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| form = Novel, short story, drama, screenplay, autobiography
| form = Novel, short story, drama, screenplay, autobiography
| genres =
| genres =
| spouse = {{Unbulleted list|Gultekin Khan (1973–2003; divorced)|[[Meher Afroz Shaon]] (2005–2012; his death)}}
| spouse = {{Unbulleted list|{{marriage|Gultekin Khan|1973|2003|end=divorced}}|{{marriage|[[Meher Afroz Shaon]]|2005|2012|end=his death}}}}
| children = {{unbulleted list|Nova Ahmed |Sheela Ahmed |Bipasha Ahmed | Nuhash Ahmed |Nishad Ahmed |Ninit Ahmed}}
| children = {{unbulleted list|Nova Ahmed |[[Shila Ahmed]] |Bipasha Ahmed | Nuhash Ahmed |Nishad Ahmed |Ninit Ahmed}}
| relatives = {{unbulleted list|[[Muhammad Zafar Iqbal]] (brother) | [[Ahsan Habib (cartoonist)|Ahsan Habib]] (brother) |Sufia Haider (sister)<ref name=palo>{{cite news|url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/date/2012-12-05/news/283390|title=হুমায়ূনের কবরে স্বজনেরা|accessdate=2012-12-13|date=24 August 2012|publisher=Prothom Alo}}</ref>|Momtaz Shahid (sister)<ref name=palo/>|Rukhsana Ahmed (sister)<ref name=palo/>}}
| relatives = {{unbulleted list|[[Muhammad Zafar Iqbal]] (brother) | [[Ahsan Habib (cartoonist)|Ahsan Habib]] (brother) |Sufia Haider (sister)<ref name=palo>{{cite news|url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/detail/date/2012-12-05/news/283390|title=হুমায়ূনের কবরে স্বজনেরা|accessdate=2012-12-13|date=24 August 2012|publisher=[[Prothom Alo]]}}</ref>|Momtaz Shahid (sister)<ref name=palo/>|Rukhsana Ahmed (sister)<ref name=palo/>}}
| movement =
| movement =
| notableworks = ''Jostnya O Jononeer Golpo'' (''The Story of a Mother and a Moonlit Night'')
| notableworks = ''Jostnya O Jononeer Golpo'' (''The Story of a Mother and a Moonlit Night'')
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| influences =
| influences =
| influenced = [[Imdadul Haq Milon]], [[Anisul Hoque]]
| influenced = [[Imdadul Haq Milon]], [[Anisul Hoque]]
| signature =
| signature = Signature Humayun-Ahmed-13Nov2010.jpg
| website =
| website =
| portaldisp =
| portaldisp =
}}
}}


