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Humayun Ahmed

Inlinefilename utf-8humyun ahmed signing a book

Humayun Ahmed signing a book (2010)
Born13 November 1948
Mohongonj, Netrokona, East Bengal(now Bangladesh)
Died19 July 2012(aged 63) [ 1 ]
New York City, United States
Resting placeNuhash Palli, Pirujali Village, Gazipur District, Bangladesh [ 2 ]
OccupationWriter, film director, professor of Chemistry
NationalityBangladeshi
Ethnicity Bengali
EducationPhD in polymer chemistry
Alma mater University of Dhaka
North Dakota State University
GenresNovel, short story, drama, screenplay, autobiography, column
SubjectsMagic 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
Years active1972–2012
Spouse(s)
*.Gultekin Ahmed (1973–2003; divorced)
*.Meher Afroz Shaon (2005–2012; till his death)
ChildrenNova, Sheela, Bipasha, Nuhash, Nishad, Ninit
Relative(s)
*. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal(brother)
*. Ahsan Habib(brother)
*.Sufia Haider (sister) [ 3 ]
*.Momtaz Shahid (sister) [ 3 ]
*.Rukhsana Ahmed (sister) [ 3 ]
Humayun Ahmed( Bengali:হুমায়ূন আহমেদ; 13 November 1948 – 19 July 2012) was a Bangladeshiauthor, dramatist, screenwriter, playwright and filmmaker. [ 4 ] Dawnreferred to him as the cultural legend of Bangladesh. [ 5 ]Humayun reached peak of his fame with the publication of his novelNondito Noroke(In Blissful Hell) in 1972, which remains one of his most famous works, [ 6 ]winning admiration from literary critics, including Dr. Ahmed Sarif. He wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh. [ 7 ]In recognition to the works of Humayun, Times of IndiawroteHumayun was a custodian of the Bangladeshi literary culture whose contribution single-handedly shifted the capital of Bengali literature from Kolkata to Dhaka without any war or revolution. [ 8 ] [ 9 ]Ahmed's writing style was characterized as magic realism. [ 10 ] Sunil Gangopadhyaydescribed him as the most popular writer in the Bengali languagefor a century [ 11 ]and according to him, Ahmed was even more popular than Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. [ 12 ]Ahmed's books have been the top sellers at the Ekushey Book Fairduring the 1990s and 2000s. [ 13 ]
Biography
Early life
Humayun Ahmed was born on 13 November 1948 in Mohongonj, Netrokona, but his village home is Kutubpur, Mymensingh, [ 14 ] Bangladesh(then East Pakistan). His father, Faizur Rahman Ahmed, a police officer and writer, was killed by Pakistani military during the liberation war of Bangladeshin 1971, and 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. [ 15 ]Another brother, Ahsan Habib, is a painter and the editor of Unmad, a cartoon magazine.
Education and early career
Ahmed went to schools in Sylhet, Comilla, Chittagong, Dinajpur and Bogra as his father lived in different places upon official assignment. Memories of these places have often been depicted in his writings. Ahmed passed SSCexam from Bogra Zilla Schoolin 1965. He stood second in the merit list in Rajshahi Education Board. He passed HSCexam from Dhaka Collegein 1967. He studied Chemistry in Dhaka Universityand earned BSc (Honors)and MSc with First Class distinction.
Upon graduation Ahmed joined Bangladesh Agricultural Universityas a lecturer. After six months he joined Dhaka University as a faculty of the Department of Chemistry. Later he attended North Dakota State Universityfor his PhD studies. He grew his interest in Polymer Chemistry and earned his PhD in that subject. He returned to Bangladesh and resumed his teaching career in Dhaka University. In the mid 1990s he left the faculty job to devote all his time to writing and film production.
Marriages and Personal life
In 1973, Humayun Ahmed married Gultekin, granddaughter of Principal Ibrahim Khan. [ 16 ] [ 17 ]
They had three daughters – Nova, Sheela, Bipasha and one son – Nuhash. Humayun started to have an affair with Meher Afroz Shaon from the middle of the 1990s. Shaon is a TV actress and then friend of his second daughter. [ 17 ]Later, in 2003, Humayun divorced Gultekin and married Shaon in 2005. From the second marriage he had two sons – Nishad and Ninit. [ 18 ]
Death
In 2011 Ahmed had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He died on 19 July 2012 at 11.20 PM BSTat Bellevue Hospitalin New York City. [ 19 ]He was buried inNu hash Palli. [ 2 ]
Career
Television and film
His first television drama was "Prothom Prohor" (first moment) in 1983, directed by Nawazesh Ali Khan. [ 20 ]His first drama serial wasEi Shob Din Ratri(Tale of our daily lives). It was followed by the comedy seriesBohubrihi, the historical drama seriesAyomoy, and the urban drama seriesKothao Keu Nei(There is no one in anywhere). The last one featured a fictional character of an idealistic gang leader namedBaker Bhai, who was wrongly convicted and executed.
