His work continues to bridge cultures
Bangladeshi-Australian actor Arka Das is making his mark in the Australian film industry.
His latest film, My Melbourne, an anthology exploring race, gender, sexuality and disability, recently hit theatres across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
Directed by acclaimed Indian filmmakers—Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das and Onir—the film tells the stories of Australian immigrants.
Das plays Indranil, a character navigating the challenges of life in a multicultural society.
The film premiered at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024 and is set for an Indian release on March 14, 2025.
Das’ journey in the entertainment industry has been remarkable.
Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Arka Das moved to Australia as a child but has never lost touch with his roots.
Over the years, he has become a familiar face in international cinema.
He appeared in Lion, starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, and in UNindian, alongside cricket star Brett Lee.
His work continues to bridge cultures and bring immigrant stories to the forefront.
In 2023, Das was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at Australia’s prestigious Logie Awards for his performance in ABC’s Here Out West.
The film, which opened the Sydney Film Festival, delves into the food cultures of western Sydney’s diverse migrant communities.
Das described it as a story about family, generational gaps, and the struggles of immigrant families.
The film was later released on ABC’s streaming platform and received widespread acclaim.
Beyond film, Arka Das has proven his versatility in theatre.
He earned a Best Newcomer nomination at the Sydney Theatre Awards for his performance in Animals Out of Paper at Ensemble Theatre.
His work on stage has further cemented his reputation as a talented and multifaceted performer in Australian arts.
Das is also an accomplished writer and director. His short film Khana Khazana explored the lives of immigrant workers and won several awards.
Now, with support from Screen Australia, he is developing it into a feature-length film titled Khana.
The film will offer an intimate look into the Bangladeshi-Australian experience in Sydney, highlighting the community’s culture and struggles.
Recently, Das attended the Indian Film Bazaar in Goa to discuss marketing strategies for Khana.
Speaking about his roots, he said:
“No matter where I go, Bengali culture is always part of me. My work will always reflect that.”
His deep connection to his heritage is evident in his projects.
The actor incorporates Bengali dialogue in Australian films and also features Rabindra Sangeet in soundtracks.
Das has maintained ties with young Bangladeshi filmmakers like Nuhash Humayun.
Arka Das’ work is not just about representation—it is a reflection of his identity and a tribute to his heritage.
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