Hasan Azizul Haque was in tears after watching ‘Khacha’

Ekushey Padak-winning author Hasan Azizul Haque passed away on November 15, at his residence in Rajshahi. He was 82.

There were numerous films lolmade on his books. Among them, the film, "Khacha", directed by Akram Khan, was sent to the Oscars in 2017.The screenplay of the film was written by renowned actor Azad Abul Kalam. One of his short stories, "Gunin", has been adapted by filmmaker Giauddin Selim. The film features Pori Moni. Based on Haque's "Bidhoba Kotha", Akram Khan directed the government granted film "Nakshi Kanthar Jamin" featuring Jaya Ahsan. The film is yet to be released.

From the author's novel "Patale Hashpatale", a tele- fiction was made, featuring noted thespian Mamunur Rashid. The Daily Star reached out to artistes who were close with the noted author.

We were close friends: Mamunur Rashid

Although Haque was older than me, we were close friends. Whenever I visited Rajshahi, I would go to his place. Same would happen when he visited Dhaka. I will always remember our not ending long conversations!

Once I took him to my hometown Tangail. I worked in the film "Khacha", based on Haque's book. I will never forget the way he expressed his overwhelm after watching the film. Personally I am fond of his writing. I believe he is one of the most influential writers across the Bengals.

Even though he is no longer with us, his creations will remain for ages.

I wish Haque sir could watch "Gunin" on the silver screen: Giasuddin Selim

He was one of my favourite writers. For a long time, I dreamed of working on one of his stories. It is critical to arrange a screenplay for a full fledged film from a short story, however, during the projection "Gunin '' I realised once again how realistic his stories are! Though it was challenging in picturing the whole plot into a film, it is the life of an artiste and we happily accept the fact.

I learned from some of his close acquaintances that he was excited about "Gunin". I wish Haque sir could watch the film on the silver screen!

"Khacha" was one of his most powerful creations :Azad Abul Kalam

Besides writing the screenplay of "Khacha", I played a pivotal role in it.

It was one of Haque sir most powerful creations, on the  partition. It went to the Oscars as well.

Recently, I have come across his short story "Gunin". Many have a misconception about Hasan Azizul Haque, Akhtaruzzaman Elias, and Shawkat Ali's writing being perplexed. However, it is absolutely not true.

Apart from being realistic, their works belong to a different level  in the world of literature.

We had several meetings, once at his daughter's place. Mostly we communicated over the phone, there he used to tell me to visit Rajshahi and we would have a night long adda together. Sadly, that never happened!

Being amazingly talented, his jolly personality always amazed me. Coincidentally, I was at Rajshahi on the day he left us forever.

He will live forever in the hearts of Bengali readers: Jaya Ahsan

I portrayed the character of Sarojini in "Khacha". It was a great experience for me while working on the film. He praised my performance in the film.

"Nakshi Kanthar Jamin" is also another film I have projected in, which is also his story. The film awaits release. He was a great author. He will live forever in the hearts of Bengali readers.

He hugged me after watching "Khacha": Akram Khan

Haque was my favourite author. My debut film was based on his book "Khacha". Before the release of the film, I went to Rajshahi and made him watch it. After the movie ended, he hugged me, and became emotional.

He was in tears after watching "Khacha".

At the time he told me that he felt he was reliving the moment of partition while watching the film. We shared uncountable memories together. He used to ask me if he would be able to watch "Nakshi Kanthar Jamin". Unfortunately he couldn't see it being released.

I am lucky to have worked in Haque sir's "Gunin": Pori Moni

I had to read "Gunin" several times to understand the character Rabeya that I will be playing in the film. It helped me a lot to make bring her to life on screen.

I address Giasuddin Selim as 'Guruji', and I am grateful to him for believing in me, and choosing me for this amazing role. I am lucky to have worked in Haque sir's "Gunin".

Translated by Sharmin Joya