Noted Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha dies in Kolkata

Acclaimed Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha, author of many notable works such as `Madhukari' (Honey Gatherer), died of post-Covid complications yesterday at a hospital in Kolkata at the age of 85.

Guha breathed his last at 11:25pm (Indian time) after a massive cardiac arrest, our New Delhi correspondent reports quoting his family.

Born on June 29, 1936 in Kolkata, Guha spent his childhood in Rangpur and Barisal districts now in Bangladesh and his childhood experiences and travels left a deep imprint on his mind and found reflected in his works later on.

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, the family said.

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

Guha was predeceased by wife, eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent Ritu Guha, in 2011 and left behind two daughters.

"Buddhadev Guha is no more. He was blessed as to be one with the Divine on the night of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna's birthday) 2021.Do join his family and friends in celebrating his life," his elder daughter Maleni B Guha posted in social media.

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

Apart from `Madhukari', his notable work includes `Koeler Kachhe' and `Sobinoy Nibedon'.

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).

Guha's writings were popular among children and among the fictional character he created is Rijuda, a hunter-turned-conservationist and his side-kick Rudra.

A charted accountant by profession, Guha was also noted classical singer and a proficient illustrator.