Translated into Bengali by Nahar Trina.

How did Parwana Fayaz and Forugh Farrokhzad come into your life?

Farah Ahamed: I first came across Forough Farrokhzad at Soheila Sokanvari’s ‘Rebel Rebel’ exhibition at the Barbican Centre in London. The first photograph in the series was of Farrokhzad. His life story moved me deeply and I was keen to learn more about him. After reading some of Farrokhzad’s poems in the translation of Sholeh Wolp in The Markaz Review, they left a deep impression on me. Since then, I have been drawn to his life and work, including his poetry and films. I am inspired by the courage, confidence and determination he displayed when the state tried its best to silence him…