Ilias Kanchan


Idris Ali, known by his stage name Ilias Kanchan, is a Bangladeshi actor and activist. He appeared in more than 300 films. He earned the Bangladesh National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement, the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Parineeta, and Best Supporting Actor for Shasti. He is a road safety activist in Bangladesh. He was awarded Ekushey Padak for his social service by the government of Bangladesh in 2018. He was the former president of the Bangladesh Film Artists' Association, the organisation of local film artists.
Debuting with the 1977 film Bosundhora, he was unsuccessful in finding himself a lead actor and had to star as a supporting character in films. He eventually rose to prominence and established himself as one of the top stars of the film industry in mid 1980s with films.
In the 1990s, he became a box office sensation as he starred in the highest-grossing film in Bangladesh till 2023. With this film he proved his worth as one of the top stars and continued to be successful with films.
After 2000, he has mostly reduced his work in films. Nonetheless, his films continue to be successful, and he has retained his status as a lead actor with films. In the meantime, he has successfully established his road activists organization, Nirapad Sarak Chai, which he started in 1993, into a massive cause. His other humanitarian work includes giving free driving lessons to needy people, and setting up schools in his neighourhood.
FB IliasKanchanFilmActor

Early life

Kanchan was born in Ashutipara, Karimganj, Kishoreganj, to Abdul Ali and Shorufa Khatun. He completed his higher secondary degree from Kabi Nazrul Government College in 1975. He graduated from the University of Dhaka from the Department of Sociology.

Career

Kanchan debuted his acting career in 1977 through his performance in the film Bashundhara, directed by Subhash Dutta. In 2015, he acted in a children's film, Ghuri, produced by Cinevision Bangladesh and written and directed by filmmaker Zafar Firoze.
On 28 January 2022, Kanchan became the president of the Bangladesh Film Artists' Association for the 2022–24 term after getting 191 votes. His rival, Misha Sawdagor, got 148 votes.

Personal life

Kanchan's first wife, Jahanara Kanchan, died in a road accident on 22 October 1993. He himself survived a road accident in 1989. He then established a social movement, Nirapad Sarak Chai. In 2017, the government of Bangladesh declared October 22 as the National Road Safety Day. Together they had a daughter, Israt Jahan Ima, and a son, Mirajul Moin Joy. Kanchan later married actress Parveen Sultana Diti, which ended in divorce.

Television

  • Obanchito
  • Charulota
  • Nijhum Aronno
  • Thandar kanddo
  • Bachar boro shadh cilo
  • Lal golap
  • Othocho
  • TucchoSecond Innings Moronottom Boiwala
  • ''Rupantor''

Awards