Humayun Ahmed: The storyteller whose magic transcends generations

When you mention the name Humayun Ahmed, you'll find retired 60-year-olds who connect with his stories, a middle-aged office goer who treasures his books, and even school kids of this generation who feel a similar resonance with his work.

Humayun Ahmed's popularity transcends generations. 

His legacy is more than his timeless characters, from Himu to Misir Ali; it lies in his ability to connect across generations and social classes. 

Today, on what would have been his 76th birthday, we catch up with his fans to celebrate and critique the life and work of this legendary writer, playwright, and filmmaker—a true humanist who left a mark on the literary landscape of Bangladesh.

This cross-generational appeal is more than just nostalgia; it speaks to the universal themes and humanistic core at the heart of his work.

"I never believed all the miracles of Misir Ali, however, the story could capture a reader's mind and could make readers feel it was real. When I used to read I would put myself in the girl's character because of the simplicity. And it used to be a gateway from all that's happening around me," said a law graduate Faiza Rokiba.

The every day and the mundane have rarely been the focus of literature, yet Humayun Ahmed brought them to life with a humanistic lens that made them profound. 

His characters weren't grand heroes or mythical figures; they were everyday people with relatable dreams and dilemmas.

"It was through the novels of Humayun Ahmed that I first glimpsed the female psyche. I was naive at the time and didn't yet realise that, in most cases, men writing women often results in problematic portrayals. Humayun Ahmed's depiction of women, too, has always been highly controversial in this regard," says Jannatul Naym Pieal, a journalist based in Dhaka. 

"Nonetheless, his writing was my initial gateway to understanding women's psychology, even if only at a surface level. For example, in the Misir Ali novel Debi, the central female character, Ranu, suffers from psychological disorders, which are later revealed to stem from childhood sexual abuse. In another novel, Priyotomeshu, the character Pushpo was raped. Though she initially breaks down, Pushpo gradually transforms her trauma into a source of resilience and determination, with the help of another powerful woman Nishat, to bring the culprits into a book," he added. 

"The way Humayun Ahmed portrayed women's psychological responses to sexual harassment in these novels left a lasting impact on me. In hindsight, I can see the flaws in his depictions. Yet, without encountering his work, I likely would have taken much longer to grasp even a basic understanding of these experiences," added Jannatul Naym.

Ahmed was known to often wove magical or surreal elements seamlessly into otherwise realistic, everyday settings. 

In his stories, things frequently unfold in unexpectedly magical ways—even the rational Misir Ali encounters mysteries that defy explanation. While this may initially seem unrealistic, a closer look reveals a deeper message: how often in life do we encounter things we can't fully explain?

"Jochona O Jononir Golpo resonated deeply with me. Though imperfect, it showcases Humayun Ahmed's prose at its best, making you overlook any flaws until the last page. This captivating story of the Liberation War draws you in completely," said Nasif Tanjim, an editorial assistant at a national newspaper. 

"And right from the bat, Humayun has you invested in the fate of the characters. It's a big book but you won't be able to put it down. And you end up crawling through the monsoon mud towards the enemy, you run for lives, you end up waiting for a loved one who may never return and you will end up even more in awe of our greatest sons and daughters. All thanks to this magical storyteller," he added. 

Humayun Ahmed's dramas also became a cultural phenomenon which continues to captivate viewers for their honest portrayals of our society. 

"Aaj Robibar" used humour to highlight the quirks of family life, playfully critiquing social norms while celebrating each family member's individuality. 

In "Kothao Keu Nei", the character of Baker Bhai became a powerful symbol, facing the challenges of human morality and societal judgment. His tragic fate—being sentenced to death—moved the entire nation to mourn.

Through these works, he challenged literary norms, daring to make the "ordinary" extraordinary, and his influence continues to shape the cultural and literary landscape of Bangladesh.

"His characters are known to all of us, walking around all of us, yet never quite within our grasp. Why? Is it because we lack the observational skill that Humayun Ahmed possesses? or is it our inability to see beyond the banality?," said Asif Ul Haque a lecturer at East West University.