Humayun Ahmed

Humayun Ahmed হুমায়ূন আহমেদ
Born	(1948-11-13)13 November 1948 Mohongonj, Netrokona, Bangladesh)
Died	19 July 2012(2012-07-19) (aged 63) New York, United States
Occupation	Writer, film director, professor of Chemistry
Nationality	Bangladeshi
Ethnicity	Bengali
Education	Ph. D. in polymer chemistry
Alma mater	University of Dhaka North Dakota State University
Genres	Novel, short story, drama, screenplay, autobiography, column
Subjects	Magic realism, social life, nature's mystery, wish-fulfillment
Notable work(s)	Jostnya O Jononeer Golpo (The Story of a Mother and a Moonlit Night)
Notable award(s)	Bangla Academy Award Ekushey Padak
Spouse(s)	Gultekin Ahmed (1973–2005; divorced) Meher Afroz Shaon (2005–2012 until death)
Children	Nova, Sheela, Bipasha, Nuhash, Nishad, Ninit
Relative(s)	Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (brother) Ahsan Habib (brother)
Influenced Imdadul Haq Milon, Anisul Hoque

Humayun Ahmed (Bengali: হুমায়ূন আহমেদ) (13 November 1948 – 19 July 2012) was a Bangladeshi author, dramatist, screenwriter, playwright and filmmaker. Ahmed emerged in the Bengali literary world in the early 1970s and over the subsequent decade became the most popular fiction writer of the country. His breakthrough occurred with the help of Ahmed Sofa and the publication of his first novel, Nondito Noroké in 1972. He was a former professor of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Notably, as of February 2004, Ahmed continued to top the best sellers list of Bangla Academy (Bangladesh) book fair, a feat that had been maintained over the previous two decades.

In 2012 he was appointed as a special adviser to the Bangladesh Mission in the United Nations.

As a writer, Ahmed often displayed a fascination for creating stories around supernatural events; his style was characterized as magic realism.

Early life

Humayun Ahmed was born in Mohongonj, Netrokona, but his village home is Kutubpur, Mymensingh, Bangladesh (previously East Pakistan). His father, Faizur Rahman Ahmed, a police officer and writer, was killed by Pakistani military during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. His mother is Ayesha Foyez. Humayun's younger brother, Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, a university professor, is also a writer of mostly science fiction genre and a newspaper columnist. Another brother, Ahsan Habib, is a painter and the editor of Unmad, a cartoon magazine. Ahmed was married to Gultekin, granddaughter of Principal Ibrahim Khan, in 1973. The couple got divorced in 2003. He later married TV actress, Meher Afroz Shaon.

Education and early career

Humayun Ahmed went to many schools in Sylhet, Comilla, Chittagong, Dinajpur and Bogra as his father lived in many places upon official assignment. He passed the School Certificate Examination as a student of Bogra Zilla School in 1965. He stood second in the merit list in the Rajshahi Education Board. Later he was admitted to the Dhaka College & passed the Intermediate Examination in 1967. He initially planned to study economics but suddenly changed his mind and got admitted into the Dhaka University to study Chemistry. He passed both B.Sc (Honours) and M.Sc with First Class. Subsequently he joined the Dhaka University as a Lecturer in Chemistry. Later he went abroad to the North Dakota State University in the United States to study for Ph.D. After having studied physical chemistry for two years he was impressed by the lecture of a professor of polymer chemistry; and eventually secured a Ph.D degree in polymer chemistry. He returned to Bangladesh and resumed teaching at the Dhaka University. He retired as a teacher around mid 1990s to devote all his time to writing and production of film.

Television and film

His first television drama was Ei Shob Din Ratri (Tale of our daily lives), and was followed by the comedy series Bohubrihi, the historical drama series Ayomoy, and the urban drama series Kothao Keu Nei (Nobody Anywhere). The last one featured a fictional character of an idealistic gang leader named Baker Bhai, who was wrongly convicted and executed. Baker Bhai became such a popular character that before the last episode was aired, people across the country brought out processions protesting his death sentence; public prayers and death anniversaries have been observed for this fictional character by Ahmed's fans. Nakshatrer Raat (The Night of the Stars) was a long serialized televised drama that explored many facets of modern human life and relationship.

