“Elias Kanchan, iconic Bangladeshi actor and film producer, advocates for road safety, leaving a lasting impact on cinema and society.”
Birth Name : Idris Ali
Born : 24 December 1956 (age 67)
Place : Karimganj, Kishoreganj District , Bangladesh
Nationality : Bangladesh
Education :
BA (Sociology)
University of Dhaka
Occupation :
Film actor, director
Working life : 1977– Present
Representative : Artist Association President 2022 – 2024
Cause of familiarity :
Beder Meyea Jochna, daughter of Veda
Wants a safe road movement
Spouse :
Jahanara Kanchan (Maried 1979– Died 1993)
Parveen Sultana Diti
Child :
Son : Mirazul Moin Joy
Award and Honours :
National Film Award (2 times)
Bacchus Award
Ekushe Padak
About
Born on December 24, 1956, Ilyas Kanchan, formerly known as Idris Ali, is a renowned Bangladeshi film and theater actor. He holds the esteemed position of founding president at ‘Nirapada Sadak Chai’ (We Demand Safe Roads) and currently serves as the President of the Bangladesh Film Artists Association.
Kanchan initiated his film career in 1977 with the movie “Bashundhara” and has since become a pivotal figure in the Bangladeshi entertainment industry. With a portfolio of over 300 films, he is particularly celebrated for his role in the highly successful “Beder Mey Jochna” (1989), recognized as one of Bangladesh’s most commercially and popularly acclaimed films.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Ilyas Kanchan is dedicated to social service. Following the tragic loss of his first wife, Jahanara Kanchan, he founded the Safe Roads Movement, showcasing his commitment to promoting road safety. In acknowledgment of his significant contributions, the government of Bangladesh awarded him the Ekushey Padak in 2017, the country’s second-highest civilian honor. In 2021, he was also honored with the National Film Award in the Lifetime Achievement category, cementing his lasting impact on Bangladeshi cinema.
Throughout his career, Kanchan has held key positions within the Bangladesh Film Artists Association, including General Secretary and President. His multifaceted contributions in both the entertainment industry and social causes underscore his enduring influence and recognition in Bangladesh.
Early life
Elias Kanchan, born on December 24, 1956, in Ashutipara village, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh, is the son of Haji Abdul Ali and Sarufa Khatun. Completing his HSC at Kabi Nazrul Government College in 1975, he embarked on university studies at Dhaka University but did not complete his graduation.
Widely acclaimed as a Bangladeshi actor and film producer, Kanchan is a prominent figure in the country’s entertainment industry. Notably, he is also a passionate advocate for road safety, having founded the organization ‘Nirapada Sadak Chai.’ His impactful contributions have earned him accolades, including the Ekushey Padak in 2017 and a National Film Award in 2021.
Film career
Arrival in film (1977–1987)
In 1976, while residing in Old Dhaka, Elias Kanchan ventured into a stage play at Wapda Auditorium, catching the attention of Subhash Dutt, the guest of the event.
Impressed by Kanchan’s talent, Dutt handed him the script for his debut film, “Bashundhara” (1977), adapted from Alauddin Al Azad’s twenty-third oil painting novel. Co-starring with Babita, their collaboration continued in films like “Dumurer Phool” (1978) and “Sundari” (1979).
Noteworthy works during this period include “Last Answer,” “Nalish,” and the acclaimed “Abhiyan” (1984), where Kanchan’s performance stood out. In 1986, he earned the National Film Award for Best Actor in Alamgir Kabir’s “Parineeta,” co-starring with Anjana Rahman. The 1987 release, “Who is Responsible?” directed by Kazi Hayat, marked Kanchan’s first collaboration with Anju Ghosh.
Rise to popularity (1988–1997)
Elias Kanchan’s acting pinnacle spanned a decade, with 1989’s noteworthy “Veda’s Daughter Jochna” standing out. This extraordinary love story, featuring Anju Ghosh, catapulted him to heightened fame. Subsequently, he delivered a series of audience-favorite films, including “Conch Mala,” “Achena,” “Radha Krishna,” “Tyaga,” “Sepoy,” “Anonymous Badsha,” “Son of Love,” “Wet Eyes,” “Right of Blood,” “Extreme Injury,” “Kinship,” and “Vandalism.”
1998–2005
During this period, Elias Kanchan took breaks from acting, citing concerns about obscenity in films. In 2005, he received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Shashi,” directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam, based on Rabindranath Tagore’s story.
