Idris Ali (born 24 December 1956), 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 (2021), the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Parineeta (1986), and Best Supporting Actor for Shasti (2005). 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 Artistes 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.

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 (born March 3, 1964), died in a road accident on 22 October 1993. His children were also in the accident but they survived. He himself survived a road accident in 1989. He then established a social movement, Nirapad Sarak Chai (We Demand Safe Road). 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.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1977 Bashundhara ZahedDebut film 1978 Dumurer PhulHasan 1979 Sundori Kanchan 1980 Shesh Uttar Rahman1981Bhalo ManushShawonShakkhi Kalmilata Oli 1982 Nalish Boro Barir Meye 1983 Mohona: The Mouth of a River Sikander Shamim 1984 Abhijan Ratan 1985 Tin Konya Insaaf 1986 Hum Ek Hayn Tauba Parineeta Shekhar Roy Bishkonnar Prem 1987 Protirodh Dayee Ke? Faruk Sahajatri 1988 Adil Hushiar Zabardast Bheja Chokh Jibon 1989 Bidhata Durnam Nikah Beder Meye Josna Prince Shahjada Anwar Boner Moto Bon 1990 Ghor Amar Ghor Apon Ghor Shonkho MalaShadhinRubel Ankhi Milon Milon 1991 Swashur Bari Rajar Meye Bedeni Nayjuddho Bap Beta 420 Streer Paona Robin Ochena Akash Ahmed 1992 Maa Mati Desh Chakor Radha Krishna Krishna Beporowa Milon Premer Protidaan Sipahi1993 Voyangkor Saat Din 1994 Golapi Ekhon Dhakay Oli Commander Biplob1995 Adorer Sontan Raju 1996 Swajan1997 Ondho Bhalobasha Doya Maya Shei Toofan Nirontor Dabir Atto Biswas Servant Sohrab Rustom Sohrab Banasree Body Guard Bachar Lorai Amma 2001 Chairman2003 Ora Shahoshi Kalu Gunda Mone Rekho Prithibi Munafik Golaguli Tyag Shot Manush Chorom Aghat Ashol Paisha Bod Sudrot Ai Niye Songshar Meyer Odhikar Bhai Keno Ashami Mohoth Mukho Mukhi 2004 Shasti Dukhi Ram Rui Gupto Ghatok Ashami Greftar Amar Adalot Ochin Desher Rajkumar Bashi Wala I Love You Gariyal Bhai Shukher Ghore Dukher Agun Ondho Bhalobasha Shesh Uttar Durjoy 2008 Baba Amar Baba Also director 2010 Mayer Swapno Also director 2015 Ghuri Epar Opar 2016 Hothat Dekha 2018 Bizli 2023 Fire Dekha 2023 Netri - The Leader

Television

Obanchito Charulota Nijhum Aronno Thandar kanddo Bachar boro shadh cilo Lal golap Othocho Tuccho Second Innings (2014) Moronottom (2021) Boiwala (2022) Rupantor (2024)

Awards

Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actor (1986) Bachsas Award Zia Gold Award Sher-e-Bangla Smriti Padak Chalachitra Darshak Award Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Association award National Journalist Welfare Sangstha award Dhaka City Corporation Nagar Padak Nivetha Singapore Award Voyage of America Award Bangladesh Cultural Movement award Dhaka Juba Foundation Award

References

External links