Ataur Rahman Khan, born on December 11, 1928, in Ramkantapur, Manikganj, British India, was an exceptional composer, writer, and film personality who left a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Bangladesh. With an illustrious career spanning several decades, Ataur Rahman Khan became a towering figure in the Bangladeshi entertainment industry, particularly in music and cinema. Known for his versatility, emotional depth, and innovative approach to music, Khan’s work in cinema and his compositions have continued to resonate with audiences long after his passing in 1997.
In this article, we will explore the life, career, and personal details of Ataur Rahman Khan, including his bio, age, height, weight, family background, and his incredible net worth. Through this exploration, we aim to uncover the essence of his legacy and understand why his contributions remain so significant in the world of music and cinema.
Personal Details About Ataur Rahman Khan
Personal Information | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ataur Rahman Khan |
Date of Birth | December 11, 1928 |
Place of Birth | Ramkantapur, Manikganj, British India |
Date of Death | December 1, 1997 |
Place of Death | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Age at Death | 68 years old |
Nationality | Bangladeshi |
Spouses | Nilufar Yasmin (1969 – 1997, his death), Mahbuba Rahman (1960-1969, divorced), Shirley Wheaton (1958-1960, divorced) |
Children | Rumana Islam, Agun |
Profession | Composer, Musician, Writer |
Known For | Ekhono Onek Raat (1997), Nawab Sirajuddaula (1967), Daan Pite Chele (1980) |
Early Life and Background
Ataur Rahman Khan’s birth in Ramkantapur, Manikganj, set the stage for a life that would transcend the ordinary. His birthplace, located in the region that is now part of Bangladesh, was in a time of political upheaval, marking the end of British colonial rule in India. Growing up in a family that valued education and culture, Khan was introduced to the arts from an early age. His family, though not wealthy, ensured that he received a good education, fostering in him a deep appreciation for literature, music, and the performing arts.
From his childhood, Ataur Rahman Khan demonstrated an aptitude for music and the performing arts. His exposure to classical Bengali music, folk traditions, and early films sparked his interest in pursuing a career in music. He soon began to develop his skills as a composer, often writing and composing for local theater productions and amateur musical ensembles. By his teenage years, it became clear that Ataur was destined for a life in the arts.
While specific details of his early education are sparse, it is known that he attended local schools and later pursued higher education in Dhaka, the capital of the newly-formed Bangladesh. He went on to study subjects related to music and literature, although it was his musical prowess that eventually took the forefront in his life.
Career Beginnings: The Music Industry

Ataur Rahman Khan’s musical journey began in earnest when he moved to Dhaka in the early 1950s. During this period, the burgeoning film industry in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) was undergoing significant development. Khan, eager to make a name for himself, immersed himself in the cinematic world, first as a composer and later as a writer. His early works began to garner attention, and it wasn’t long before he earned a reputation for his unique style, which combined both classical and contemporary influences.
In the 1960s, Ataur Rahman Khan’s career in the music industry flourished. He was particularly drawn to the Bangladeshi film industry, contributing to the musical scores of several iconic films. One of his major breakthroughs came with the film “Nawab Sirajuddaula” (1967), a historical epic based on the life of the last independent ruler of Bengal. Khan’s compositions for the film were hailed for their grandeur and emotional depth, cementing his place as one of the foremost composers of his generation.
Bibliography List:
Title | Year of Publication |
---|---|
Ojarotir Dui Bochhor | 1963 |
Shoiracharer Dosh Bochhor | 1969 |
Prodhan-Montritter Noi Maash | 1987 |
Oboruddhor Noi Maash | 1990 |
Notable Works in Film and Music
Khan’s career spanned several decades, and his legacy includes a series of remarkable works that continue to influence the music industry. Some of his most notable contributions include:
- “Ekhono Onek Raat” (1997): One of his final works, this film showcased his mastery of music composition, blending intricate melodies with poignant lyrics that touched the hearts of viewers. The film, a classic in Bangladeshi cinema, remains one of his most beloved works.
- “Daan Pite Chele” (1980): Another film where Ataur Rahman Khan’s compositions played a central role in its success, the music captured the essence of Bengali life and resonated deeply with audiences.
- “Nawab Sirajuddaula” (1967): A defining work in his career, this film’s soundtrack was widely praised for its historical richness and emotional range, making it a landmark in Bengali cinema.
Through these works and many others, Ataur Rahman Khan’s impact on the music and film industry cannot be overstated. His compositions often explored themes of love, loss, patriotism, and the human condition, and they remain integral to the cultural fabric of Bangladesh.
Personal Life and Family
Ataur Rahman Khan’s personal life was as complex and multifaceted as his professional career. He was married three times, with his longest and most enduring marriage being to Nilufar Yasmin in 1969. The couple remained married until his death in 1997. They had one child together, a daughter named Rumana Islam.
Prior to his marriage to Nilufar Yasmin, Khan had been married to Mahbuba Rahman from 1960 to 1969, but the couple eventually divorced. He was also briefly married to Shirley Wheaton, an American, from 1958 to 1960, with whom he had one child, a son named Agun. His relationships, though varied, reflected his commitment to family and his personal values.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Ataur Rahman Khan’s influence on the music and cultural scene in Bangladesh is immeasurable. His ability to blend traditional Bengali music with Western influences, and his creative use of orchestration, helped to redefine the sound of Bangladeshi cinema in the 1960s and 1970s. His ability to capture the emotional nuances of human experience through music earned him widespread acclaim.
Khan’s work extended beyond cinema; he was also deeply involved in writing, contributing poetry and essays to various publications throughout his life. His literary contributions were often interwoven with his musical compositions, creating a unique fusion of art forms that enriched the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.
Ataur Rahman Khan’s Height and Weight

In terms of physical appearance, Ataur Rahman Khan was known for his dignified presence. While there is limited information available about his exact height and weight, it is generally known that Khan was of average stature for his time. His personality, however, was far more imposing than his physical attributes, with his deep understanding of music and culture being the true measure of his influence.
Net Worth of Ataur Rahman Khan
At the time of his death in 1997, Ataur Rahman Khan had accumulated a significant fortune, primarily from his work as a composer and writer. His wealth can be attributed to his extensive career in the entertainment industry, where he earned income not only from music royalties and film contracts but also from his writing and public performances.
While it is difficult to provide an exact figure for his net worth, it is widely believed that Khan was one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the cultural domain of Bangladesh. His legacy continues to live on through the royalties of his music, which remains popular in Bangladesh and among the global Bengali diaspora. His work in film continues to be studied and appreciated, contributing to his ongoing financial legacy.
Conclusion
Ataur Rahman Khan’s contributions to music, cinema, and literature are an enduring part of Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage. His ability to blend traditional forms with contemporary ideas, his emotional depth, and his visionary approach to music composition ensured his place as a true pioneer in Bangladeshi entertainment. His personal and professional life, marked by his marriages, children, and legacy, remain an inspiration for artists and musicians around the world.
Though he passed away on December 1, 1997, Ataur Rahman Khan’s music and compositions continue to inspire future generations, and his name is synonymous with artistic excellence in Bangladesh.