2006–2015
In 2006, Elias Kanchan featured in “Niantar,” directed by Abu Sayeed, gaining international acclaim. In 2008, he marked his directorial debut with “Baba Amar Baba.” Continuing his foray into filmmaking, he produced his second film, “Mother’s Dream,” in 2010.
2016– Present
In 2015, Shahadat Hossain enlisted Elias Kanchan for a film titled “Sudden Poem,” inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s work. Directed by Vidyut and Reshmi Mitra from Calcutta, the film, co-starring Debashree Roy, hit screens in 2017. Kanchan, founder of the Safe Roads movement, earned the Ekushe Medal in 2018 for his positive societal impact through the initiative, leading to the declaration of Safe Road Day.
The same year, he featured in the superhero film “Bijli,” directed by Iftekhar Chowdhury, released on Bengali New Year, with Bobby in the lead role and Kanchan as Bobby’s character’s father. Elected as the 17th president of the Bangladesh Film Artists Association in January 2022 with 191 votes, he had previously served as vice president from 1989 to 1991.
Family life
In 1979, Ilyas Kanchan tied the knot with Jahanara Kanchan, and their marital journey continued until 1983. Tragedy struck on October 22, 1993, when Jahanara lost her life in a road accident near Chandnaish, Chittagong, while en route to witness Ilyas’s film shoot in Bandarban. Overwhelmed with grief, Ilyas Kanchan, heartbroken by the loss, publicly declared his retirement from the film industry. Together, they had a son named Mirazul Moin.
Contribution to the Road Movement
Elias Kanchan remains actively involved in impactful social initiatives. Sadly, his wife’s demise in a road accident on October 22, 1993, led to the establishment of National Safe Road Day on that date. Following this tragedy, he founded Safe Road Chai (Nischa) on December 1, 1993, with the motto “Safe Roads, Safe Life.” The Nischa movement gained widespread recognition in Bangladesh, garnering support from various quarters.
Currently serving as the founding president and leader of the Safe Road Movement, Ilyas Kanchan played a pivotal role in initiatives such as creating four lanes on roads, installing dividers, eliminating hazards, and annually observing Safe Road Day. Recognizing these efforts, he was honored with the Ekushe Padak.
Additionally, on May 4, 2015, Ilyas Kanchan participated in the United Nations Road Safety for Our Children program, engaging with students and teachers from five schools in the capital under the slogan “We want safe roads for the future.” The United Nations commended the organization’s work.
National Road Day Proclamation
Since 1998, Nischa has consistently advocated for October 22 as National Safe Road Day. A significant step was taken on October 1, 2012, during a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity. Nischa called for the official declaration of October 22 as the National Safe Road Day and initiated public signature collection starting August 26 of that year.
Although the National Road Safety Council had declared October 22 as National Road Safety Day in 2002, Nischa sought mass signatures for official national recognition. Finally, on June 5, 2017, in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, October 22 was officially declared as National Safe Road Day. The inaugural celebration featured the theme ‘Drive carefully, return home safely.
Reaction of road transport workers
Ilyas Kanchan faced threats due to the road safety movement. In response, the Bangladesh government enacted the Road Transport Act in 2018 after two students tragically died in Dhaka. Effective from November 1, 2019, the law increased penalties for violations. Following this, the Transport Owners-Workers Union Parishad called for an indefinite transport strike in Dhaka, declaring Ilyas Kanchan unwanted in all bus terminals nationwide.
During the movement, his images were burned in Jatrabari in Khulna and Dhaka. The new road law, after several delays, took effect on November 18. On November 19, the Bangladesh Truck and Covered Van Owners and Workers Union Parishad initiated an indefinite strike, during which Ilyas Kanchan was denigrated through banners, effigies, and shoe garlanding.
Notable 20 Films
Bashundhara (1977) , Dumurer Phool (1978) , Sundari (1979) ,Last Answer ,Nalish
Abhiyan (1984) , Beder Mey Jochna (1989) , Conch Mala . Achena , Radha Krishna
Tyaga , Sepoy , Anonymous Badsha ,Son of Love , Wet Eyes , Right of Blood
Extreme Injury , Kinship , Vandalism , Sudden Poem (2015)
Okie Garial Vai , Kashem Malar Preme.
These films showcase the diversity and depth of Elias Kanchan’s contributions to the Bangladeshi film industry.
Bangladeshi Super star and he is a very good man.
Loved him like anything