Eminent Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha passes away at 85

Kolkata, August 30

Eminent Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha, author of many notable works such as ‘Madhukari’ (Honey Gatherer), is no more.

He was 85.

Guha died of post-Covid complications at a private hospital here on Sunday after a massive cardiac arrest, his family said.

The writer, whose works of fiction reflected his closeness to nature and forests of eastern India, was suffering from post-Covid complications and had been hospitalised earlier this month after complaining of breathlessness and urinary infection, his family said.

He had earlier suffered from Covid-19 in April and had been hospitalised for 33 days.

Guha was predeceased by wife, eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent Ritu Guha, and leaves behind two daughters.

Born on June 29, 1936 in Kolkata, Guha had spent his childhood in Rangpur and Barisal districts of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). His childhood experiences and travels left a deep imprint on him, which were reflected in his works later.

His novels and short stories have been highly acclaimed by critics, winning him fans across the sub-continent and several awards including Ananda Purashkar in 1976, Shiroman Purashkar and Sharat Purashkar.

His important works besides ‘Madhukari’, include ‘Koeler Kachhe’ (Near the Koel Bird) and ‘Sobinoy Nibedon’ (Humble Offering).

An award-winning Bengali film ‘Dictionary’ was made based on two of his works – `Baba Howa’ (Being a Father) and `Swami Howa’ (Being a Husband).

He was also a popular children’s writer creating the fictional character Rijuda, a hunter-turned-conservationist and his side-kick Rudra.

Said Rupa Majumdar, Editor of Nabakallol and Shuktara magazines and director of publishing house Dev Sahitya Kutir, whose magazine recently serialised Guha’s childhood memories in a story form, “He was a colossus, a literary star…people used to come just to watch him when he would visit our stall at any book fair. His books, some of which we published, were all best-sellers.”

Majumdar said it was the duty of the publishing world and his heirs to have his works translated into other languages, including English, “so that the world at large realises his genius, which is so well recognised in Bengali literature”.

A successful chartered accountant, Guha was also a noted classical singer and a proficient illustrator.

“Buddhadev Guha is no more. He was blessed as to be one with the divine on the night of Janmashtami. Do join his family and friends in celebrating his life,” his elder daughter Maleni B Guha posted on social media. PTI