'''Humayun Ahmed''' ({{IPA-bn|ɦumae̯un aɦmed̪|pron}} 13 November 1948 – 19 July 2012) was a [[Bangladeshis|Bangladeshi]] [[author]], [[Playwright|dramatist]], [[Screenwriting|screenwriter]] and [[film director]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Humayun Ahmed turns 63- Absence makes the heart grow fonder|url=http://news.priyo.com/entertainment/2011/11/13/humayun-ahmed-turns-63-absence-42368.html|work=priyo.com|publisher=Priyo|accessdate=23 March 2012|author=priyodesk|date=13 November 2011}}</ref> [[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]. Pakistan's oldest and most widely read English-language newspaper, referred to him as the cultural legend of Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|author=AFP |url=http://dawn.com/2012/07/20/bangladesh-mourns-death-of-cultural-legend-humayun-ahmed/ |title=Bangladesh mourns death of cultural legend Humayun Ahmed |publisher=Dawn.Com |date=20 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> Ahmed reached the peak of his fame with the publication of his novel ''Nondito Noroke'' (In Blissful Hell) in 1972, which remains one of his most famous works,<ref>{{cite web|author=Hafez Ahmed @ http://www.daily-sun.com |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_04-09-2012_Nondito-Noroke_251_1_19_1_1.html |title=education &#124; Nondito Noroke |publisher=daily sun |date=4 September 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> winning admiration from literary critics including [[Ahmed Sharif|Dr. Ahmed Sarif]]. He wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-07-27&nid=18495#.UVUa4xwWLUU |title=Tears for Humayun Ahmed |publisher=Newagebd.com |date=27 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Rashidul Bari |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/contributors/contributions/rashidul-bari/Tears-for-Humayun-Ahmed-The-Shakespeare-of-Bangladesh/articleshow/15515838.cms |title=Tears for Humayun Ahmed: The Shakespeare of Bangladesh – Times Of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=16 August 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> Ahmed's writing style was characterized as [[magic realism]].<ref>Faizul Latif Chowdhury (2007), ''Review of Lilaboti'', ''Prothom Alo'', Dhaka.</ref> [[Sunil Gangopadhyay]] described him as the most popular writer in the [[Bengali language]] for a century<ref>{{cite web|last=Mustafa |first=Sabir |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18930073 |title=BBC News – Bangladesh's most enduring storyteller |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=20 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> and according to him, Ahmed was even more popular than [[Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825092915/http://www.theindependentbd.com/paper-edition/frontpage/129-frontpage/122280-end-of-a-new-era-in-bengali-literature.html |title='End of a new era in Bengali literature' |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=22 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> Ahmed's books have been the top sellers at the [[Ekushey Book Fair]] during the 1990s and 2000s.<ref>{{cite news
'''Humayun Ahmed''' ({{IPA-bn|ɦumae̯un aɦmed̪|pron}} 13 November 1948{{snd}}19 July 2012) was a [[Bangladesh]]i writer, dramatist, screenwriter and filmmaker.<ref>{{cite web|title=Humayun Ahmed turns 63- Absence makes the heart grow fonder|url=http://news.priyo.com/entertainment/2011/11/13/humayun-ahmed-turns-63-absence-42368.html|work=priyo.com|publisher=Priyo|accessdate=23 March 2012|author=priyodesk|date=13 November 2011}}</ref> [[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]. Pakistan's oldest and most widely read English-language newspaper, referred to him as the cultural legend of Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|author=AFP |url=http://dawn.com/2012/07/20/bangladesh-mourns-death-of-cultural-legend-humayun-ahmed/ |title=Bangladesh mourns death of cultural legend Humayun Ahmed |publisher=Dawn.Com |date=20 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> Ahmed reached the peak of his fame with the publication of his novel ''Nondito Noroke'' (In Blissful Hell) in 1972, which remains one of his most famous works,<ref>{{cite web|author=Hafez Ahmed @ http://www.daily-sun.com |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_04-09-2012_Nondito-Noroke_251_1_19_1_1.html |title=education &#124; Nondito Noroke |publisher=daily sun |date=4 September 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> winning admiration from literary critics including [[Ahmed Sharif|Dr. Ahmed Sarif]]. He wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-07-27&nid=18495#.UVUa4xwWLUU |title=Tears for Humayun Ahmed |publisher=Newagebd.com |date=27 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Rashidul Bari |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/contributors/contributions/rashidul-bari/Tears-for-Humayun-Ahmed-The-Shakespeare-of-Bangladesh/articleshow/15515838.cms |title=Tears for Humayun Ahmed: The Shakespeare of Bangladesh – Times Of India |publisher=Timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=16 August 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> Ahmed's writing style was characterized as [[magic realism]].<ref>Faizul Latif Chowdhury (2007), ''Review of Lilaboti'', ''Prothom Alo'', Dhaka.</ref> [[Sunil Gangopadhyay]] described him as the most popular writer in the [[Bengali language]] for a century<ref>{{cite web|last=Mustafa |first=Sabir |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-18930073 |title=BBC News – Bangladesh's most enduring storyteller |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=20 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> and according to him, Ahmed was even more popular than [[Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825092915/http://www.theindependentbd.com/paper-edition/frontpage/129-frontpage/122280-end-of-a-new-era-in-bengali-literature.html |title='End of a new era in Bengali literature' |publisher=Web.archive.org |date=22 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref> Ahmed's books have been the top sellers at the [[Ekushey Book Fair]] during the 1990s and 2000s.<ref>{{cite news
| last = Ahsan
| last = Ahsan
| first = Shamim
| first = Shamim
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| url = http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2004/02/02/event.htm
| url = http://www.thedailystar.net/magazine/2004/02/02/event.htm
| accessdate = 2009-06-11}}</ref>
| accessdate = 2009-06-11}}</ref>