Ahmed directed 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. [ 16 ] [ 17 ]The theme of the Liberation War often came across in his stories, often drawing upon Ahmed's memories of that war and his father's execution during the war. Ahmed's filmShyamal Chhayawas based on the liberation war of 1971. [ 21 ]
Ahmed also wrote songs for few of his own films and plays. Some of the notables are titled asAmi Aaj Bhejabo Chokh Somudrer Joley,Chadni Poshor RateyandAmaaar Achey Jol.
His 2012 film Ghetuputra Kamolawas selected as the Bangladeshi entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscarat the 85th Academy Awards, but it did not make the final shortlist. [ 22 ]
In 2012 he was appointed as aspecial adviserto the Bangladesh Mission in the United Nations. [ 23 ]
Works
List of Books
1.1971
2.Aaj Ami kothao Jabo Naa
3.Aaj Chitrar Biye
4.Aaj Dupure Tomar Nimantron
5.Aaj Dupurey Tomaar Nimontron
6.Aaj Himur Biye
7.Achinpur
8.Adbhut Sob Golpo
9.Ahok
10.Akash Jora Megh
11.Amar Ache Jol
12.Amar Chelebela
13.Amar Priyo Voutic Golpo_Part 1
14.Amar Priyo Voutic Golpo_Part 2
15.Amar Priyo Voutic Golpo_Part 3
16.Ami Abong Koakti Projapoti
17.Ami Ebong Amra
18.Ami-ee Misir Ali
19.Andhokarer Gaan
20.Angul Kata Jaglu
21.Anonto Nakhotro Bithi
22.Anyodin
23.Aporahnyo
24.Ashabori
25.Asmanira Tin Bon_Part 1
26.Asmanira Tin Bon_Part 2
27.Asmanira Tin Bon_Part 3
28.Ayna Ghor
29.Ayomoy_Part 1
30.Ayomoy_Part 2
31.Badol diner ditiyo kadam ful
32.Baghbondi Misir Ali
33.Ballpoint
34.Basor
35.Bhoy
36.Bipod
37.Bohubrihi
38.Botol Vut
39.Brihonnola
40.Brishti Bilash
41.Bristi O Meghomala_Part 1
42.Bristi O Meghomala_Part 2
43.Chander Aloy Koekjon Jubok
44.Chayabithi
45.Cheleta
46.Chokkhe Amar Trishna
47.Chole Jay Bosonter Din
48.Choto golpo
49.Daruchinir Dip
50.Debi
51.Dekha Na Dekha
52.Dighir Jole Kaar Chayago
53.Ditiyo Manob
54.Doiroth
55.Dorjar Opashe
56.Dui Duari
57.Deyal
58.Ebong Hemu
59.Ei Ami_Part 1
60.Ei Ami_Part 2
61.Ei Megh Roudro Chaya
62.Ei Shubro Ei!
63.Eki Kando!
