Himu's real name is Himalay. When Himu was young, his psychopath father killed his mother so as to prevent her from interfering with the way he intended to bring their son up. His father named him Himalay because the Himalayas symbolise greatness. He could have also been named Akash (sky), but the sky cannot be touched.
Of all the books Humayun Ahmed wrote, the ones on Himu were the most popular. The author was fortunate enough to witness people dressed up as Himu, when they came to visit him. Many fans would come to the Ekushey Book Fair, where most of his books were launched -- dressed in Himu's signature yellow panjabi.
“Aaj Himu'r Biye”, “Himu Remand-e”, Holud Himu Kalo Rab”, “Himu'r Neel Jochhona”, “Himu'r Achhe Jol”, Himu'r Moddho Dupur”, “Himu'r Baba's Kothamala”, “Himu'r Ekanto Shakkhatkar Ebong Onanyo”, “Himu Omnibus”, “Himu Mama”, “Sreshtho Himu”, Himu'r Dwitiyo Prohor”, ”Himu'r Rupali Ratri”, “Ekjon Himu Ebong Koyekti Jhijhi Poka” are just a few of the numerous accounts of the bohemian life of Himu, that has somehow or the other, made a place in the fantasies of an entire generation.
TV dramas were made on this character that Humayun immortalised.
Although it is mentioned in the novels that the name “Himu” is short for Himalay, Ahmed said that he actually derived Himu from his own name, Humayun. When asked whether Himu is his alter ego, he said that he is half Himu, and half Misir Ali (another popular character from his books).