My father is always with me: Nishad Humayun

Nishad Humayun, son of celebrated writer Humayun Ahmed, dreams of becoming a psychiatrist when he grows up. Alongside this, he also aspires to build a career as a filmmaker like his father. Nishad wishes to lead a creative life similar to that of legendary directors Satyajit Ray and Humayun Ahmed.

On 13 November, the 77th birth anniversary of Humayun Ahmed was observed. At an event held at Nuhash Palli in Gazipur, Nishad shared memories of his father in an interview with a television channel.

The video of the interview has been circulating widely on social media. Although more than a decade has passed since Humayun Ahmed’s death, his stories, characters and memories still illuminate Nishad’s life.

When asked which of his father’s characters he likes most, Nishad mentioned Misir Ali as his favourite.

He said, “Among all my father’s stories, I always enjoy reading Misir Ali. Misir Ali is a man of psychology, and I want to become a psychiatrist. So I have to study psychology. That is why the character always fascinates me. Thinking about him or imagining the character creates an aura of mystery because his descriptions vary from book to book.”

Speaking about his wish to direct, Nishad added, “I have watched many of my father’s dramas. But today’s industry is very rotten; they only make dramas and films about love and such topics. These do not attract me. I want to make films and dramas like my father or Satyajit Ray. I want to bring in new people—fresh minds with new ideas. I want to work with stories of human life that make us think. I love a simple life, and I want to depict that peaceful life in my work.”

Nishad believes that films based on Humayun Ahmed’s stories are necessary to introduce his works to the younger generation.

He said, “It would be wonderful to make films based on my father’s books. The younger generation does not read books anymore; at least through films, they would know the stories.”

Many people tell Nishad that he resembles his father, and such comments make him feel that his father is still with him.

He said, “When people say I am like my father, it feels as though he is with me. I have very few memories with him. During his chemotherapy, he never let us feel his pain. I didn’t understand much back then. I remember those moments vividly.”

Reflecting on his father’s birthday, Nishad added, “This day is extraordinary for me. It brings back all the memorable moments spent with my father.”

Nishad also shared a childhood memory involving Humayun Ahmed’s book titled “Nishad”.

He said, “Once at the book fair, a reader approached the stall and said—‘I want a Nishad, please give me a Nishad.’ I was startled and thought he wanted to take me away! Later I realised he was asking for my father’s book.”

Humayun Ahmed, the beloved novelist, filmmaker and playwright, was born on 13 November 1948 in Kutubpur village of Kendua, Netrokona. He was regarded as a magician of storytelling among the generations of the eighties and nineties. Many popular dramas such as “Eishob Din Ratri”, “Bohubrihi”, “Ayo Mai”, “Kothao Keu Nei”, and “Nokhotrer Raat” were based on his works.

He also wrote the story of the 1992 film “Shonkhonil Karagar”, which earned him the National Film Award for Best Storywriter.

Humayun later moved into direction through one-hour dramas. His first film, “Aguner Poroshmoni”, was released in 1994. He went on to make seven more films, including “Srabon Megher Din”, “Dui Duari”, “Chandrakotha”, “Shyamol Chhaya”, “Noy Number Bipod Sanket”, and “Ghetuputra Komola”.

Humayun Ahmed first married Gultekin Khan in 1973. They had four children—Nova Ahmed, Sheila Ahmed, Bipasha Ahmed and Nuhash Ahmed. Nuhash has already established himself as a director, with several dramas and series aired on television.

After separating from Gultekin in 2005, Humayun married Meher Afroz Shaon. The couple had two children—Nishad Ahmed and Ninit Ahmed.

Humayun Ahmed passed away on 19 July 2012 at a hospital in New York after battling cancer.

Khaborwala/TSN