Dhiraj Bhattacharya’s 121st birth anniversary celebrated in Jashore

Speakers recall legendary actor-author’s cinematic legacy, tragic Mathin romance

Daily Sun Report, Jashore

Published: 05 Nov 2026, 06:03 PM Updated:

Dhiraj Bhattacharya’s 121st birth anniversary celebrated in Jashore

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The 121st birth anniversary of Dhiraj Bhattacharya, celebrated subcontinental actor, author, and native son of Keshabpur, was observed on Thursday through a discussion meeting and cultural programme at Panjia Secondary School in Keshabpur upazila.

Panjia Secondary School, where Bhattacharya began his early schooling, served as the venue for the event organised by Bashundhara Shuvosangho Keshabpur upazila unit.

Bashundhara Shuvosangho Keshabpur Upazila Unit General Secretary Principal Asim Kumar Ghosh chaired the session, while executive committee member Nurul Islam Khan, Jagannath University unit member Swastika Ghosh, and journalist Raihan Roni attended alongside teachers and students. Manab Mandal, assistant secretary of Panjia Sammilita Sahitya O Sangskritik Sangsad, moderated the discussion. Assistant Professor Tapas Mazumder, author of Bhattacharya’s biography, addressed the gathering as the keynote speaker.

Speakers—including the school’s acting headmaster Ujjal Banerjee, cultural forum president Nazrul Islam Khan, senior teacher Subrata Chakraborty, and eighth-grader Bidisha Banerjee Bindu—evaluated Bhattacharya’s multifaceted contributions to cinema and literature.

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Born on 5 November 1905 in Panjia village, Bhattacharya relocated to Kolkata with his family before partition. He initially joined the police department before establishing himself as a versatile cinematic figure, earning acclaim across the subcontinent in both heroic and antagonistic roles. His celebrated autobiographical memoirs include *Jakhon Police Chhilam* (When I Was a Policeman) and *Jakhon Nayok Chhilam* (When I Was an Actor).

The speakers highlighted Bhattacharya’s historic, tragic romance with Mathin, the daughter of a local Rakhine chief, while he was posted as an officer in Teknaf. Following his abrupt departure for Kolkata, a grief-stricken Mathin starved to death beside the Teknaf police station well—later immortalised as "Mathiner Koup"—a poignant chronicle frequently compared to eastern tragedies like Laili-Majnu and Shirin-Farhad.

The event concluded with a cultural performance presented by students, celebrating the artistic legacy of the school’s illustrious alumnus.

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Bashundhara Shuvosangho