Noted actor Faruque Ahmed has been featured in numerous projects created by the magical wordsmith, Humayun Ahmed. The actor gained immense popularity when he essayed the role of 'Moti' in Humayun Ahmed's famed television series "Aaj Robibar". Together the actor and director duo has delivered numerous hit movies and series.

Today marks the 74th birthday of the maestro of words Humayun Ahmed. Remembering his fond memories, Faruque Ahmed has opened up about the wonderful shooting memories and the small things that mattered to the popular filmmaker.

"My memories with Humayun Ahmed go way back. His younger brother, cartoonist Ahsan Habib was my school friend, and thus I would get to see him a lot. Our relationship became stronger when we started working together on his TV series and movies. He has always adored me like a younger brother, and I have always given him the respect of an older sibling," said the actor.

The actor couldn't hold back his tears as the absence of Humayun Ahmed still haunts him to date.

"Whenever November 13 knocks on the door, we are left with this vortex of emotions, which make us tremble in sadness. He has created millions of fans across the country with his wonderful creations, and engrossing story telling. This day always reminds them-- if only he was alive, they would have been able to read many more of his writings," said Faruque.

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Faruque has shared many beautiful memories of Humayun Ahmed's birthday.

"I have shared endless memories with Humayun Ahmed on his birthdays. However, one such memory which is still close to my heart was one where Dr Ejaz Ahmed and I went to visit Dokhin Hawa, to wish him on his birthday. We were really worried as to what to gift him on his birthday, as we didn't want to give him the usual flowers," mentioned the actor.

Both the actor started wondering whether they should gift a panjabi but pretty soon they realised that wouldn't be a good option as he had numerous ones stocked up in his wardrobe.

"While walking down the road, we realised that Humayun Ahmed loves plants, as he is an ardent tree lover. He would plant various plants from across home and abroad in Nuhash Palli. We went to a nursery in Dhanmondi, and brought him that plant as a gift," said the actor.

When Dr Ejaz and Faruque arrived at Dhokin Hawa with two flower pots, they were surprised by the presence of novelist Imdadul Haq Milan, and many other renowned personalities.

"I was grappled with embarrassment at that time. How could I gift him a flower pot as a gift? What would he think of me? I wanted to dig a hole in the ground, as embarrassing thoughts that were piling up in my brain," said the actor.

"However, as soon as he entered the room and saw the flower pots, a smile gleamed all over his face, and he kept on telling everyone that Faruque and Ejaz had brought him flowers. His smile made my day, and I felt extremely overwhelmed that he appreciated our gift," added the actor.

Humayun Ahmed looked after the pots on Dokhin Hawa's balcony. The flower pot lived there for a long time.

"My memories with Humayun Ahmed will remain irreplaceable in my heart," said the actor.

Translated by Rakshanda Rahman Misha