==Early life and background==
Ahmed was born in Kutubpur, [[Mymensingh]] to his parents Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez.<ref name=bio>{{cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=242914|title=Humayun Ahmed at a glance|date=July 21, 2012|accessdate=November 24, 2015|newspaper=The Daily Star}}</ref> Foyzur served as a sub-divisional police officer in [[Pirojpur District]] and was killed during the [[Bangladesh Liberation War]] in 1971. In 2011, politician [[Delwar Hossain Sayeedi]] was trialed for the killing but for the lack of evidence he was acquitted of the charge in 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=270777|title=All eyes on Sayedee - War trial verdict today|date=February 28, 2013|accessdate=November 24, 2015|newspaper=The Daily Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.prothom-alo.com/detail/date/2013-02-28/news/332802|title=সাঈদীর বিরুদ্ধে রায়ের সারসংক্ষেপ পড়তে ক্লিক করুন|newspaper=Prothom Alo|date=February 28, 2013|accessdate=November 24, 2015}}</ref> Humayun's brother, [[Muhammad Zafar Iqbal]], is a writer and academician. Another brother, [[Ahsan Habib (cartoonist)|Ahsan Habib]], became a cartoonist.

Upon official assignment of his father, Ahmed had lived in [[Sylhet]], [[Comilla]], [[Chittagong]], [[Dinajpur]] and [[Bogra]] in his childhood.<ref name=bio/>


==Education and early career==
==Education and early career==


Ahmed passed his [[Secondary School Certificate|SSC]] examination from Bogra Zilla School and was listed as second in merit on the Rajshahi Education Board. <ref>{{Cite web|title = Humayun Ahmed Biography|url = http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/humayun-ahmed-5712.php|website = www.thefamouspeople.com|accessdate = 2015-11-13}}</ref> He passed his [[Higher Secondary School Certificate|HSC]] examination from [[Dhaka College]]. Then he attended [[University of Dhaka]] and graduated with a [[Bachelor of Science]] in [[Chemistry]] and later with a [[Master of Science]] degree.
Ahmed passed his [[Secondary School Certificate|SSC]] examination from [[Bogra Zilla School]] and was listed as second in merit on the Rajshahi Education Board. <ref>{{Cite web|title = Humayun Ahmed Biography|url = http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/humayun-ahmed-5712.php|website = www.thefamouspeople.com|accessdate = 2015-11-13}}</ref> He passed his [[Higher Secondary School Certificate|HSC]] examination from [[Dhaka College]]. Then he attended [[University of Dhaka]] and graduated with a [[Bachelor of Science]] in [[Chemistry]] and later with a [[Master of Science]] degree.


After his graduation, he worked as a lecturer at [[Bangladesh Agricultural University]] for six months before joining Dhaka College to teach Chemistry. Soon after, he went to the United States to earn his PhD in Polymer Chemistry from [[North Dakota State University]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Humayun Ahmed Biography|url = http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/humayun-ahmed-5712.php|website = www.thefamouspeople.com|accessdate = 2015-11-13}}</ref><br>
After his graduation, he worked as a lecturer at [[Bangladesh Agricultural University]] for six months before joining Dhaka College to teach Chemistry. Soon after, he went to the United States to earn his PhD in Polymer Chemistry from [[North Dakota State University]].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Humayun Ahmed Biography|url = http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/humayun-ahmed-5712.php|website = www.thefamouspeople.com|accessdate = 2015-11-13}}</ref><br>
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Ahmed's film ''Shyamal Chhaya'' was also based on the liberation war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/12/10/d41210110179.htm|author=Shukla Mirza|title=Kudos to Humayun Ahmed|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=10 December 2004}}</ref>
Ahmed's film ''Shyamal Chhaya'' was also based on the liberation war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/12/10/d41210110179.htm|author=Shukla Mirza|title=Kudos to Humayun Ahmed|newspaper=The Daily Star|date=10 December 2004}}</ref>


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''.
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 ''Amar Achey Jol''.


