Renowned actor Chanchal Chowdhury has long captivated audiences and critics alike with his versatile performances across stage and screen. Now, he is set to showcase yet another facet of his artistic talent: playback singing in Bengali cinema. Chowdhury will lend his voice for the first time in the film Shekhar, directed by Bratya Basu, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The production house Friends Communication announced on social media that Chowdhury has already recorded two songs for the film, with music composed by Prabuddha Bandyopadhyay. Behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal the actor meticulously practising his vocal renditions, demonstrating the same dedication that has defined his acting career. According to the producers, “Shekhar is an imaginative and timeless love story by Bratya Basu, and Chanchal’s foray into playback singing introduces an exciting new dimension to Tollywood cinema.”
Chowdhury himself described the two tracks as modern reinterpretations of classic Baul songs. The first is Vijay Govind’s Ei Prithibi Jemon Ache Temoni Thik Robe, and the second, Goshtho Gopal Das’s O Jibon Re Chhariya Na Jao More. He explained, “While filming, I felt that these songs would add depth to the narrative’s emotional landscape. When I suggested singing them myself, the director immediately agreed.”
In the film, Chowdhury portrays Indra, a factory worker grappling with his father’s deteriorating memory. Drawing on his own familial experiences, the actor has connected deeply with the character, bringing an additional layer of authenticity to his performance.
Filming for Shekhar concluded in October of last year, featuring an ensemble cast including Loknath De, Seema Biswas, Ambarish Bhattacharya, Riddhi Sen, Angana Roy, and Anusua Majumdar. This project marks Chowdhury’s first collaboration with Basu, who previously directed films such as Dictionary and Hubba with Mosharraf Karim. The film is slated for release in 2026.
Key Film Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Shekhar |
| Director | Bratya Basu |
| Production House | Friends Communication |
| Music Director | Prabuddha Bandyopadhyay |
| Playback Singer | Chanchal Chowdhury |
| Lead Actor | Chanchal Chowdhury |
| Supporting Cast | Loknath De, Seema Biswas, Ambarish Bhattacharya, Riddhi Sen, Angana Roy, Anusua Majumdar |
| Source Material | Drabmoi’r Kashibas and Dadu by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay |
| Expected Release | 2026 |
Shekhar promises to highlight Chanchal Chowdhury’s dual talents in acting and singing, offering Tollywood audiences a unique and eagerly anticipated cinematic experience. The combination of a compelling narrative, soulful music, and the actor’s heartfelt performances is expected to make the film a standout cultural event next year.