Humayun Ahmed, legendary writer and personality of Bangladesh, died on July 19, 2012. His breakthrough was his debut novel Nondito Noroke, published in 1972. He wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh. Ahmed's writing style is characterised as magical realism. His books were the top sellers at the Ekushey Book Fair, during the 1990s and 2000s. He won the Bangla Academy Award and the Ekushey Padak Award, for his contribution to Bengali literature. It was his birthday yesterday, November 13. Here are thirteen unknown facts about the legendary writer to remember him once again.
- Kajol and Bachchu were Humayun Ahmed's pet names, used by family members. But publicly he was known by his certificate name.
- He was captured by Pakistani Army during the Liberation war of Bangladesh, in 1971. His survival was a miracle.
- He worked as a lecturer at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, following which he joined Dhaka College to teach Chemistry. He later left his job as a teacher to concentrate on his writing.
- He was offered a USA citizenship by his professor during his time there, doing his PhD. But Humayun Ahmed refused the offer and came back to his country and family.
- During his PhD, Humayun Ahmed changed his subject almost at the end. He took that as a challenge and completed his course successfully.
- His love for literature was inspired after reading Kheerer Putul, by Abanindranath Tagore in childhood.
- He loved to write sitting on the floor, and had his own set up at home. He started writing early in the morning and kept writing till about noon.
- His first historical story Nandito Noroke, was written during Liberation war in 1971. But due to the situation it was published after a year. In 1972, Ahmed Sofa took the initiative and published the book under Khan Brother’s publishers.
- His fictional character 'Himu', 'Misir Ali', and 'Shuvro' - became almost iconic. His fans still love to feel his presence through these characters he created in various times.
- 'Baker Bhai' is another character – presented by Humayun Ahmed, which represented the 'Robinhood' of Bangladesh. His fans even protested against the death sentences of the character in the drama Kothao Keu Nei, written by Ahmed.
- Humayun Ahmed is known as the magician writer who can create anything and everything through his writing.
- He achieved several awards for his legendary contribution to the Bangladeshi literature industry.
- In the early 1990s, Ahmed emerged as a filmmaker. He went on to making a total of eight films - each based on his own novels. He received six Bangladesh National Film Awards in different categories for the films - Daruchini Dwip, Aguner Poroshmoni, and Ghetuputra Komola.
