Chanchal Chowdhury first caught public attention with his appearance in a Grameen Phone TV commercial. He then used his theatre experience to build a career in TV
dramas as well. His performance in the movie “Monpura” cemented his position as an all-rounder actor. A subsequent appearance in the film “’Moner Manush” and numerous
TV dramas later, he is now a household name.
The actor talked to The Daily Star about the serial “Haar Kipta” and his other acting assignments:
Tell us about “Haar Kipta”.
Chanchal: The serial is scripted by Brindabon Das and directed by Salahuddin Lavlu. We have been shooting this serial for over a year now. I play the role of Bohor —
a very funny character. My personal opinion on the serial is that after a long time, I found the combo of a brilliant story and an interesting character.
Where did you shoot for “Haar Kipta”?
Chanchal: In Pubail, Gazipur.
You are a frequent face in Salahuddin Lavlu’s works. Why is that?
Chanchal: First of all, I am a theatre actor, so is Salahuddin Lavlu. The director prefers to work with Brindabon Das who also comes from a theatre background. Maybe
this is the reason why Salahuddin Lavlu can bring out the best from an actor. This may be a reason also why I prefer working with him. And from my experience with him,
I can say that we hold similar opinions on many things. Now, I work in almost every project of his.
What are you working on now?
Chanchal: Several serials. Rtv is airing the serial “Oloshpur”; Boishakhi TV is airing “Pathorer Kanna”; Channel i is telecasting “Lonka Kando”; while I’m also working
on a new serial called “Protishodh”. Meanwhile, the airing of “Shobuj Nokkhotro” also finished recently. I also plan on working on a new serial by Syed Shakil, which
has been written by Brindabon Das.
Why do you usually choose dramas set in rural areas?
Chanchal: The directors can answer this better. It is they who cast me in the roles. But I’m more comfortable in rural roles, as I grew up in a village.
Any update on the movie you’re doing?
Chanchal: I’m working in Mostafa Sarwar Farooki’s “Television”. The shooting has already been completed; now editing is on. I play the role of a village youth.
Many of your contemporaries are now into direction. How tough do you think direction is?
Chanchal: I congratulate my contemporaries who have taken up direction. I believe that the task of direction is the hardest of all. But that doesn’t mean acting is
just a walk in the park.
Are you also busy with theatre?
Chanchal: I belong to the theatre. I work with Aranyak Natya Dal and have been active on the stage for over 15years. No matter how busy I am with TV serials and films,
I will always keep on working on the stage.
Do you get any break from your busy schedule?
Chanchal: Not really. In the days when I get some time off, I prefer to stay at home, and give my child some time. On some occasions, I also choose to strike up adda with my close ones.
-With The Daily Star input
