Eminent writer and illustrator
Narayan Debnath
passed away on Tuesday morning. He was 96. The eminent writer was hospitalised on December 24 due to a prolonged respiratory illness. Eventually, other organs also got affected, according to the hospital sources. On Monday, his condition deteriorated and he was on ventilation support. Since morning he wasn't responding to the treatment.
His creations have been an essential part of childhood for many people. ‘Handa Bhonda’, ‘Bantul the Great’, ‘Nonte Phonte’, ‘Bahadul Beral’, ‘Detective Koushik Roy’ et al not only brought a big smile on the faces of kids but also the grown-ups for whom, these creations were more than cartoons. Like his numerous admirers, actress
Payel De
is also affected by his demise. Payel says, “I am deeply shocked by the news. It’s an irreparable loss for all of us. Narayan Debnath’s creations made our childhood really beautiful. I grew up reading
Bantul the Great
,
Handa Bhonda
,
Nonte Phonte
. Can’t imagine my childhood without him.”
Payel took a walk down memory lane and shared how she used to be elated if someone would give her ‘Bantul the Great’ comics on her birthday. “Getting Bantul the Great comic books as my birthday present or a gift after scoring well in exams used to make me really happy. Without him or his books, childhood wouldn’t be so beautiful. But to be honest, Handa Bhonda, Bantul the Great not only make kids happy. Even today, I equally enjoy these books,” says the actress who will soon be seen in ‘Sona Roder Gaan’.
Payel shared that she wants her son Merak to grow up holding the hands of Bantul, ‘Nonte Phonte’ or ‘Handa Bhonda’ just like she did. “As a mother, I want Merak to grow up reading books and Narayan Debnath’s creations will be an essential part of his childhood too,” she adds.
Narayan Debnath was honoured with several prestigious awards including Padma Shri, Sahitya Akademy Award, Banga Bibhushan Award. He received a D. Litt. degree too.
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