Nuhash Humayun, son of the late writer, playwright and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, said the continued affection shown by the public towards his father reflects the extraordinary bond he built with audiences over decades, speaking at a Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) tribute event in Dhaka on Friday.
He was speaking at the National Theatre Hall during the concluding programme of the ‘Monishider Smaranmala’ series, titled ‘Humayun Smaran’.
Nuhash Humayun said he was particularly pleased that people had gathered to discuss his father without the occasion being linked to his birth or death anniversary.
Recalling an incident before the programme, he said a man arrived at the venue drenched in rain after watching ‘Srabon Megher Din’ for the fifth time.
“That alone proves people have accepted my father as a member of their family,” Nuhash said.
He added that many readers and viewers feel a personal connection with his family because Humayun Ahmed often wrote about them in his works, which has led to people approaching them with affection and curiosity.
“Wherever I have travelled in the world, I have found people discussing my father. As a son, it is a unique feeling that is difficult to put into words,” he said.
Nuhash also spoke about how observing his father’s work from an early age taught him discipline and dedication in creative pursuits. He informed the audience about his upcoming film ‘Moving Bangladesh’ and sought their good wishes for the project.
At the event, film researcher Dr Shahadat Ruman presented a paper titled ‘Humayun Ahmed: Craftsmanship and Artistic Philosophy’, describing Humayun Ahmed as a cultural phenomenon whose works reached households across Bangladesh, particularly among the middle class.
He said Humayun Ahmed’s writing combined humour, satire and philosophy while portraying deeply human stories, often turning ordinary events into meaningful narratives.
Filmmaker and academic Professor Dr Matin Rahman said Humayun Ahmed entered the film industry during a difficult period and achieved success despite criticism that his films resembled television dramas.
“He never stopped because of criticism. Instead, he continued to make successful films one after another,” he said.
He also noted that Humayun Ahmed’s storytelling and dialogue style were distinct, rooted in realism and focused on portraying people and nature without unnecessary embellishment.
BSA Director General Rezauddin Stalin described Humayun Ahmed as a witty and visionary creative figure who demonstrated that artistic work could also be financially rewarding.
“He proved that it is possible to earn through creativity and, in doing so, helped establish the idea of a creative economy,” he said.
Additional remarks were delivered by Md Mizanur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
The programme began with a screening of Humayun Ahmed’s acclaimed film ‘Srabon Megher Din’. Artists of the BSA later performed songs from his films, including’ Jodi Mon Kaade’, ‘Channi Poshor’, ‘Amar Bhanga Ghore’, ‘Boroshar Prothom Dine’, ‘Amar Ache Jol’ and ‘Morile Kandish Na’.
Following the discussion session, audiences also watched Humayun Ahmed’s award-winning film ‘Ghetuputra Komola’ and the documentary ‘Humayun Sagore Kichukhon’, bringing the evening’s tribute to a close.
The event drew admirers, cultural figures and cinema enthusiasts, highlighting Humayun Ahmed’s lasting influence on Bangladesh’s literary and cinematic landscape.