64.Ekjon Himu Koekti Jhin Jhin Poka
65.Ekjon mayaboti
66.Elebele
67.Ele-Bele.1
68.Ele-Bele.2
69.Ema
70.Epitaph
71.Fiiha Somikoron
72.Fountainpen
73.Gouripur Jongshon
74.Grihotyagi Josna
75.Hartan Ishkapon
76.Himu
77.Himu Mama
78.Himu Remand-E
79.Himur Ditiyo Prohor
80.Himur Ekanto Sakkhatkar
81.Himur Hate Koekti Nilpodmo
82.Himur Madhyadupur
83.Himur Rupali Ratri
84.Holud Himu Kalo Rab
85.Humayun Ahmed-er Premer Golpo
86.Ireena
87.Ishtishon
88.Jalil Shaheber Petition
89.Jibonkrishno Memorial High School
90.Jochna_O_Jononir_Golpo[Part.1]
91.Jochna_O_Jononir_Golpo[Part.2]
92.Jochna_O_Jononir_Golpo[Part.3]
93.Jodiyo Sandhya
94.Jol Jochona
95.Jolpoddmo_Part 1
96.Jolpoddmo_Part 2
97.Kalo JAdukor
98.kathpencil
99.Ke Kotha Koy
100.Kichu Shoishob
101.Kichukkhan
102.Kobi_Part 1
103.Kobi_Part 2
104.Kobi_Part 3
105.Kohen kobi Kalidas_Part 2
106.kohen kobi kalidash_Part 1
107.Kothao Keu Nei[Part.1]
108.Kothao Keu Nei[Part.2]
109.KrishnoPokkho
110.Kuhak
111.Kutu Mia
112.Lilaboti_[Part.1]
113.Lilaboti_[Part.2]
114.Lilaboti_[Part.3]
115.Lilua Batash
116.Maddhanya.1[Part.1]
117.Maddhanya.1[Part.2]
118.Maddhanya.2[Part.1]
119.Maddhanya.2_[Part.2]
120.Magic Munshi
121.Manobi
122.Matal Haowa
123.Megh Boleche Jabo Jabo[Part.1]
124.Megh Boleche Jabo Jabo[Part.2]
125.Megher Chaya
126.Mirar Gramer Bari
127.Misir Ali Aapnii Kothay
128.Misir Alir Amimangsito Rahasya
129.Misir Alir Choshma
130.Mojar Bhoot
131.Moyurakkhi
132.Moyurakkhir Tire Prothom Himu
133.Mrinmoyee
134.Mrinmoyir Mon Bhalo Nei
135.Nalini Babu BSc
136.Nandito Noroke
137.Nee
138.Neel hati
139.Neel Manush
140.Neel Oporajita
141.Neel Poddo
142.Nirbachito Bhooter Golpo
143.Nirbason
144.Nishad
145.Nishithini
146.Noboni
147.Nokkhotrer Raat
148.Nondito Noroke
149.Omanush
150.Omega Point
151.Onish
152.Onno Vubon
153.Opekkha[Part.1]
154.Opekkha[Part.2]
155.Paap
156.Pakhi Amar Ekla Pakhi
157.Parapar
158.Parul O Tinti Kukur_Part 1
159.Parul O Tinti Kukur_Part 2
160.Pilkhana Hottakando
161.Poka
162.Priotomeshu
163.Putro Nishad
164.Putul
165.Rakkhoss Khokkhoss Ebong Bhokkhoss
166.Rupa
167.Rupar Palanko
168.Sajghor
169.Sanaullar Mohabipod
170.Se Ashe Dhire
171.Se O Nortoki
172.Sedin Choitramas
173.Sheet O Onnanno Golpo_Part 1
174.Sheet O Onnanno Golpo_Part 2
175.Shonkhoneel Karagar
176.Shunya
177.Shuvro
178.Shuvro Gechhe Bone
179.Shyamol Chaya
180.Sobai Gechhe Bone
181.Sokol Kata Dhonno Kore_Part 1
182.Sokol Kata Dhonno Kore_Part 2
183.Sokol Kata Dhonno Kore_Part 3
184.Sourov
185.Tara Tin Jon
186.Tetul Bone Jochna
187.The Exorcist
188.Tithir Neel Toale
189.Tomader Jonyo Bhalobasa
190.Tomake
191.Tondrabilas
192.Tumi Amai Dekechile Chutir Nimontrone
193.Uralpankhi
194.Uthon Periye Dui Paa
*.Nabiji (incomplete) [ 24 ]
Filmography
YearFilmCredited as
DirectorWriter
1984 Shankhanil KaragarNoYes
1995 Aguner PoroshmoniYesYes
2000 Srabon Megher DinYesYes
2000 Dui DuariYesYes
2003 ChandrokothaYesYes
2004 Shyamol ChhayaYesYes
2006 DurattoNoYes
2006 Nondito NorokeNoYes
2006 Noy Number Bipod SanketYesYes
2007 Daruchini DipNoYes
2008 Amar Ache JolYesYes
NirontorNoYes
Saaj GhorNoYes
2009 PriotomeshuNoYes
2012 Ghetuputra KamolaYesYes
Other interests
In 1987 Humayun Ahmed founded an estate called Nuhash Polli near Pijulia village, in Gazipur Sadar Upazilaof Gazipur District, [ 25 ]which grew to cover 40 bigha [ 25 ](approximately 14 acres). He would spend much of his time at the estate when he was in Bangladesh, formed a collection of statues there by local artist Asaduzzaman Khan, and of plants from around the world, particularly medicinal and fruit-bearing trees. [ 25 ]
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 Awards (Bangladesh)(Best Story 1993, Best Film 1994, Best Dialogue 1994) (Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Story Writer, 2012)
*. Ekushey Padak(1994)
*. SheltechAward (2007) [ 26 ]