Don’t judge a book by its cover

It is quite possible that one way or the other, you know Marzuk Russell. After the poet and lyricist shot to fame in the 90s, he went on to make a name for himself as an actor and television personality. He made you laugh as the humorous Marjuk in the film Bachelor, made you sing along to lyrics such as Ami To Prem e Porini and Didha, or ponder about life with Chader Burir Boyosh Jokhon Sholo, the latter of which has been re-published at this year's Ekushey Boi Mela.

Rather than restricting his poetry to the elite class's privy, Marzuk brought his work closer to the common audience, who encapsulated it in their hearts. The multi-talented personality's 15-year absence from the book fair did not disrupt his popularity as a writer. Dehobonton Bishoyok Dipokkhio Chukti Shakkhor  has been one of the fastest selling books at the fair. "It is a selection of my poems that were published from 2002-2005", says the writer, who moves between psychedelic and post-modern realms.

On a glance of the cover, it is apparent that the approach to it would be divisive, to say the least. Done by Rajib Datta, it features a plethora of abstract images that tells a story in unison. When asked if he thought that it could offend some, the poet replied, "It is, at the end of the day, art. An open mind is essential while interpreting it."

However, criticism is no stranger to Marzuk Russell. "To quote Jean-Michel Basquiat, I don't know anyone who needs a critic to find out what art is," he says, referring to the increasing amount of faux social media critics, some of whom aren't even familiar with Marzuk's work. It is probable that one does not comprehend the fact that his on-screen persona and poetic existence are disassociated. 

Dehobonton Bishoyok Dipokkhio Chukti Shakkhor, published by Bayanno, is available at their stall (363) in the Ekushey Boi Mela at a discounted price of BDT 150. Chader Burir Boyosh Jokhon Sholo is available at Howleder Publication's stall (593-595) for the same price. Both of the books can be ordered from all online stores after the fair.