THROUGH THE EYES OF RIZIA RAHMAN
Known as the author of 'Bong Theke Bangla', Rizia Rahman is an eminent novelist who has carved a place for herself in Bengali literature. Born in 1939, she has authored many memorable books, the most notable ones being 'Bong Theke Bangla (1978)', 'Rokter Okshor (1978)', 'Ghar-Bhanga-Ghar (1974)', 'Uttar Purush (1977)', 'Surja Sabuj Rakta (1980)', 'Ekal Cirokal (1984)', the autobiography 'Nodi Nirobodhi (2011)' and many more. She has published more than 45 novels and short-story collections in her long career. She has received an array of prestigious awards including Bangla Academy Literary Award, Jessore Sahitya Parishad Puraskar, Bangladesh Lekhika Sangha Shwarna Padak, Qamar Mushtari Shwarna Padak, Ananya Sahitya Puraskar, Humayun Kadir Sriti Puraskar, Jasimuddin Shwarna Padak and Shawgat Shwarna Padak. Rizia Rahman will be cherished forever for her tireless contributions in the literary arena of Bangladesh.
INSPIRATION
My inspiration was probably transmitted through gene. My parents are my first source of inspiration. Since childhood, I felt that writing is the art which I was born for. I used to read a lot of books and actually started writing at the very young age of 8, being published for the first time at around 12 years old. However, I never thought of being the person that I am today. I just kept on reading and writing literature. My educational background greatly assisted in making me more confident and passionate towards writing. My family, the surroundings and the overall environment have played a key role in motivating me towards this passion of mine.
PHILOSOPHY
When I was a child, my philosophy was shaped by what I learned from my parents. As a result, their philosophies became a part of my philosophy. I also strongly admire the ideologies of my teachers. When I was a student, my focus was only on studying hard. As a student of Economics, I got the chance to deeply observe the disparity of wealth among the people of our society. This disproportion of wealth and security among the people of our country hurts me the most. I think that a society cannot be considered as a civilized and prosperous one unless the gulf between the rich and the poor in terms of economic and social security is eradicated.
VIEWS ON HER PROFESSION
Even though I was a student of Economics, I never got tired of being passionate about writing. In fact, I started writing at a very early age. Yet, I never took it as my profession. In my view, artwork is created through passion. In a country like ours, writing cannot be taken as a full-time profession, because here one cannot earn a living by writing alone. Being an artist is not that easy. One has to pass through many obstacles and difficulties to become an artist. Also, sustainability is very important for an artist. I believe one has to be honest and dedicated to their art, rather than focusing on money or popularity alone.
BOOKS
Since childhood, I have been a bookworm who never gets tired of reading books. Literature is my passion, be it in Bangla, English, Russian or French. I love the works of Tagore. I love English poems and plays as well. I am also highly influenced by Russian and French literature.
FILMS
I love the movies of Satyajit Ray and Alfred Hitchcock. Roman Holiday is one of my favorite movies as well. Some Iranian movies being produced these days are also good.
MUSIC
I feel that the chirping of birds is the sweetest sound in the world. All the songs of Rabindranath Tagore are my favorites. Many of the songs of Lalon Sain and Hason Raja are my favorites as well. Among them, Lokey Bole by Hason Raja and the Lalon song Khachar Bhetor Ochin Pakhi are my most favorites. I like Spanish music as well.
FUTURE PLANS
Life is full of splendors; life is also evanescent. In this momentary journey, every second is precious. People should enjoy each and every moment of their lives. At this stage of life, I have no specific plan for the future. However, I would love to continue my work till my last breath. I would like to see our planet green again. As I wrote in one of my poems, "Stop! Put down your weapon", I would like to request everyone to shun violence and spread the message of love and harmony.
IDOLS
When it comes to idols, they are definitely my parents. I also strongly admire the ideologies of my teachers and instructors who have taught me good things in life. I think a person can learn from anyone and anywhere. There is no barrier to learning in life. There is no end to learning.