Humayun Ahmed had a god-gifted talent to write: Afzal Hossain

Rated after Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, Humayun Ahmed is often credited with revitalising Bengali literature. The author, dramatist, screenwriter, playwright and instantly resonated with the people for the next four decades with his outstanding work.

The 74th birth anniversary of the polymath (November 13, 1948-July 19, 2012), best known for his fictional characterisations and ‘magic-realism’ based writings, is being observed across Bangladesh today.

Humayun Ahmed’s notable works on television ‘Bohubrihi’ was one of the most talked about serial of that time where Afzal Hossain played the character of a doctor who does weird things in front of the girl he likes.

“People talk about ‘Bohubrihi’ a lot. My relationship with him was both good and bad. When Humayun Ahmed was abroad the screenplay of his first teledrama ‘Bhalobashar Golpo’ was done by me. I didn’t know personally. I knew him personally before I start ‘Bohubrihi.’ I never liked working in daily soap. But somehow Humayun Ahmed convinced me to play that role as I said I’ll do it only if the play is for 13 days long. Humayun Ahmed is a really sensitive person. However, I quit playing that daily soap and after that, we didn’t share a good relationship with each other. Yet I believe he had a god-gifted talent to write,” said Afzal Hossain.

Humayun Ahmed as a Novelist:

He made his debut with the novel ‘Nondito Noroke’ in 1972 and then went on to rule the hearts of people with his novels, dramas and films. His popular novel includes ‘Ami Ebong Amra’, ‘Aaj Himur Biye’, ‘Kothao Keu Nei’, ‘Jochna O Jononir Golpo’, ‘Matal Haowa’, ‘Deyal’ ‘Megher Chhaya’, ‘Opekkha’, ‘Kabi’ and others.

As a Dramatist:

Humayun Ahmed’s first television drama was ‘Prothom Prohor’ (1983), directed by Nawazish Ali Khan. His first drama serial was ‘Ei Shob Din Ratri’ (1985). This was followed by the comedy series ‘Bohubrihi’ (1988), the historical drama series ‘Ayomoy’ (1988), the urban drama series ‘Kothao Keu Nei’ (1990), ‘Nokkhotrer Raat’ (1996), and ‘Aaj Robibar’ (1999). In addition, he made single episode dramas, most notably ‘Nimful’ (1997) and ‘Badol Diner Prothom Kodom Ful’. Recurring characters in dramas directed and

screenplayed by him are ‘Tara Tin Jon’ and ‘Alauddiner Cherager Doitto’.

As a Filmmaker:

The early 1990s, Ahmed emerged as a filmmaker. He went on to make a total of eight films - each based on his own novels. His first film, ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’ (1994), based on the Bangladesh Liberation War, won the 19th Bangladesh National Film Awards in a total of eight categories, including the awards for the Best Film and the Best Director. Another film ‘Shyamal Chhaya’ (2005) was also based on the same war. His last directed film, Ghetuputra Kamola (2012), the story of a teenage boy, was set in the British colonial period. His others films are—‘Shrabon Megher Din’, ‘Dui Duyari’, ‘Chandrokotha’, ‘Noy Number Bipod Sanket’, and ‘Amar Ache Jol’.

As a Lyricist:

Humayun Ahmed wrote around 40 songs which he used in his films and television dramas. His notable singles include ‘Ekta Chhilo Shonar Konya’ which was sung by late singer Subir Nandi for the film ‘Srabon Megher Din’, ‘O Amar Ural Ponkhi Rey’ sung by Subir Nandi and ‘Chadni Poshor Raite Ke Amay Shoron Kore’ sung by Selim Chowdhury for the film ‘Chandrakatha’, ‘Boroshar Prothom Dine’ sung by Sabina Yasmin for the film ‘Dui Duari’, ‘Jodi Mon Kadey’ sung by Meher Afroz Shaon for the film ‘Krishnopokkho’, ‘Cholo Na Jai Bosi Niribili’ sung by Shaon and S I Tutul for the film ‘Noy Number Bipod Sanket’ and many more.

Birth anniversary celebration

To celebrate the occasion, different cultural organisations, television and radio channels have chalked out various programmes to make the entire day only for Humayun Ahmed.

Like the previous years, Channel i is organising a day-long Fair tilted ‘Humayun Mela’ on its premises at Tejgaon in the capital.

Paying tribute to iconic playwright Humayun Ahmed, theatre troupe Bahubachan will stage its acclaimed-production, Ami Ebong amra’—an adaptation of the Humayun Ahmed’s novel with the same title, today at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segun Bagicha of the capital.

Himu Paribahan, a platform for Humayun fans, will visit Nuhash Palli today for paying their respect to the writer.

In addition, various television channels, including Channel i and Banglavision, will also air an array of programmes, such as musical programme, tele-drama and film, to mark the birth anniversary of Humayun Ahmed.