His 2012 film ''[[Ghetuputra Kamola]]'' was selected as the Bangladeshi entry for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Oscar]] at the [[85th Academy Awards]], but it did not make the final shortlist.<ref name="Oscars">{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=40939 |title=Humayun's 'Ghetuputra Kamola' to compete for Oscar | date=18 September 2012 |accessdate=18 September 2012|work=Daily Star }}</ref>
His 2012 film ''[[Ghetuputra Kamola]]'' was selected as the Bangladeshi entry for the [[Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Best Foreign Language Oscar]] at the [[85th Academy Awards]], but it did not make the final shortlist.<ref name="Oscars">{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=40939 |title=Humayun's 'Ghetuputra Kamola' to compete for Oscar | date=18 September 2012 |accessdate=18 September 2012|work=Daily Star }}</ref>
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==Personal life==
==Personal life==


In 1973, Ahmed married Gultekin.<ref name="Humayun Married">{{cite web|author=Culture Desk| url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_19-07-2013_Humayun-Ahmed%E2%80%99s-first-death-anniversary-today_561_1_7_1_0.html |title=Humayun Ahmed's first death anniversary today |publisher=The Daily Sun |date= |accessdate=2013-11-29}}</ref><ref name="Humayun Got Married">{{cite web|author=New York Correspondent| url=http://www.banglanews24.com/English/detailsnews.php?nssl=6049c4764e4f172b968de04fc828df34&nttl=2013012847938 |title=Humayun Ahmed passes away |publisher=BanglaNews24.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-29}}</ref> Together they had three daughters, Nova, Sheela and Bipasha, and one son, Nuhash. Ahmed fell in love with a TV actress in the middle of the 1990s.<ref name="Humayun Got Married" /> Later, in 2003, Ahmed divorced Gultekin and married [[Meher Afroz Shaon]] in 2005. He had two sons from the second marriage, Nishad and Ninit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zahid.x10.mx/wp/?p=496 |title=Humayun Ahmed's life history &#124; History of Famous people's lifestyles |publisher=Zahid.x10.mx |date= |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref>
In 1973, Ahmed married Gultekin.<ref name="Humayun Married">{{cite web|author=Culture Desk| url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_19-07-2013_Humayun-Ahmed%E2%80%99s-first-death-anniversary-today_561_1_7_1_0.html |title=Humayun Ahmed's first death anniversary today |publisher=The Daily Sun |date= |accessdate=2013-11-29}}</ref><ref name="Humayun Got Married">{{cite web|author=New York Correspondent| url=http://www.banglanews24.com/English/detailsnews.php?nssl=6049c4764e4f172b968de04fc828df34&nttl=2013012847938 |title=Humayun Ahmed passes away |publisher=BanglaNews24.com |date= |accessdate=2013-11-29}}</ref> Together they had three daughters, Nova, Shila and Bipasha, and one son, Nuhash. [[Shila Ahmed]] went on to become a television and film actress. Ahmed fell in love with a TV actress in the middle of the 1990s.<ref name="Humayun Got Married" /> Later, in 2003, Ahmed divorced Gultekin and married [[Meher Afroz Shaon]] in 2005. He had two sons from the second marriage, Nishad and Ninit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zahid.x10.mx/wp/?p=496 |title=Humayun Ahmed's life history &#124; History of Famous people's lifestyles |publisher=Zahid.x10.mx |date= |accessdate=2013-07-20}}</ref>


