Chiranjeet completed his Higher Secondary from Mitra Institution (Main). He studied B.E. in Architecture at Jadavpur University, but did not appear for his final examination. He has worked for Desh magazine and as a newsreader on TV. He is also a famous stage artist. He is married and has a daughter.
He made his debut with the 1981 film Sonay Sohaga. But it did not make his career. He gained popularity after starring in Anjan Choudhury's 1984 film Shotru. His first solo hit was the 1985 film Antarale. After that, he had a series of hits like Pratikar, Paapi, Paap Punyo, Beder Meye Joshna, Amarkantak, Jibon Joubon, Bhoy, Shaitan, Pennam Kolkata, Beyadap, Tridhara, Jiban Yoddha, Phiriye Dao, Agnitrishna, Shakti, Rakta Nadir Dhara, Tomar Rakte Amar Shohag, Trishul, Chotushkone, etc.
He got a turning point after starring in Rituparno Ghosh's 2000 film Bariwali. He is considered to be one of the most successful actors in the history of Bengali Cinema.