Ekushey Padak winning dancer and TV actress Zeenat Barkatullah died of old-age complications at her residence in the city's Dhanmondi area on Wednesday (Sep 20). The news was confirmed by her daughter Bijori Barkatullah, who is also a noted actress and dancer in the country. Zeenat Barkatullah left behind two daughters and a host of relatives and admirers to mourn her death.
Zeenat was awarded the Ekushey Padak, the second most important award for civilians in the country, in 2022. She also achieved other accolades such as 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), and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award (2008).
She was featured in around 80 tele-fictions during her career, which began with the project "Maria Amar Maria" in 1980. She was later seen in "Ghore Baire", "Osthayee Nibash", "Boro Bari", and "Kotha Bola Moyna", among others.
Born on Oct 3 in 1951, Zeenat Barkatullah was a student of Gazi Alimuddin Mannan, while she was only four years old. She earned her Master's in Sociology from the Dhaka University and joined the Performing Arts Academy. She also completed a six-year certificate course from Bulbul Lalitakala Academy and later in ballet and dance choreography from North Korea.
Zeenat Barkatullah's Namaz-e-Janazah will be held on Thursday (Sep 21) after Zuhr prayers at Baytul Aman Jame Mashjid, located in Dhanmondi 7. After that, the artiste will be laid to rest in the Kalshi cemetery.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Mohammed Shahabuddin expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Zeenat Barkatullah.
