home from ‘our’ Short Film Forum [Tuesday].”

Netizens are mourning the death of the director known for “Meghmallar”, his feature debut based on late writer Akhtaruzzaman Elias’s story titled "Raincoat”.

Filmmaker Giasuddin Selim wrote on Facebook, "Rest in peace, friend, how much is left to be said. See you soon."

Director Amitabh Reza Chowdhury wrote, "Dada, wait a bit. Coming up to complete the talk over Tarkovsky."

Anjan’s feature debut, “Meghmallar”, was released in December 2014.

He won the National Film Award for “best direction” and “best dialogue” for the film.

His latest film, “Chander Amaboshay”, or “dark moon” made with government funding, is awaiting release.

Last year, he was named as a National Film Awards jury board member.

Anjan, a founding member of the Bangladesh Short Film Forum, was teaching film at Stamford University's Department of Film and Media.