Ahmed explored the film industry both as an author and director. He directs films based on his own stories. His first film, "Aguner Parashmoni", based on the liberation war, won the National Film Award in total eight categories, including Best Picture and Best Director. The theme of the Liberation War often comes across in his stories, often drawing upon Ahmed's in-depth memories of that war and his father's execution during the war.

Ahmed's film Shyamal Chhaya was submitted by Bangladesh for Oscar nomination for best foreign language film. This film was also based on the liberation war of 1971. It portrayed a realistic picture of the liberation war without malice and prejudice.

Ahmed also wrote songs for few of his own films and plays. Some of the notables are titled as Ami Aaj Bhejabo Chokh Somudrer Joley, Chadni Poshor Ratey and Amaaar Achey Jol.

Literary style

Until recently Bengali fiction has largely been dominated by the work and style of Bengali writers from the West Bengal. Humayun Ahmed distinguished himself with a unique simple literary diction that quickly became popular. His prose style is lucid and he resorts to dialogues rather than narration by an all-knowing story-teller. As a result his writing was compact and could be easily understood by a large audience. However, he depended heavily on a few stereotypical characters which behaved in a predictable way, but are, nevertheless, very popular, because of the romanticism they carry (for example, Himu and some other madlike characters are available in many of his works). He dealt with rural as well as urban life with equal intensity of observation. Frequently, he captured contemporary issues in his writings from a different angle. He was an optimist who was prone to focus on the positive aspects of human beings. His portrayal of a hooligan or a prostitute is usually non-judgmental. His human touch to stories hugely appeal to emotional Bengali psychology. Also, his storylines often blend reality with supernatural episodes. This blend is in some ways similar to magic realism. He avoided obscenity and revolt against religion in clever ways. In the contemporary literary world, perhaps none exists today who writes as spontaneously as Humayun Ahmed.

Awards

• Lekhak Shibir Prize (1973)
• Bangla Academy Award (1981)
• Shishu Academy Award
• Jainul Abedin Gold Medal
• Michael Madhusudan Medal (1987)
• Bacsas Prize (1988)
• Humayun Qadir Memorial Prize (1990)
• National Film Award (Best Story 1993, Best Film 1994, Best Dialogue 1994)
• Ekushe Podok (1994)
• ShelTech Award (2007)

Works

Films

Name of Film	Director	Story
Shonkhonil Karagar	No	Yes
Aguner proshmoni	Yes	Yes
Srabon megher din	Yes	Yes
Dui Duari	Yes	Yes
Chondrokotha	Yes	Yes
Noi no. Bipod shonket	Yes	Yes
Amar Ache Jol	Yes	Yes
Nirontor	No	Yes
Priotomeshu	No	Yes
Daruchini Dip	No	Yes
Shamol Chaya	Yes	Yes
Ghetuputra Kamola	Yes	Yes

