Arka Das, a Chattogram native, is making waves in the Australian film industry. His latest film, "My Melbourne", an authentic anthology exploring race, gender, sexuality, and disability through diverse stories, was released yesterday across theatres in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Das plays Indranil, and the film tells the stories of the lives of Australian immigrants. Directed by some of India's top filmmakers—Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Rima Das, and Onir—the film premiered last year at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. 

"So we are still in development at the moment there is no release date yet. I was in india at the film bazaar just for meetings and development, said the director to The Daily Star.

Das' journey in Australian cinema has been notable. He appeared in major international films, including "Lion", starring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel, and "UNindian", featuring cricket star Brett Lee. His latest project, "My Melbourne", further solidifies his presence in the industry.

In 2023, Das was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at Australia's prestigious Logie Awards for his role in ABC's feature film "Here Out West". The film opened the Sydney Film Festival and explores the food cultures of various migrant communities living in western Sydney, including Bangladeshi, Indian, Kurdish, and Vietnamese. In a local interview, Das explained, "The film is about family, generational gaps, and the realities faced by migrant communities." The film earned praises from critics and later debuted on ABC's streaming service.

Not just limited to film, Das has also gained acclaim in theatre. He was nominated for Best Newcomer at the Sydney Theatre Awards for his performance in "Animals Out of Paper" at Ensemble Theatre. His stage work reflects his versatility as an actor, further expanding his impact on the Australian arts scene.

With over a decade of experience as a writer, director, and actor in Australian television and film, Das continues to push boundaries. His short film "Khana Khazana" on the lives of immigrant workers, which he wrote and directed, won awards at various film festivals. 

Recently, Screen Australia provided funding to develop "Khana Khazana" into a feature film, which will be titled "Khana". This feature will spotlight the lives and cultures of Bangladeshi-Australians, presenting an intimate look at the immigrant experience in Sydney.

While details about "Khana" remain under wraps, the film has already sparked international interest. Das was recently in Goa for the Indian Film Bazaar (IFB) to discuss marketing strategies for the film. When asked about the project, Das said, "I was born in Bangladesh, so wherever I go or whatever I do, Bengali culture is always there. In my stories, my writing, my creations—Bangladesh is always present. It will stay the same in this upcoming film as well."

Das' roots have played a significant role in shaping his artistic career. The son of Ajay Dasgupta and Deepa Dasgupta, he often weaves Bengali culture into his work. Whether it's incorporating Bengali dialogue in Australian cinema or including Rabindra Sangeet in his soundtracks, Das' love for his heritage is unmistakable, as per Prothom Alo.

Reflecting on his early years, he told the media, "We lived in Love Lane in Chattogram." His family moved to Australia when he was in the second grade, but the memories of Bangladesh remain vivid. He's maintained connections with young filmmakers like Nuhash Humayun and others, expressing a desire to work in his homeland someday.

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