Mrinal (2-L, with dhol) in “Jibondhuli”.

Palakar Mrinal Dutta, an accomplished actor has worked in several government-funded films. His talent is recognised by both film lovers in the country and beyond.

Over the years, Dutta has drawn up an impressive line-up of films: “Rupantor” (2007), “Atmadan” (2008)”, “Shobhoner Swadhinata” (2010), “Mrittika Maya” (2011) and “Jibondhuli” (2011).

Dutta's debut film was “Rupantor”, scripted and directed by Abu Sayeed.  Film lovers acknowledged that he played his role of a Santal hunter superbly.

“Among the films sponsored by the government, 'Jibondhuli' was the most challenging. Scripted and directed by noted director Tanvir Mokammel, the film's subject is the massacre of Chuknagar in Khulna during the Liberation War and the lives of the dhaki and dhuli who lived there,” says Dutta.

“I was also selected to playback for a song in 'Jibondhuli' in 'Ore O Dada, Ami Jabo Shialdah'. I was thrilled when I was selected to sing. I am grateful to the director Tanvir Mokammel and music director Syed Shahab Ali Arju for giving me this great opportunity,” he adds.

Dutta, 40, also acted in “Madhumoti” (2008)written by Rabeya Khatun and directed by Shahjahan Chowdhury while “Gohine Shobdo” (2010) and “Jonaki'r Alo (2013)” were scripted and directed by Khalid Mahmud Mithu. The films were produced under the banner of Impress Telefilms.

 Dutta's running films are “Anil Bagchir Ekdin”, written by Humayun Ahmed and directed by Morshedul Islam; “Hori Jhupia”, a film based on ancient history, scripted and directed by Golam Mustafa Shimul; and “Bibek”, a government sponsored short-film, based on the story of Manik Bandapadhyay and directed by Saif Sumon.

Mrinal, an enlisted 'A' grade artiste in Bangladesh Betar for drama since 2006, has also acted in over 50 TV plays.

Dutta is also a prominent palakar in Mymensingh region. Before embarking on his journey to Dhaka for film and TV plays in 2003, Dutta and his troupe produced “Mahua Sundari”, “Malua Sundari”, “Dewana Madina”, “Chandrabati”, “Kajol Rekha”, “Bhelua Sundari”, “Sonai Madhab” and “Kamal Ranir Sagar Dighi” based on the important chapters of “Mymensingh Geetika” (indigenous compilation of the great bards).

“Mrinal and his troupe staged the palas from 'Mymensingh Geetika”. The pala goes back to ancient times when Bangalees lived in peace and harmony,” says SM Ali Azhar, secretary of Bidrohi Natya Goshthi.

“Mrinal and his co-artistes promoted these literary works under the banner of Mahua Shilpigoshthi, a cultural organisation of Mymensingh so that people could go back to their roots”, said Abul Mansur, president of Ensemble Theatre.

Dutta says that his government-sponsored films have made the rounds of the national and international film circuit though their small budget limited their screenings to only a few cinema halls in the country. He believes that the government and production houses should turn their sights to bringing these films to the masses.

On palas, Dutta says that folk plays have the potential to draw a huge audience. “As traditional culture forms a nation's identity, we should place it on the same platform as art films,” he asserts.

“Through sheer dedication, Mrinal has reached the heights of success,” says Abu Sayeed, director of “Rupantor”.