On the death anniversary of Humayun Ahmed, celebrated writer and filmmaker, actor and physician Dr. Ejajul Islam spoke with Jugantor to share his deep admiration and unforgettable memories of the man who shaped his acting journey.
“স্যার যেভাবে নাটক লিখতেন ও পরিচালনা করতেন, এখনো এ পর্যায়ের কাছাকাছি কেউই নেই।”
“No one today can write or direct dramas the way Sir used to,” said Dr. Ejaz.
How It All Began: A Small Role, A Lifelong Bond
Dr. Ejaj first worked with Humayun Ahmed in a drama titled “Sabuj Sathi” in 1998. He played a small role as a health department field worker. That humble beginning turned into a long-standing collaboration.
Later, in 1999, he acted in “Srabon Megher Din”, Humayun Ahmed’s directorial film, playing the character Poran. From then on, he was regularly featured in Humayun Ahmed’s creations.
A Star Who Was Kind, Simple, and Sincere
Dr. Ejaz described Humayun Ahmed as a genuinely kind-hearted and humble person, both on and off the set.
“কনকনে শীতে কোথাও মানুষ ঘুমিয়ে থাকলে, চুপচাপ গিয়ে গায়ে কম্বল দিয়ে আসতেন।”
“On cold nights, he would quietly cover sleeping people with blankets,” Dr. Ejaz recalled.
He emphasized that Humayun Ahmed never did good deeds for publicity—he did them from the heart.
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A Man of Simplicity and Pure Joy
Dr. Ejaz also recalled how easily Humayun Ahmed would find happiness, often in the smallest things.
“একদিন বৃষ্টির মধ্যে ইলিশ মাছ খেয়ে খুব খুশি হয়ে গিয়েছিলেন।”
“One rainy day, he became so happy just because there was hilsa fish on the menu,” he shared with a smile.
Despite his fame, he remained grounded and was strongly against lies.
Unforgettable Memories from Shoots and Beyond
Among many memories, Dr. Ejaz shared a moment when Humayun Ahmed praised him, saying “Good job, doctor”—a moment he still treasures.
Once, during the shoot of Shyamol Chhaya, the original shooting location turned unusable. Without alarming the director, Dr. Ejaj arranged a new spot. Later, Humayun Ahmed was pleasantly surprised and deeply appreciative.
“স্যার আমার কাজ দেখে অবাক হয়ে গিয়েছিলেন।”
“Sir was amazed by how I handled the situation,” he said.
The Day They Rode a Rickshaw Together
One day, they visited Nuhash Palli, Humayun Ahmed’s rural retreat. Dr. Ejaj fondly remembered riding a rickshaw with the writer along the village roads.
“ওইদিন জানতে পেরেছি স্যার বৃষ্টিতে ভিজতে খুব পছন্দ করতেন।”
“That day, I learned how much Sir loved getting drenched in the rain,” he said, smiling.
Writing a Book on Humayun Ahmed
Dr. Ejaj felt compelled to write a book about his experiences with Humayun Ahmed. His first memory-based book was titled “Amar Humayun Sir”, and he plans to keep writing more.
“তার সম্পর্কে এখনো মানুষের অনেক কিছুই অজানা।”
“There’s still so much about him that people don’t know,” said Dr. Ejaz.
“Goriber Doctor” Who Refuses to Raise His Fees
Apart from being an actor, Dr. Ejaj is known as the “Doctor of the Poor.” Though many urge him to increase his consultation fees, he still charges just ৳300, even as a specialist.
“আমৃত্যু আমার ভিজিট ৩০০ টাকাই থাকবে।”
“I will charge only 300 Taka for the rest of my life,” he declared.
He believes chasing money unnecessarily is a mental disorder, and that he has enough to live a good life and educate his children.
Still Acting, But With Balance
These days, Dr. Ejaz continues to act but at a slower pace. He is currently seen in a serial titled “Dena Paona”, which is receiving positive feedback. He’s also doing a few standalone dramas.
“এখন অভিনয়ে এত ব্যস্ততা নেই। তবে অভিনয়ের মধ্যেই আছি।”
“I’m not as busy with acting now, but I’m still in it—it’s my passion,” he said.
Source: Daily Jugantor
