When a legacy outlives the legend

Known as the 'Mysterious man' to most and the 'Addabaz Khuku' to his family and loved ones, Kausar Ahmed Chaudhury would often startle people with truths that were supposed to be unknown to strangers. His songs echoed through the nation, while his horoscope column in Prothom Alo became a must-read to Bangla readers across the world.

A heroic Freedom Fighter, Kausar Ahmed Choudhury was a poet, a writer, a painter -- who also tried his hand at filmmaking. His songs "Jekhanei Shimanto Tomar", "Aaj Ei Brishtir Kanna Dekhe", "Amai Dekona", "Kobita Porar Prohor ", "Moushumi", and "Rupali Guitar" among many others, have topped the playlists of Bangla music lovers for decades.

His weekly horoscope reports were what had drawn my attention towards him. Following my urge to meet him, I managed his contact number, and booked an appointment.

My face, as he told me, had reminded him of Hollywood actor Tony Curtis! He wanted to cast me in a film, he had said at first glance.

He seemed to be occupied and distressed, indulged in the worries of something that was bothering him in his personal life.

He used to reside in Adabor during that time. After our first meeting, he would often call me to see him. I never hesitated to pick up the phone and dial his number, planning out hangouts in the Shyamoli-Dhanmondi-Shankar zone.

From saloons to restaurants, he left a mark anywhere he went, with his unearthly charm. Spending priceless moments together, we would plan for some of the most absurd meeting places – from getting haircuts together, to lavishly celebrating our victories and achievements.

I was always very keen about exploring Kausar bhai's inner being – his soul. Without the fear of filters or judgments, we would talk about planchets, and critique contemporary literature.

The more time we spent together, the more intimate we grew. Our age difference was never an issue.

It seemed like we were just looking for excuses to keep talking to each other, as our conversation topics ranged from Ritwik Ghatak's films to his traumatic experiences from the Liberation War to different languages and Korean films.

Kausar bhai loved going out, but he was very conscious when we were to step outside or face the camera. He was reluctant to go in front of anyone, without being his suave self.

He soon shifted to Mohua Apartments in Dhanmondi, and my visits became more frequent, as I live there too. He would often call me with small demands – cigarettes, biryani treats, or sodas. I would arrive at his doorstep after office, only to lose track of time as I would merge into his words.

Releasing two films wasn't easy by any means, but he taught me to be patient, and was always by my side when I needed support. "Don't be so compromising, Kallol, even your lungs and kidneys would fall short to quench the hunger of others", he kept telling me.

His words made me laugh, but I can't deny the truth that lied within his witty remarks and sarcastic comments. Kausar bhai must have read my hand 50 times, but always presented a smile when I inquired about my future.

I took him to a Korean restaurant in Gulshan once and I still can't forget his face, beaming with happiness, or his poses with his legendary hat, as we stopped at Hatirjheel to click photographs. 

My heart sank when I saw him eating cold rice upon arriving at his residence. I immediately rushed to Singer's showroom and bought him an oven. "Kallol is a magician," he had said to everyone that day, praising my affection towards him.

I had visited Kausar Bhai multiple times, even after joining The Daily Star. He was bedridden, but had agreed to shoot a multimedia episode, featuring his trademark horoscope predictions, with The Daily Star.

This was probably the last time he had appeared on the screen, before his fans. He had even written a few lines for my next film which he had shared with me last December. The lyrics, if I remember correctly, were:

Tui Je Kothay Geli Amake fele,
Tokei Bhabi Ami Shondha Hole,
Toke Khuji Ami Shokal Hole.

At one point, there was a misunderstanding between Kausar bhai for some reason. The melancholy took over so deeply, that I completely went blind and numb to all his efforts to reconcile or apologise.

Today, as he left on his ode to the gates of eternity, I wonder where to find his touch, his smiling face, and his words that have never forsaken my side.

I wish you all the happiness and peace, Kausar bhai. I might live with the burden of my unsolicited pride, but I hope you are well on the other side.

The author is the Editor of The Daily Star's Multimedia team.

Translated by Ashley Shoptorshi Samaddar