Congratulations -Happy Birthday, Jatra Empress Jotsna Biswas

Jotsna Biswas is a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s folk theatre and Jatra performance tradition, widely recognised for her long-standing contribution to stage acting. She is regarded as an established artist in the country’s folk drama sector, having built a career through sustained involvement in theatrical performance.

She was born on 2 May in the Sirajganj district of Bangladesh. However, she is also frequently associated with Manikganj due to family residence arrangements established later in her life. Her husband, the noted stage actor Nat Nata Amlendu Biswas, developed a permanent residence in the Jabra village of Manikganj to support Jatra artists, which contributed to this association. Despite this, her place of origin remains Sirajganj.

Jotsna Biswas is married to Amlendu Biswas, a well-known figure in Jatra theatre. Their family has been closely connected with the performing arts. Their daughter, Aruna Biswas, is a recognised actress in film and television, while their son, Mithu Biswas, works as a theatre director. The family has collectively maintained involvement in the cultural and performing arts sector of Bangladesh.

She began her acting career in 1960. Over the course of her professional life, she has performed in approximately three hundred Jatra productions. Her work is noted for strong stage presence, expressive acting style, and consistent character portrayal across a wide range of roles. These performances contributed to her recognition within the traditional theatre community.

In addition to stage performances, she has also worked in television and film productions. Her contributions extend to research and writing on folk culture, reflecting her broader engagement with traditional performance heritage. These activities have supported documentation and continuation of folk theatrical practices.

Her achievements have been formally recognised through several national and institutional honours. The most significant of these is the Ekushey Padak, awarded by the Government of Bangladesh in 2011. She has also received other honours from cultural organisations for her contribution to theatre and performance arts.

Selected Awards and Honours

At present, Jotsna Biswas resides in Toronto, Canada, with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Her career remains significant in the history of Bangladeshi Jatra theatre due to her extensive body of work and long-term involvement in stage performance and cultural activities.