=== Death ===
=== Death ===
In 2011 Ahmed was diagnosed with [[colorectal cancer]]. He died on 19 July 2012 at 11.20 PM [[Bangladesh Standard Time|BST]] at [[Bellevue Hospital Center|Bellevue Hospital]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-07-27&nid=18495#.UCyhAJGwW9k |title=Tears for Humayun Ahmed |publisher=New Age|date=27 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-02-25}}</ref> He was buried in his estate ''Nuhash Polli''.<ref name="buried"/>
In 2011 Ahmed was diagnosed with [[colorectal cancer]]. He died on 19 July 2012 at 11.20 PM [[Bangladesh Standard Time|BST]] at [[Bellevue Hospital Center|Bellevue Hospital]] in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2012-07-27&nid=18495#.UCyhAJGwW9k |title=Tears for Humayun Ahmed |publisher=New Age|date=27 July 2012 |accessdate=2013-02-25}}</ref> He was buried in his estate ''Nuhash Polli''.<ref name="buried"/>

==Other interests==
==Other interests==
⚫
[[File:Humayun ahmed gossip.jpg|thumbnail|Ahmed at Nuhash Polli (2010)]]
In 1987 Ahmed founded an estate called Nuhash Polli near Pijulia village, in [[Gazipur Sadar Upazila]] of [[Gazipur District]],<ref name=Shazu>{{cite journal|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=243398|title=Home was his heart: Humayun Ahmed and his Nuhash Polli|date=25 July 2012|author=Shah Alam Shazu|journal=The Daily Star}}</ref> which grew to cover 40 [[Bigha#Uses in Bangladesh|bigha]]<ref name=Shazu/> (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.<ref name=Shazu/>
In 1987 Ahmed founded an estate called Nuhash Polli near Pijulia village, in [[Gazipur Sadar Upazila]] of [[Gazipur District]],<ref name=Shazu>{{cite journal|url=http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=243398|title=Home was his heart: Humayun Ahmed and his Nuhash Polli|date=25 July 2012|author=Shah Alam Shazu|journal=The Daily Star}}</ref> which grew to cover 40 [[Bigha#Uses in Bangladesh|bigha]]<ref name=Shazu/> (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.<ref name=Shazu/>


In 2012 he was appointed as a ''special adviser'' to the Bangladesh Mission in the United Nations.<ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=35090 The Daily Star. Retrieved 14 January, 2012.]</ref>
In 2012, he was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Bangladesh Mission in the United Nations.<ref>[http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/latest_news.php?nid=35090 The Daily Star. Retrieved 14 January, 2012.]</ref>
{{clear}}


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
⚫
[[File:Humyun ahmed signing a book.jpg|thumbnail|Ahmed signing books (2010)]]
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;font-size:100%;"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;font-size:100%;"
|-
|-
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== Awards ==
== Awards ==
[[File:Humayun ahmed gossip.jpg|thumbnail|Ahmed chatting at Nuhash Polli (2010)]]
[[File:Humyun ahmed signing a book.jpg|thumbnail|Ahmed signing books (2010)]]
*Lekhak Shibir Prize (1973)
*Lekhak Shibir Prize (1973)
*[[Bangla Academy Award]] (1981)
*[[Bangla Academy Award]] (1981)

Revision as of 01:19, 25 November 2015

Humayun Ahmed
Ahmed in 2010
Ahmed in 2010
Native name
হুমায়ূন আহমেদ
Born(1948-11-13)13 November 1948
Mohongonj, Netrokona, East Bengal (now Bangladesh)
Died19 July 2012(2012-07-19) (aged 63)[1]
New York City, United States
Resting placeNuhash Polli, Pirujali Village, Gazipur District, Bangladesh[2]
OccupationWriter, film director, professor of Chemistry
NationalityBangladeshi
EducationPhD in polymer chemistry
Alma materUniversity of Dhaka
North Dakota State University
Years active1972–2012
Notable worksJostnya O Jononeer Golpo (The Story of a Mother and a Moonlit Night)
Notable awardsBangla Academy Award
Ekushey Padak
Spouse
  • Gultekin Khan
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1973; div. 2003)​
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 2005; "his death" is deprecated; use "died" instead. 2012)​
Children
  • Nova Ahmed
  • Shila Ahmed
  • Bipasha Ahmed
  • Nuhash Ahmed
  • Nishad Ahmed
  • Ninit Ahmed
Relatives
Signature

