Noted Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha died around 11.30pm on Sunday, August 29, at a private hospital in Kolkata, according to reports in the vernacular media. He was 85.
Guha had contracted Covid-19 and spent 33 days in hospital. He had returned from hospital but never really recovered and was readmitted with breathing trouble and urinary tract infections, sources said.
One of the most popular Bengali fiction writers who wrote for children too, he was the creator of Rijuda and his sidekick Rudra who roam the jungles. It was in the pages of Guha's books such as Ru Aha that Africa came alive for generations of Bengali children.
Nature and forests were a recurrent theme for him and his writings on travel in Bengal are considered among some of the most beautiful. His novels and short stories are noted for their dreamy and romantic appeal.
At the same time, his writing appealed to the suave urban Bengali.
He is best remembered for his novel Madhukori, considered a seminal work of Bengali fiction.
Buddhadeb Guha was also a successful chartered accountant by profession. He received many awards including the Ananda Puraskar in1976, the Shiromani Puraskar and the Sharat Puraskar.
“I express my deep sadness at the passing of eminent litterateur Buddhadeb Guha,” Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said in a statement.
Besides mentioning his books and characters, she also pointed out that Guha was a trained singer.