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Chayanika Chowdhury: A 25-Year Journey behind the camera

Published : Saturday, 19 September, 2026 at 12:00 AM

Farhana Naznin

Twenty-five years ago, on September 18, 2001, Chayanika Chowdhury stepped behind the camera for the first time to direct the drama Shesh Belay. She began that journey with a nervous heart and countless dreams. Two and a half decades later, she has directed more than 400 television dramas and two films-Bishwoshundori and Prahelika. Yet, despite making her mark on the big screen, television drama has remained at the centre of her creative journey.

Rather than celebrating her silver jubilee with a grand event, Chayanika chose to mark the milestone through what she knows best-telling stories. On the occasion of completing 25 years as a director, four of her new dramas are being aired on four television channels on the same day.

For Chayanika, however, the journey is far from complete. Even after 25 years, she says the excitement and nervousness of starting a new project still reminds her of the first day.

WO: After 25 years, what does this milestone mean to you?
Chayanika: Time passes so quickly. It feels like only yesterday that I stood behind the camera for my first shoot. Even today, whenever I begin a new project, I feel the same nervousness I felt on that first day. The reason is simple-I still believe I have not yet given my best work. There is still something better to create and something more to give.

WO: You are marking the anniversary with four new dramas. Why did you choose new work instead of a celebration?

Chayanika: My work is almost like a prayer to me. Twenty-five years did not pass only with success. There were love, support and appreciation, but there were also storms, pain, tears, humiliation and criticism. So I did not want to limit this anniversary to memories or a celebration. I wanted to make something for the audience who have loved and supported me throughout these years.

The four dramas are Shomoy Ektu Thamo, Bishonno Megh, Jyotsnay Fera and Prothom Dekhar Por. Shomoy Ektu Thamo, written by Iffat Arefin Tonni, stars Afzal Hossain, Zakia Bari Mamo, Rosie Siddiqui and Farzana Chobi and is being aired on Channel i. ATN Bangla is airing Bishonno Megh, based on a true incident witnessed by Chayanika and scripted by Tonni, featuring Irfan Sajjad, Zakia Bari Mamo, Sadia Ayman and Dolly Zahur. Jyotsnay Fera, written by Shafiqul Rahman Shantanu, is being aired on Boishakhi TV, while Maasranga Television is showing Prothom Dekhar Por, written by Ahmed Toukir. The dramas will subsequently be available on different YouTube channels.

WO: What do you remember about your first opportunity as a director?

Chayanika: Although Shesh Belay was my first shoot, my first aired drama was Ek Jibone. It was produced by Ad Media and aired on Bangladesh Television on October 28, 2001. I will always remain grateful to those who gave me my first opportunity, particularly Mujibur Rahman of Light & Shade and Zaydan Rabbi and Tomalika of Ad Media. Having ability is not enough; you also need a platform to prove yourself. They gave me that platform.

Before directing, I started writing scripts. My journey as a scriptwriter began with Bodh in 1998. Gradually, directing became the main identity of my life.

WO: Who were important companions in your early directing journey?

Chayanika: At that time, many established and popular actors worked with me even though I was a new director. Imdadul Haq Milan, Mahfuz Ahmed, Opi Karim, Srabanti, Shahed, Ishita and Jaya Ahsan were among the artists who supported my early work. They were already established stars, while I was new. Their trust meant a lot to me, and I remain grateful.

Over the years, I have also developed a special bond with many artists. I have worked most frequently with Ziaul Faruq Apurba among male and female actors combined. Among supporting actors, I have worked with Abul Hayat in more than 250 dramas. Sharmili Ahmed acted in around 270 of my dramas, while Dolly Zahur has appeared in 223.

WO: As a woman director, what challenges did you face?

Chayanika: A director has no gender. A director is simply a director. But as a woman working as a director, I certainly experienced challenges, especially at the beginning. Some people wondered whether a woman could direct and how she would manage everything.

But my family taught me to concentrate on whatever I do and to do it well. When I began directing, I enjoyed the work. The appreciation I received from my early projects made me realise that I had to become even more sincere, careful and responsible.

WO: What helped you stay in the profession for 25 years?
Chayanika: There were many difficult moments, but I never allowed them to stop me. Along the way, there were always people who extended a helping hand at different turning points. Those people are blessings in my life. I do not consider my journey a success achieved alone. Producers, writers, actors, technicians, television channels and, above all, the audience have all contributed to it.

WO: Who inspired your creative journey?

Chayanika: My parents played a major role. With my mother, I watched films by Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen and many other meaningful films. With my father, I went to cinemas and watched commercial films. So from childhood, I experienced both artistic and popular cinema. Later, both experiences helped me understand storytelling and audiences.

I have also learned from the works of Aparna Sen, Rituparno Ghosh, Mustafa Kamal Syed, Humayun Ahmed and many others. Afzal Hossain has also given me tremendous professional and personal support. I have learned from many actors as well.

WO: What are your plans for the future?

Chayanika: I still do not feel that I have reached my destination. I want to work in television, films and OTT. But whatever the platform, people, relationships and emotions will remain important in my stories.

My work is my love and my prayer. I feel blessed that after 25 years I can still create stories for audiences. If the Almighty allows and I remain sincere to my work, no one can stop the journey. I still have many things to say, create and learn.