Actor with an edge
Chanchal Chowdury is an acclaimed TV actor. His talent extends to the silver screen as well and he is a recipient of the National Film Award. Having started his career in theatre, he took to singing as well. The Daily Star recently caught up with the actor about his buzzing career.
Where did you learn singing?
Chanchal: To tell you the truth, I never received formal training in singing. I learnt mainly by listening to music. I also had to sing occasionally for my role in a play named “Aranyak”.
Which song launched your career as a singer?
Chanchal: People discovered my talent as a singer when I rendered “Nethoya Patharey” in the film “Monpura”. Fazlur Rahman Babu also sang the song in the film.
Any albums to your credit?
Chanchal: Yes, a solo album named “Palki”. Besides, I sang in a few mixed albums. Meher Afroze Shaon and I sang a duet in a film called “Pita”.
How many TV plays did you do for Eid?
Chanchal: I played in 10 or 12 TV plays for Eid. I acted in five plays written by Brindaban Das. Like previous one, this year also I enacted different characters in Eid plays. It was interesting to have worked with a monkey in a play named “Banor Modhu”.
You recently played a role in a serial opposite film actress Purnima?
Chanchal: This was not my first role with her. I have acted opposite Purnima previously in a play. This time I played opposite Purnima in the serial “Gaim” that will go on air soon on Channel 9.
Any new films on the horizon?
Chanchal: I will act in new film named “Kanamachhi”, directed by Mostafa Kamal Raz. Shooting is to begin in September.
How much preparation usually goes into playing a character before a shoot?
Chanchal: I usually just read the script at length beforehand. This gives me a primary concept and my preparation, so to speak, starts from this stage. I usually rehearse by myself.
-With The Daily Star input
