He fell in love with acting in his childhood, specifically with stage performance. Through acting and recitation, he won multiple national and regional competition awards while still a student. Eventually, he stepped onto the long-desired path and got the opportunity to join one of the country’s leading theater groups, Lok Natya Dal. Since then, Rubel Shankar has been performing with great acclaim on stages both at home and abroad for nearly 25 years.
Rubel Shankar Biswas, popularly known as Rubel Shankar, has been a dedicated theatre artist for nearly 25 years. Since 2000, he has been a permanent member of Loko Natyadal, one of Bangladesh’s most renowned theatre groups, where he has not only performed on stage but also contributed significantly to its organizational activities. Serving as the Secretary (Press and Publication) for two decades, he played a crucial role in promoting and managing the group’s communications. Additionally, he has been actively involved with the Peoples Theatre Association (PTA), the largest and only children’s theatre federation in the country. Beyond his contributions to theatre, Rubel is also a skilled story-screenplay writer and director, further showcasing his versatility in the field of performing arts.
He has had a remarkable journey in theatre, performing in around fifteen stage plays, including notable productions like Kanjush, Toposhwi O Torongini, Majhraater Manushera (Nocturnal Wonderer), Lilaboti Akhyan (Tale of Lilaboti), Siddhidata, Sonai Madhav, Rathayatra, and Padma Nodir Majhi. With over a thousand stage appearances, his dedication to acting extends beyond theatre to television fictions and commercials. His artistic excellence has earned him widespread recognition and accolades both in Bangladesh and abroad.
As a cultural ambassador, he has represented Bangladesh on international platforms, performing in countries such as the USA, UK, Canada, France, Monaco, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and India. His continued contributions to the arts not only enrich the national theatre scene but also strengthen Bangladesh’s cultural presence worldwide. May his journey in the performing arts continue to thrive, further elevating Bangladeshi heritage on the global stage.
Actor Rubel and the Popular Kanjush
Following Bangladesh’s independence, the theatre movement gained renewed momentum, with Loko Natyadal emerging as a prominent troupe in the 1980s. Among its most celebrated productions is The Miser (Kanjush), originally written by Molière. Since its premiere in 1987, numerous actors have taken on the role of Laal Miah, but Rubel Shankar Biswas’s portrayal remains unmatched. The director of the play has acknowledged that while many actors have performed the role, Rubel’s rendition stands out as the most compelling.
His exceptional performance earned him international recognition, including the Outstanding Comedian award at the prestigious AACT World Fest 2014, held at Venice Theatre Stage in Florida, USA. Additionally, he received the Honorary Award during the play’s 500th show in 2006, the Outstanding Actor Award during the 600th show in 2012, and the Best Actor Award during the 700th show in 2017. Having appeared in over 300 performances of Kanjush, he has helped bring the play to more than 50 districts across Bangladesh and various international festivals.
Loko Natyadal’s remarkable success has elevated its actors to the highest tier of remuneration in Bangladesh’s theatre scene. Beyond its regular stage performances, the troupe actively engages in domestic and international events, along with corporate showcases, ensuring a steady revenue stream to support its members. As a senior performer and the lead actor in Kanjush, Rubel Shankar Biswas holds the prestigious distinction of receiving the highest honorarium within both the troupe and the country. His outstanding contributions and dedication to the craft have firmly established him as one of Bangladesh’s most revered theatre artists.
Rubel Shankar plays a significant role in nurturing Bangladesh’s theatre scene, particularly in children’s and adolescent theatre. As a Member of the Executive Committee of the People’s Theatre Association (PTA), he actively contributes to the country’s largest children’s theatre movement. He has performed with the PTA’s sub-group, People’s Repertory Theatre, and remains dedicated to providing theatre training to young talents across various districts and sub-districts.
His commitment extends to organizing and coordinating Bangladesh’s largest National Children’s Theatre Festival multiple times, ensuring its success with unwavering dedication. Beyond performing, Rubel has served as a jury member at numerous competitions, festivals, and workshops, including the Shilpakala Competition 2024, the selection of actors for Shobdo Natyacharcha Kendra, and Nandimukh Chattogram. His continuous efforts in theatre training, performance, and mentorship make him a key figure in Bangladesh’s theatre landscape.
