“National Aunt” Dipa Khandakar, second innings of her career in a new identity

Staff Report: PNN

Popular small-screen actress Dipa Khandakar is now widely known not just as an actress, but as everyone’s “aunt.” Her recent role in the popular drama “Eta Amaderi Golpo” has made such a strong impression on viewers that people now address her as “aunt” in real life as well. From school guardians to shooting sets and personal gatherings, this new identity has followed her everywhere. With humor, Dipa says she has now become a “national aunt.”

However, there is also personal emotion attached to this role. Due to losing her elder brother in childhood, she never had the opportunity to become an aunt in real life. Therefore, after such a long acting career, being called “aunt” by audiences is one of the biggest gifts of her life.

Dipa Khandakar began her acting career in 1999 through television drama. Over nearly three decades, she has built a strong position in the industry. Although she has played many roles over her long career, this “aunt” character has brought her back into the spotlight in a new way. According to Dipa, this is the “second innings” of her acting career.

She believes the popularity of the drama is mainly due to its simplicity and realism. Everyday family moments, relationships, emotions, laughter, and conflicts have touched the hearts of viewers. The audience could relate the characters to their own families, which made the drama widely acceptable.

Due to this popularity, her workload has also increased. Recently, she has completed acting in several new dramas and telefilms, including “Madamer Driver,” “Sheshher Golpo,” and “Abar Hobe Dekha.” Her new project with veteran actor Afzal Hossain has also created interest among viewers.

Throughout her long career, Dipa has never considered quitting acting. For her, acting is not just a profession but a passion. She believes success comes through patience and continuous effort.

Currently, she is more interested in female-centric stories and strong characters. She wants to work in diverse roles in television drama, film, and OTT platforms. She considers renowned actress Dilara Zaman as her inspiration.

Smiling, Dipa says, “I have gone from heroine to sister-in-law, then aunt. In the future, I may become a mother, and then a grandmother.” For her, acting means discovering herself in new roles with time and age.