Notable television dramas

• Akdin Hothat
• Abong Einstein
• Aj Jorir Biye
• Aj Robibar / Serial
• Akti Oloukik Vromon Kahini
• Ai Boishakhe
• Ai Borshai
• Ai Shob Din Ratri / Serial
• Amra Tin Jon / Sequel
• Ayomoy / Serial
• Antorar Baba
• Angti
• Badol Diner Prothom Kodom Ful
• Badla Diner Gaan
• Bank Draft
• Bhoot Bilash
• Bibaho
• Bon Kumari
• Bon Batashi
• Brihonnola
• Bohubrihi / Serial
• Bonoo
• Bua Bilash
• Chader Aloy Koyekjon Jubok
• Cherager Doitto
• Chipa Voot
• Chele Dekha
• Chor
• Choitro Diner Gaan
• Chondro Grohon
• Chondro Karigor
• Chondro Grosto
• Durotto
• Dui Du Konay Char
• Eka
• Eki Kando
• Enayet Alir Sagol
• Goni Shaheber Shesh Kichudin
• Gondho
• Griho Shukh Private Limited
• Gunin
• Habiber Shongshar
• Hablonger Bazar
• Hamid Miar Ijjot
• Himu / Sequel
• Iblish
• Jahir Karigor
• Jibon Japon
• Josnar Fool
• Joota Baba
• Jootar Baksho
• Joituri
• Jomunar Jol Dekhte Kalo
• Jol Torongo
• Jolay Bhasha Podmo
• Kala Koitor / Serial
• Kakaru
• Khoab Nogor
• Kothao Keo Naei / Serial
• Konay Dekha
• Kuhok
• Majhe Majhe Tobo Dekha Pai
• Megh Boleche Jabo Jabo / Serial
• Missed Call
• Mofiz Miar Choritro
• Montri Mohodoyer Agomom
• Natto Mongoler Kotha
• Nim Ful
• Nogoray Doitto
• Nitu Tomake Valobashi / 2 Episodes
• Nuruddin Shorno Podok
• Ochin Ragini / 3 Episodes
• Onushondhan
• Openti Bioscope
• Oporanho
• Otoppor Shuvo Bibaho
• Paap
• Pathor
• Project Himalaya
• Podmo
• Pushpo Kotha
• Rumali / Serial
• Rupkotha
• Rupar Ghonta
• Rupali Ratri / 3 Episodes
• Shonar Kolosh
• Shobai Geche Bonay
• Showkot Shaheber Gari Kena
• Rubiks Cube
• Rupali Nokhkhotro / 3 Episodes
• Shopno Abong Shopno Bhongo
• Shomudro Bilash Private Limited
• Suri
• Tara Tin Jon / Sequel
• Tritio Noyon
• Turuper Tash
• Vejabo Chokh Shomudrer Jolay
• Wang Pi
• Zinda Kobor
• 24 Carat Man

Death

After a nine-month struggle against colorectal cancer, he died at Bellevue Hospital in New York on 19 July 2012 at 11.20 PM BST. After 12 sessions of chemotherapy, he had undergone a successful operation in June 2012. He also had a tumor in his liver which was successfully removed. But after the surgery, he got infected with an unknown virus which quickly spread through his body. Shortly after, he was transferred to ICU after losing consciousness and it was there that he was pronounced dead. Only a day earlier his relatives informed the media that he was in a stable condition with some complications contrasting an earlier media claim that he was comatose in a critical condition.

Humayun Ahmed Books

In Bangla

• New Books

• {{|title=1. Amader Shada bari}}
• {{|title=2. Payer Tolay Khorom }}
• {{|title=3. New york er nil akashe jhokjhoke rod }}
• {{|title=4. Himu ebong Harbard Phd Boltu Bhai}}
• {{|title=5. Rong Pencil }}
• {{|title=6. Payer Tolay Khorom }}
• {{|title=7. Jokhon Nambe Adhar}}
• {{|title=8. Antorar Baba}}}}
• {{|title=9. Anando Bedonar Kabya
• {{|title=10. Ros Kos Singara Bulbuli Mostok }}