Humayun Ahmed (pronounced [ɦumae̯un aɦmed̪] 13 November 1948 – 19 July 2012) was a Bangladeshi writer, dramatist, screenwriter and filmmaker.[4] Dawn. Pakistan's oldest and most widely read English-language newspaper, referred to him as the cultural legend of Bangladesh.[5] Ahmed reached the peak of his fame with the publication of his novel Nondito 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][8] Ahmed's writing style was characterized as magic realism.[9] Sunil Gangopadhyay described him as the most popular writer in the Bengali language for a century[10] and according to him, Ahmed was even more popular than Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay.[11] Ahmed's books have been the top sellers at the Ekushey Book Fair during the 1990s and 2000s.[12]

Early life and background

Ahmed was born in Kutubpur, Mymensingh to his parents Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez.[13] Foyzur served as a sub-divisional police officer in Pirojpur District and was killed during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In 2011, politician Delwar Hossain Sayeedi was trialed for the killing but for the lack of evidence he was acquitted of the charge in 2013.[14][15] Humayun's brother, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, is a writer and academician. Another brother, Ahsan Habib, became a cartoonist.

Upon official assignment of his father, Ahmed had lived in Sylhet, Comilla, Chittagong, Dinajpur and Bogra in his childhood.[13]

Education and early career

Ahmed passed his SSC examination from Bogra Zilla School and was listed as second in merit on the Rajshahi Education Board. [16] He passed his HSC examination from Dhaka College. Then he attended University of Dhaka and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and later with a Master of Science degree.

After his graduation, he worked as a lecturer at Bangladesh Agricultural University for six months before joining Dhaka College to teach Chemistry. Soon after, he went to the United States to earn his PhD in Polymer Chemistry from North Dakota State University.[17]

Work on television and film

Ahmed's first television drama was Prothom Prohor (First Moment) in 1983, directed by Nawazesh Ali Khan.[18] His first drama serial was Ei Shob Din Ratri (Tale of Our Daily Lives). It was followed by the comedy series Bohubrihi, the historical drama series Ayomoy, and the urban drama series Kothao Keu Nei (There Is No One In Anywhere).

Ahmed directed films based on his own stories. His first film, Aguner Poroshmoni, based on Bangladesh Liberation War, won the National Film Award in total eight categories, including the awards for Best Picture and Best Director.[19][20] 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 film Shyamal Chhaya was also based on the liberation war.[21]

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 Amar Achey Jol.

His 2012 film Ghetuputra Kamola was selected as the Bangladeshi entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards, but it did not make the final shortlist.[22]

Personal life

In 1973, Ahmed married Gultekin.[19][20] Together they had three daughters, Nova, Shila and Bipasha, and one son, Nuhash. Shila Ahmed went on to become a television and film actress. Ahmed fell in love with a TV actress in the middle of the 1990s.[20] Later, in 2003, Ahmed divorced Gultekin and married Meher Afroz Shaon in 2005. He had two sons from the second marriage, Nishad and Ninit.[23]

Death

In 2011 Ahmed was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He died on 19 July 2012 at 11.20 PM BST at Bellevue Hospital in New York City.[24] He was buried in his estate Nuhash Polli.[2]

Other interests

Ahmed at Nuhash Polli (2010)

In 1987 Ahmed founded an estate called Nuhash Polli near Pijulia village, in Gazipur Sadar Upazila of 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]

In 2012, he was appointed as a Special Adviser to the Bangladesh Mission in the United Nations.[26]

Filmography

Year Film Credited as
Director Writer
1992 Shonkhonil Karagar Yes
1994 Aguner Poroshmoni Yes Yes
1999 Srabon Megher Din Yes Yes
2000 Dui Duari Yes Yes
2003 Chandrokotha Yes Yes
2004 Shyamol Chhaya Yes Yes
2006 Duratto Yes
2006 Nondito Noroke Yes
2006 Nirontor Yes
2006 Noy Number Bipod Sanket Yes Yes
2007 Daruchini Dwip Yes
2007 Saajghor Yes
2008 Amar Ache Jol Yes Yes
2009 Priyotomeshu Yes
2012 Ghetuputra Komola Yes Yes

Bibliography

In Bengali
5
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.

