As long as she can remember, writer and dramatist Lipi Monoar has been involved with the world of theater. Her first drama was staged when she was in ninth grade. Today her stories are being shown on television, on stage and aired over the radio.
Bangla Language and Literature major from Dhaka University, Lipi Monoar now resides in the US where she also received her PhD. She splits her time between there and Bangladesh. She is currently the general secretary of Bangladesh Lekhika Songho. The organization recently celebrated its 47th anniversary and Lipi Monoar feels proud of the successor to the legends of Bengali literature.
This year during its anniversary celebration on March 7th, the organization presented Shahitto Padak to children’s literature author Rafiqul Haque Dadubhai, novelist Anisul Hoque and writer Tahmina Qureshi. Lekhika Songho president Dilara Misbah was presented with the poet Taibun Nahar Rashid gold medal.
Lipi Monoar started her career as a dramatist during her university days, writing and presenting two shows on Bangladesh Betar. She also became a news presenter for Bangladesh Betar and continues writing plays for them.
After completing her postgraduate studies, Lipi Monoar has been a professor at universities at home and abroad. In her illustrious career, Lipi has written songs, poetry and jingles besides writing prose.
Speaking about the beginning of her career as a playwright, she mentions how many of her original stories were getting adapted to plays. Most times she disliked the drama adaptation. Her husband suggested adapting her own stories into plays and since then she has not looked back.
Besides writing plays, Lipi Monoar regularly publishes books for her readers, especially during Ekushey Book Fair. She has written a few books on poetry as well. Lipi enjoys writing for children and her children’s book ‘Shei Ccheleta’ was published at the Ekushey Book Fair by Shikha Prokashoni.
Talking about her recent work, she mentions ‘Bhorer Alo’ directed by Chayanika Chowdhury. The drama addresses the instances of rape in Bangladesh. When asked further about the subject matter, Lipi Monoar says, ‘I want to write dramas with a message in mind. I want people to learn from my stories and I try to get across different social messages through my work. I don’t want to write love stories only and I simply cannot limit myself to that.’
Last year, she was a recipient of an award by the Fulkoli Foundation of North America in New York in recognition of her contribution to the development of her community. She continues to play an integral part in the expatriate Bangladeshi community in New York.
Lipi Monoar is also involved with Prionty Edit and Effects, an advertising agency where she contributes as a writer and producer. She continues to be active in several sectors in the field of arts and culture, from writing to producing and photography.