Ilias Kanchan

Idris Ali (born 24 December 1956), known by his stage name Ilias Kanchan, 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.

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. 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 Shakkhi ShadhinRubel Ankhi Milon Milon 2010 Mayer Swapno Also director 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) 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