SM Sultan, a renowned Bangladeshi painter, was born on October 10, 1923, in a small village in Bangladesh. He grew up in a humble family, with his father working as a mason. From a young age, Sultan showed a keen interest in art, often observing his father's work and participating in various artistic activities in his village.
Despite not having the proper qualifications, Sultan was admitted into the Art School in Kolkata. However, he eventually dropped out of school to pursue his passion for art. He moved to India and worked as a freelance artist, honing his skills and developing his unique style.
Sultan's artistic talent was soon recognized, and he began gaining recognition for his bold and powerful paintings. His work often depicted the struggles and realities of rural life in Bangladesh, capturing the essence of the people and their surroundings in vivid detail.
In 1982, Sultan was honored with the prestigious Ekushey Padak award, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of art. The following year, he received the Independence Day Award, solidifying his place as one of Bangladesh's most celebrated painters.
His talent and dedication to his craft did not go unnoticed. In 1982, Sultan was named the Man of Asia by the University of Cambridge, a testament to his influence and impact on the art world.
While Sultan dedicated his life to his art, he also had a soft spot for animals. He never married but shared his home with multiple pets, including monkeys, dogs, and even a mongoose. His love for animals and nature often shone through in his paintings, adding a unique depth and emotion to his work.
SM Sultan's life and work have left an indelible mark on the art world. His powerful paintings continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts around the world, capturing the beauty and struggles of rural life in Bangladesh with raw emotion and intensity.
His story was immortalized in director Tareque Masud's 1989 documentary film "Adam Surat" ("The Inner Strength"), shedding light on the man behind the powerful brush strokes and the passion that drove him to create.
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