Written by Anurupa Chakraborty
Often called “King Khan” and “King” of Dhallywood–– the Dhaka based Bengali-language film industry––and sometimes called “Dhallywood Bhaijaan,” Shakib Khan is to Bangladesh what Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are to India. In an illustrious career spanning over two decades, Khan has acted in over 250 films, most of them critically acclaimed and commercial successes. Khan is the highest paid actor in Bangladesh, has won four national awards for acting, and his popular songs regularly inspire TikTok trends in the country. His latest release Toofan, much like its name, has taken Bangladesh by storm, and even revived the culture of night shows in the country. In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, Shakib Khan––the biggest superstar you have probably never heard of––talks about his stardom, the future of the Bangladeshi film industry and Bengali cinema, his latest blockbuster, and his take on competition. Edited excerpts below:
Toofan has stirred up a storm in Bangladesh. How do you feel about the reviews?
Shakib Khan: I am happy to see the reviews. I get emotional seeing it. Always grateful to the Almighty and those who express their love and feelings about seeing me on screen. Toofan gets whatever it wants.
Do you get everything you want in your personal life?
Shakib Khan: No one achieves everything in a lifetime. Life is a mix of fulfillment and some unmet desires. But, compared to my major achievements, minor setbacks seem trivial at the end of the day. So far, I’ve received more than I had hoped for.
Your fans are crazy about you. What do you want to say to them?
Shakib Khan: I am always humbled by Shakibians’ love. I feel their love, but it’s hard to express everything in words. Wherever I’ve been around the world, I’ve received their love. I feel very fortunate because of their love. I want to live forever in this love.
Even after so many years, you still hold a significant position in the Bangladeshi film industry. Do you feel burdened by it?
Shakib Khan: (Smiling) I don’t feel burdened by the film industry or anything else. My focus is on the love of my fans. As long as I am alive, I will continue to work for them.
What do you think of Bangladeshi cinema’s future?
Shakib Khan: For many years, I have dreamt of seeing Bangladeshi films on a global platform. Many thought I was making tall claims, that it was impossible, but now, what I dreamed of is happening. Our films are being officially released globally. Last year, Priyotama achieved great success worldwide. Our films are gaining acceptance in cities like New York, Toronto, London, Dublin, Venice, Sydney, Paris, and the Middle East. We will do even better. I believe Bengali cinema will establish itself on a much larger global scale. My dreams are being fulfilled one by one, and the scope of my dreams is expanding.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a megastar in Bangladesh?
Shakib Khan: A major position comes with its advantages and disadvantages everywhere, not just in Bangladesh. But only those, and people close to them, can understand it. Post COVID, our industry is going through a great time, moving to a better place. However, lately, I have been feeling we are facing many obstacles because of this. Insha Allah, with the love of people, I will overcome all obstacles and reach my destination.
Why didn’t any other Bangladeshi star achieve your kind of success?
Shakib Khan: I didn’t come here to compete. From the beginning, I have tried to do my work correctly. Everyone is trying to do their best. People watch all of our movies. There are others like Arifin Shuvo from here, and from across the border, there are Prosenjit, Jeet, Dev—all heroes of Bengali cinema. We receive people’s love because of Bengali cinema, and I believe together, we need to take Bengali cinema ahead and present it to the world.
