Theatre personality Mahmudul Islam Selim collapses on stage in Toronto, now in intensive care
Eminent theatre personality, actor and director Mahmudul Islam Selim collapsed on stage in the middle of a performance. He was rushed to hospital in a serious condition and is now being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU), it has been learned.
The incident took place at an auditorium in Toronto at around 8pm local time on 31 October. Mahmudul Islam Selim was playing the lead role in "Dewan Gazir Kissa", produced by Prachya Pratichya, when he suddenly fell ill midway through the play and collapsed on stage.
Eyewitnesses said Mahmudul Islam Selim had suffered a heart attack. He was taken quickly to hospital. The auditorium was full of spectators at the time.
Seeing the beloved artiste fall ill on stage in this way spread anxiety among the audience. After the news spread, concern grew among members of the Bangladeshi community, theatre workers and culture lovers living in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada. Colleagues, spectators and well-wishers are praying for his quick recovery.
Mahmudul Islam Selim's wife, Lovely Begum, has asked everyone to pray for his quick recovery. His family and well-wishers are waiting for the beloved theatre personality to recover and return. Many have wished him well in comments on social media.
Mahmudul Islam Selim is a familiar face of the Bangladeshi stage, television and cinema. He was actively involved with Nagarik Natyangan. Alongside acting, he has also made important contributions as a theatre director.
Even in his expatriate life in Canada, Mahmudul Islam Selim has continued practising the Bangla language, literature and culture. Through his acting and direction, Bangla theatre on the expatriate stage has gained a new dimension.