Awards

Ahmed signing books (2010)
  • 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)
  • Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Story (1993)
  • Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Film (1994)
  • Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Dialogue 1994)
  • Ekushey Padak (1994)
  • Sheltech Award (2007)[29]
  • Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Director (2012)
  • Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Screenplay (202)
  • Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Story Writer (2012)

References

  1. ^ "Humayun Ahmed dies". Bdnews24.com. 19 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Humayun Laid to Rest at Nuhash Polli". Taza Khobor. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
  3. ^ a b c "হুমায়ূনের কবরে স্বজনেরা". Prothom Alo. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  4. ^ priyodesk (13 November 2011). "Humayun Ahmed turns 63- Absence makes the heart grow fonder". priyo.com. Priyo. Retrieved 23 March 2012.
  5. ^ AFP (20 July 2012). "Bangladesh mourns death of cultural legend Humayun Ahmed". Dawn.Com. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  6. ^ Hafez Ahmed @ http://www.daily-sun.com (4 September 2012). "education | Nondito Noroke". daily sun. Retrieved 20 July 2013. {{cite web}}: External link in |author= (help)
  7. ^ "Tears for Humayun Ahmed". Newagebd.com. 27 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  8. ^ Rashidul Bari (16 August 2012). "Tears for Humayun Ahmed: The Shakespeare of Bangladesh – Times Of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  9. ^ Faizul Latif Chowdhury (2007), Review of Lilaboti, Prothom Alo, Dhaka.
  10. ^ Mustafa, Sabir (20 July 2012). "BBC News – Bangladesh's most enduring storyteller". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  11. ^ "'End of a new era in Bengali literature'". Web.archive.org. 22 July 2012. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  12. ^ Ahsan, Shamim (21 February 2004). "A Grand Convergence of Minds". The Daily Star. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  13. ^ a b "Humayun Ahmed at a glance". The Daily Star. 21 July 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
  14. ^ "All eyes on Sayedee - War trial verdict today". The Daily Star. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
  15. ^ "সাঈদীর বিরুদ্ধে রায়ের সারসংক্ষেপ পড়তে ক্লিক করুন". Prothom Alo. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2015.
  16. ^ "Humayun Ahmed Biography". www.thefamouspeople.com. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  17. ^ "Humayun Ahmed Biography". www.thefamouspeople.com. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
  18. ^ "Humayun Ahed".
  19. ^ a b Culture Desk. "Humayun Ahmed's first death anniversary today". The Daily Sun. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  20. ^ a b c New York Correspondent. "Humayun Ahmed passes away". BanglaNews24.com. Retrieved 29 November 2013.
  21. ^ Shukla Mirza (10 December 2004). "Kudos to Humayun Ahmed". The Daily Star.
  22. ^ "Humayun's 'Ghetuputra Kamola' to compete for Oscar". Daily Star. 18 September 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  23. ^ "Humayun Ahmed's life history | History of Famous people's lifestyles". Zahid.x10.mx. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  24. ^ "Tears for Humayun Ahmed". New Age. 27 July 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2013.
  25. ^ a b c Shah Alam Shazu (25 July 2012). "Home was his heart: Humayun Ahmed and his Nuhash Polli". The Daily Star.
  26. ^ The Daily Star. Retrieved 14 January, 2012.
  27. ^ "আজ আমি কোথাও যাব না". rokomari. অন্যপ্রিকাশ.
  28. ^ amarboi.com:nabiji – humayun ahmed (incomplete writing)
  29. ^ "Humayun, Mainul receive 'Sheltech Award-2007'".

Further reading

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Humayun Ahmed.
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