• {{|title=• All Books}}
• {{|title=1. 1971}}}}
• {{|title=2. Antorar Baba}}
• {{|title=3. Anando Bedonar Kabya}}
• {{|title=4. Amader Shada bari }}
• {{|title=5. Amra Keu Basay Nei}}
• {{|title=6. Aj Ami Kothao Jabona }}
• {{|title=|title=7. Ami Abong Amra}}
• {{|title=8. Aj Chitrar Bia}}
• {{|title=9. Asmanira Tin Bone}}
• {{|title=10. Angul Kata Joglu}}
• {{|title=11. Anonto Nakhatrobithi}}
• {{|title=12. Ashok}}
• {{|title=13. Amar Priyo Boutik Golpo}}
• {{|title=14. Ayomoy}}
• {{|title=15. Advut Sob Golpo}}
• {{|title=16. Ai Megh Rodro Chaya}}
• {{|title=17. Akash Jora Megh}}
• {{|title=18. AshaBori}}
• {{|title=19. Ayna Ghor}}
• {{|title=20. Akjon Himu Koyekti Jhijhi Poka}}
• {{|title=21. Ami Misir Ali}}
• {{|title=22. Ami Abong Koyekti Projapoti}}
• {{|title=23. Aj Himur Bia}}
• {{|title=24. Anil Bagchir Ekdin}}
• {{|title=25. Amar ase jol}}
• {{|title=26. Abong Himu}}
• {{|title=27. Black Friday}}
• {{|title=28. Brikkha Kotha}}
• {{|title=29. Badsha Namdar}}
• {{|title=30. Bipod}}
• {{|title=31. Bagh Bondi Misir Ali}}
• {{|title=32. Bashor}}
• {{|title=33. Bohubrihi}}
• {{|title=34. Botol Vut}}
• {{|title=35. Bristi Bilas}}
• {{|title=36. Badol Diner Dwitiyo Kodomful}}
• {{|title=37. Brihonnola}}
• {{|title=38. Ball Point}}
• {{|title=39. Brishti O Meghomala}}
• {{|title=40. Chokkhe Amar Trishna}}
• {{|title=41. Chaya Bithi}}
• {{|title=42. Chader Aloi Koyekjon Jubok}}
• {{|title=43. Celeta}}
• {{|title=44. Chole Jai Boshonter Din}}
• {{|title=45. Diner Shese}}
• {{|title=46. Ditiyo Manob}}
• {{|title=47. Dui Duari}}
• {{|title=48. Debi}}
• {{|title=49. Dorojar Opashe}}
• {{|title=50. Dekha Na Dekha}}
• {{|title=51. Dighir Jole Kaar Chayago}}
• {{|title=52. Daru Chini Dip
• {{|title=53. Ema}}
• {{|title=54. Eki Kando}}
• {{|title=55. Ele Bele}}
• {{|title=56. Ei Shubhro! Ei}}
• {{|title=57. Ei Ami}}
• {{|title=58. Ekjon Mayaboti}}
• {{|title=59. Ekti Cycle Ebong koyekti Dahuk Pakhi }}
• {{|title=60. Fiha Sameekaran}}
• {{|title=61. Fera}}
• {{|title=62. Gouripur Jongson}}
• {{|title=63. Himu ebong Harbard Phd Boltu Bhai }}
• {{|title=64. Himu Mama}}
• {{|title=65. Himu Rimande}}
• {{|title=66. Himu Abong Ekti Russian Pori}}
• {{|title=67. Himur Ekanto Sakkhatkar}}
• {{|title=68. Himur Babar Kothamala}}
• {{|title=69. Himur Madhya Dupur}}
• {{|title=70. Himur Neel Jochna}}
• {{|title=71. Himur Hate Koyekta Neel Paddo}}
• {{|title=72. Holud Himu kalo Rab}}
• {{|title=73. Himu}}
• {{|title=74. Himur Ditio Prohor}}
• {{|title=75. Harton Iskapon}}
• {{|title=76. Ireena}}
• {{|title=77. Jokhon Nambe Adhar }}
• {{|title=78. Jodio Sondha}}
• {{|title=79. Jonsa O Jononir Golpo}}
• {{|title=80. Jalil Shaheber Pitition}}
• {{|title=81. Jibon Krishno Memoriyal High School}}
• {{|title=82. Jol Joshna}}
• {{|title=83. Jol Poddo}}
• {{|title=84. Kalo Jadukor}}
• {{|title=85. Kuhurani}}
• {{|title=86. Kat Pencil}}
• {{|title=87. Ke Kotha Koy}}
• {{|title=88. Kisu Soisob}}
• {{|title=89. Kuhuk}}
• {{|title=90. Kicukkhon}}
• {{|title=91. Krishno Pakko}}
• {{|title=92. Kohen Kobi Kalidas}}
• {{|title=93. Kutu Mia}}
• {{|title=94. Kobi}}
• {{|title=95. Kothao Keo Nai}}
• {{|title=96. Lipi}}
• {{|title=97. Lilaboti}}
• {{|title=98. Lilua Batash}}
• {{99. Megher Upor Bari}}
