Veteran Bengali writer Buddhadeb Guha died of post-COVID-19 complications at a private hospital in Kolkata on Sunday after a massive cardiac
arrest, his family said, reports PTI. He was 85.

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“Buddhadev Guha is no more. He was blessed as to be one with the Divine on the night of Janmashtami (Lord Krishna’s birthday) 2021.Do join his family and friends in celebrating his life,” his elder daughter Maleni B Guha also posted in social media.

He was the author of many notable works such as `Madhukari’ (Honey Gatherer) and his works of fiction reflected his closeness
to nature and forests of eastern India.

He was suffering from post-COVID complications and had been hospitalised earlier this month after complaining of
breathlessness and urinary infection, his family said.

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He had earlier suffered from COVID-19  in April and had been
hospitalised for 33 days. Guha was predeceased by wife, eminent Rabindra
Sangeet exponent Ritu Guha in 2011 and left behind two daughters, reports PTI.

The acclaimed writer had spent his
childhood in Rangpur and Barisal districts of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). His novels and short stories have been highly acclaimed by
critics, winning him fans across the sub-continent and several awards including
Ananda Purashkar in 1976, Shiroman Purashkar and Sharat Puraskar.

His important works besides `Madhukari’ include `Koeler
Kachhe’ (Near the Koel bird) and `Sobinoy Nibedon’ (Humble Offering).

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An award-winning Bengali film ‘Dictionary’ was made based on
two of his works `Baba Howa’ (Being a Father) and `Swami Howa’ (Being a
Husband).

He was also a popular children’s writer creating the
fictional character Rijuda, a hunter-turned-conservationist and his side-kick
Rudra.