Legendary cinematographer Samir Kushari no more

Eminent cinematographer Samir Kushari, who was involved in hundreds of memorable television projects since BTV's golden era, has passed away at a hospital in the capital today due to post-Covid complications. He was 71 years old.

His wife, Jaya Kushari, confirmed the news to The Daily Star. She said that the cinematographer was diagnosed with Covid-19 in the beginning of September.

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Samir Kushari was born in 1951 in Dhaka's Armanitola. His father, Ronen Kushari, was an Ekushey Padak awardee and an esteemed radio personality.

Samir Kushari was the brilliant hand responsible for the cinematography of legendary productions like "Bahubrihi", "Sangsaptak", "Ayomoy", "Eishob Din Ratri", "Sat Samuddur" and "Pathor Shomoy", among many others.

The artiste started his career in 1969 with the film "Jolchobi", as Sadhon Roy's assistant cinematographer. He also played the same role in Ritwik Ghatak's "Titash Ekti Nodir Nam".

He joined Bangladesh Betar during the great liberation war in 1971.

However, he is most remembered for his stint in BTV after he joined in the late 70's, having spent more than three decades there.

He was involved in BTV's first ever 45-minute long drama, which he finished in just one shot. He had also captured the fearsome Ramna Batamul bombings in 2001 with his camera.

In 2009, he retired as the Director of Photography of BTV.

"He was always smiling and radiant", said eminent actress Ferdousi Majumdar, who had worked with him in the "Sangsaptak". "I had never seen him lose his cool, he loved taking photographs. I will always remember him as a great human being."

Samir Kushari's last rites will take place tonight at Rajarbag's Kali Mandir, after an official guard of honour. He is survived by his wife, a son and a daughter.