Zeenat Barkatullah

Zeenat Barkatullah
জিনাত বরকতুল্লাহ
Died	20 September 2023 (aged 72) Dhaka, Bangladesh
Nationality	Bangladeshi
Alma mater	University of Dhaka
Occupation(s)	Dance artist, choreographer, administrator
Spouses	Mohammad Barkatullah
Children	2, including Bijori Barkatullah
Awards	Full list

Zeenat Barkatullah (died 20 September 2023)[1] was a Bangladeshi dancer and television actress.[2] She received Bachsas Awards, Bangladesh Cultural Society Lifetime Achievement Award and Natyashabha Award for her contributions to the field of dance.[2]

Early life and education

Mrs Barkatullah was born in Munshiganj (former Bikrampur ) district who was a student of Gazi Alimuddin Mannan at the age of 4.[3] She earned her master's degree in sociology from the University of Dhaka and joined the Performing Arts Academy.[4] She completed a six-year certificate course from Bulbul Lalitakala Academy and later in ballet and dance choreography under experts from North Korea.[2] Her father was the deputy magistrate of Jamalpur District.[5]

Career

Barkatullah worked as one of the directors of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy beginning in 2002.[2] She acted in around 80 television drama plays.[2] Her acting career began with the drama Maria Amar Maria in 1980.[3] She later acted in Ghore Baire, Osthai Nibas, Boro Bari, and Kotha Bola Moyna, among others.[3]

Barkatullah was one of the advisors of Bangladesh Nrityo Shilpi Songstha, Nrityanchal and Bangabandhu Shishu Kishor Mela.[4]

On 22 January 2022, Barkatullah was awarded the Ekushey Padak, the second most important award for civilians in Bangladesh.[6]

Personal life and death

Barkatullah had two daughters, including actress Bijori Barkatullah and Kajori Barkatullah.[7][8][4]

Zeenat Barkatullah died on 20 September 2023.[9]

Awards

• Sher-e-Bangla Memorial Award (1985)
• Natya Shabha Award (1987)
• Cadet Core Award (1989)
• UNESCO Award (1996)
• Tarokalok Award (1997)
• Millennium Award (2000)
• Amritabazar Award (2001)[5]
• Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award (2008)[10]

References

1. ২০২৩ সালে যাদের হারিয়েছি. The Daily Star (in Bengali). 21 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
2. Kavita Charanji (12 September 2006). "Zinnat Barkatullah and her passion for dance". The Daily Star. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
3. "Dancer, actress Zinnat Barkatullah moved to intensive care in 'critical condition'". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
4. "My Sheltered Existence". The Daily Star. 10 November 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
5. Novera Deepita (10 August 2003). "Danseuse Zinnat Barkat Ullah unfolds her tale". The Daily Star. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
6. "24 personalities to get Ekushey Padak". jagonews24.com. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
7. "THE BEST of BIJORI". The Daily Star. 23 August 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
8. "Mother - an idolized figure". The Daily Observer. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
9. Ekushey Padak-winning dancer Zeenat Barkatullah dies
10. "Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy honours leading artistes". The Daily Star. 27 June 2008. Retrieved 8 January 2020.