• {{|title=100. Misir Alir Chosma}}
• {{|title=101. Misir Alir Omimangshito Rohoshsho}}
• {{|title=102. Misir Ali Apni Kothay}}
• {{|title=103. Manobi}}
• {{|title=104. Mojar Voot}}
• {{|title=105. Magic Munshi}}
• {{|title=106. Megh Boleche Jobo Jabo}}
• {{|title=107. Moddhano}}
• {{|title=108. Megher Chaya}}
• {{|title=109. Moyurakkhi}}
• {{|title=110. Mrinmoyer Mon Valo nai}}
• {{|title=111. Mrinmoyi}}
• {{|title=112. Matal Howya}}
• {{|title=113. New york er nil akashe jhokjhoke rod}}
• {{|title=114. Naboni}}
• {{|title=115. Nee}}
• {|title={116. Neel Oparijita}}
• {{|title=117. Nondito Noroke}}
• {{|title=118. Neel Manush}}
• {{|title=119. Nishithini}}
• {{|title=120. Nishad}}
• {{|title=121. Nirbachito Bhooter Golpo}}
• {{|title=122. Neel Hati}}
• {{|title=123. Nirbason}}
• {{|title=124. Onish}}
• {{|title=125. Ophoranno}}
• {{|title=126. Onno Bhuban}}
• {{|title=127. Omanus}}
• {{|title=128. Omega Point}}
• {{|title=129. Opekkha}}
• {{|title=130. Ondho Karer Gan}}
• {{|title=131. Ochin Pur}}
• {{|title=132. Onno Din}}
• {{|title=133. Prothom Prohor}}
• {{|title=134. Payer Tolay Khorom}}
• {{|title=135. Pufi}}
• {{|title=136. Parapar}}
• {{|title=137. Parul O Tinti Kukur}}
• {{|title=138. Putul}}
• {{|title=139. Priotomeshu}}
• {{|title=140. Poka}}
• {{|title=141. Pakhi Amar Ekla Pakhi}}
• {{|title=142. Premer Golpo}}
• {{|title=143. Paap}}}}
• {{|title=144. Ros Kos Singara Bulbuli Mostok }}
• {{|title=145. Rong Pencil }}
• {{|title=146. Raboner Deshe Ami Ebong Amra }}
• {{|title=147. Rupar Palonnko}}
• {|title={148. Rupali Dip}}
• {|title={149. Rupali Ratri}}
• {{|title=150. Rupa}}
• {{|title=151. Rodon Bhora E Bosonto}}
• {{|title=152. Shankhoneel Karagar}}
• {{|title=153. Shey Ashe Dhire}}
• {{|title=154. Shuvro}}
• {{|title=155. Sei Din Choitromas }}
• {{|title=156. She O Nortoki}}
• {{|title=157. Sobai Gese Bone}}
• {{|title=158. Saj Ghar}}
• {{|title=159. Sokol Kata Dhonno Kore}}
• {{|title=160. Shourobh }}
• {{|title=161. Shamol Chaya}}
• {{|title=162. Shunno}}
• {{|title=163. Suvro Gese Bone}}
• {{|title=164. Sanaullar Mohabipod}}
• {{|title=165. Tin Doblew (W) }}
• {{|title=166. Tondra Bilash}}
• {{|title=167. Tomader Ai Nogore}}
• {{|title=168. Tithir Nil Toyale}}
• {{|title=169. Tomader Jonno Valobasha}}
• {{|title=170. Tomake}}
• {{|title=171. Tumi Amai Deke Chile Chutir Nimontrone}}
• {{|title=172. Tara Tin Jon}}
• {{|title=173. The Exorsict}}
• {{|title=174. Tetul Bone Joshna}}
• {{|title=175. Ural Ponki}}
• {{|title=176. Uthon Periye Dui Paa }}
• {{|title=177. Voy}}

Books

In English

• 1971: A Novel. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Mowla Bros.. 1993. ISBN 9789844100138. 
• In Blissfull Hell. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Somoi Prokashan. 1993. ISBN 9789844580459. 
• Gouripur Junction. Dhaka, Bangladesh: Anyaprokash. 2007. ISBN 9789848684382. 

Further reading

• "Humayun Ahmed, 1948-". The South Asian Literary Recordings Project. The Library of Congress. October 6, 2010. http://www.loc.gov/acq/ovop/delhi/salrp/humayunahmed.html. Retrieved March 12, 2012. 

External links

• Humayun Ahmed Bangladeshi Bangla Natok (list of television productions)
• Humayun Ahmed at the Internet Movie Database