The legendary actor is remembered for his extraordinary works in Bangladeshi television and cinema industry.
Born to ATM Nurul Islam and Begum Farida Islam at Dhaka’s Narinda in the year of the Language Movement, he fought in Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971.
He completed his SSC from Islamia Government High School in 1968 and passed the HSC examination from Chandpur Government College in 1970. In the same year, he entered the Dhaka University to study organic chemistry but could not continue studies due to the Liberation War.
After independence, he got admitted to Jahangirnagar University to study Economics, where he became a friend and close associate of drama doyen Selim Al Deen. They collaborated in many notable creative projects in theatre and drama.
Faridi’s expedition in showbiz began as a leading organiser of Jahangirnagar University’s 1976 Drama Festival. There he was noticed by renowned cultural persona Nasiruddin Yousuff, who was attending the festival as a judge.
After his all-round performance as an organiser, writer, director and actor in the festival - Faridi joined the famous Dhaka Theatre (founded by Yousuff and Selim Al-Deen) in 1978.
As a dedicated and passionate theatre artist, he always delivered quality works, and it all started with his debut performance in the ‘Shakuntala’ rendition by Selim Al-Deen, where he played the character ‘Tokkhok’. He continued his journey in theatre with dramas such as ‘Phoni Monsha’ (1980), ‘Kirtankhola’ (1981), ‘Keramat Mangal’ (1985) and ‘Bhuut’ (1990).
In 1982, Faridi made his television debut with ‘Nil Nokshar Shondhaney’. From then on, he performed in dramas and serials such as ‘Nikhoj Shongbad’, ‘Hothat Ekdin’, ‘Pathor Somoy’, ‘Somudre Gangchil’, ‘Kachher Manush’, ‘Mohona’, ‘Durbin Diye Dekhun’, ‘Vangoner Shobdo Shuni’, ‘Kothao Keo Nei’, ‘Pret’ and many more - and became a fan favourite for his extraordinary acting.
His biggest breakthrough in television came with the drama ‘Shangshaptak’, in which he incredibly portrayed the character known as ‘Kankata Ramjan’ and became an instant hit with the audience.
After successfully making a name for himself in television, Faridi debuted as a film actor with the movie ‘Din-Mojur’, directed by Shahidul Islam Khokon. Faridi proved his worth as a versatile actor in the film industry with his performances in different genres of movies, but he is best known for his incredible performances in Bangla commercial films portraying negative roles.
Perhaps this was the reason that Khokon cast Faridi in 25 of his 28 movies. ‘Hulia’, ‘Dohon’, ‘Shontrash’, ‘Bachelor’, ‘Joy Jatra’, ‘Ekatturer Jishu’, ‘Loraku’, ‘Bir Purush’, ‘Bishwa Premik’, ‘Ajker Hitler’, ‘Mayer Odhikar’, ‘Bidrohi Charidike’, ‘Mone Pore Tomake’, ‘Shamol Chhaya’, ‘Meherjaan’- these are some of his renowned films.
He won the National Award in 2004 for his amazing performance in the movie ‘Matritwa’.
Humayun Faridi was first married to Nazmun Ara Begum Minu in 1980, but the couple got separated four years later. Faridi then married prominent actress Subarna Mustafa in 1984 but also got divorced in 2008. He was the son-in-law of prolific actor Golam Mustafa.
This actor passed away on February 12, 2012 after a long battle with chronic lungs disease. In recognition for his contribution, he was rewarded a posthumous Ekushey Padak in 2018.
Humayun Faridi will remain alive in the heart of his fans as one of the greatest actors of all time, for all of his tremendous performances.