Looking back at Humayun Ahmed’s comedic brilliance on television

Recently, BTV began re-running legendary litterateur and director Humayun Ahmed's Kothao Keu Nei and Bohubrihi, much to the delight of television buffs. Be it for his tragedies inspired by real life and Bangladeshi culture, his romantic novels or his memorable characters, Humayun Ahmed's stories have always made their way into the hearts of millions, both at home and abroad. However, the artiste truly excelled at the genre of comedy, especially when it came to writing and directing for television. Here are some of his notable television shows that will tickle your funny bones.

Montri Mohadoyer Agomon Shubheccha Shagotom

Featuring renowned actors like Zahid Hasan, Riaz, S I Tutul, Sohel Ahmed, Putul, Faruque Ahmed and Mahfuz Ahmed in pivotal roles, Humayun Ahmed's Montri Mohodoyer Agomon Shuvechha Shagotom, is set in rural Bangladesh. The plot is based on the preparations of villagers after the government announces that each town will be visited by a minister. As soon as the villagers are informed about the minister's arrival, the chairperson of the local union council starts building a new gate to welcome their guest. On the other hand, the government school's headmaster begins preaching and teaching patriotic slogans to the students and the local musician starts composing new songs in his honour. The scene of the minister's arrival adds to the humour, as his plan to land from a helicopter fails and instead, he arrives on a buffalo. The dosage of comedy is doubled with Zahid Hasan's performance as a lunatic, who ends up slapping one of the minister's officials. 

Neetu Tomake Bhalobashi

With a bus full of individuals from different backgrounds, Shomudro Bilash PVT LTD, featuring an ensemble cast, showcases the hustle and bustle of a journey to St Martin's Island, filled with mishaps, beginning with the very first incident, when the vehicle's engine stops working, aggravating all the passengers. However, as soon as the owner of the transportation company, played by Asaduzzaman Noor and his assistant, played by Zahid Hasan, start talking, the passengers forget their anger and start enjoying the trip. 

Tara Teen Jon-Tea Master

On the other hand, Neetu Tomake Bhalobashi, based on modern-day city life, is a romantic comedy that offers a delightful balance of humour and heart. It stars Mahfuz Ahmed, Shomi Kaiser and Zahid Hasan in the lead roles. In the story, Neetu's grandfather prepares to welcome Mahfuz Ahmed's character, a non-residential Bangladeshi who wants to ask for Neetu's hand in marriage. However, unable to express her wishes, Neetu, played by Shomi Kaiser, elopes to marry her love interest, played by Zahid Hasan. Humayun Faridee features in a memorable role as their marriage officiator.

Bua Bilash portrays the everyday life of a housemaid in Dhaka. The show is entertaining and enlightening at the same time as it depicts the different social stigmas associated with the profession. Blended with comedic dialogues and actions in every scene, it features Monira Mithu in the lead role, with Riaz playing a key character.

Moreover, in Juta Baba, villages are taken by surprise when they come across the titular character, portrayed by Challenger, who walks barefoot across the nation and eats shoes. Travelling with his two assistants, played by Maznun Mizan and Faruk Ahmed, Juta Baba finally reaches a village, where the local chair and fellow villagers refuse to believe his absurd story. In turn, Juta Baba is forced to run away and never come back. Along with humorous moments, the show has a moral message against superstitions that are imbedded in our societal beliefs. 

The comedy, Tara Teen Jon: Tea Master, starring Dr Ejajul Islam, Faruk Ahmed and Shadhin Khasru, revolves around three unemployed bachelors who begin running a tea stall. Dressed in suits, they wake up every morning and reach their 'office', which is a park. They sell tea at the park with full dedication and manage to win over many customers with their impressive appearances and attitudes, as other competitive tea sellers end up in losses. One day, the other tea sellers, irritated with the bachelors, hit one of their customers on the head with a bamboo. Consequently, all of the sellers end up in jail. Set in a similar universe, Tara Teen Jon: Fuchka Bilash also follows the story of three bachelors who plan to start a fuchka stall by the name of 'Fuchka Bilash'. Filled with excitement, the trio starts daydreaming about their business, especially the opening ceremony, where they expect to see actor Riaz cutting the ribbon and later, enjoying a fashion show at their stall. In the end, although the three men are left with nothing but fantasies, they do not fail to make the audience laugh.

On the other hand, Ure Jai Bok Pokkhi is about an aspiring singer with a big heart. The plot, layered with light-hearted moments and moral insights, takes a turn as a filmmaker from abroad, portrayed by Riaz, visits the singer's house. With the little income that he has, the singer leaves no stone unturned when it comes to looking after his guest. The cast of the series also includes Meher Afroz Shaon, Challenger and Dr Enamul Haque among others.

Lastly, Aaj Robibar, starring Aly Zaker, Asaduzzaman Noor, Zahid Hasan, Suborna Mustafa, and Meher Afroz Shaon among others, is a family series that is beloved across generations for its unique characters and unparalleled humour.