Renowned artist Shahabuddin Ahmed on Sunday said it was the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War that has made an artist out of him.
“It was the spirit of the Liberation War that influenced me to become an artist,” said the maestro, who was awarded the French title ‘Chevalier De I’Ordre des et des Lettres’ (Knight in the Order of the Arts and Literature). Shahabuddin came up with the remarks while addressing a reception organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University in recognition of the award.
“Joy Bangla is such a force…thousands of gory battles can be fought for it,” he eulogised. He also stressed the importance of nurturing the virtue of perseverance to become an artist. “No one can shine with deception; it requires dedication and practice.”
Earlier in the programme held at Bakul Tala on the Faculty premises, students of the Faculty as well as officials of Bangla Academy and National Museum welcomed the artist with bouquets.
