Meet Shakib Khan, the biggest superstar you’ve probably never heard of | Regional News

Khan is Bangladesh’s highest-paid actor, has won four national acting awards and his popular songs regularly inspire TikTok trends in the country. His latest album Toofan, just like its name, took Bangladesh by storm and even revived the night show culture 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 Bangladeshi film industry and Bengali cinema, his latest blockbuster and his take on the competition. Edited excerpts below:

Toofan has caused a storm in Bangladesh. What do you think of the criticism?

Shakib Khan: I am happy to see the reviews. I am moved when I see him. I am always grateful to the Almighty and those who express their love and feelings by seeing me on screen.

Toofan gets what he wants. Are you getting everything you want in your personal life?

Shakib Khan: Nobody achieves everything in life. Life is a mixture of achievements and unfulfilled desires. But compared to my big successes, small setbacks seem insignificant in the end. So far, I have received more than I had hoped for.

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Your fans are crazy about you. What do you want to tell them?

Shakib Khan: I am always touched by the love of Shakibians. I feel their love, but it is difficult to express it all in words. Everywhere I have been in the world, I have received their love. I feel very lucky because of their love. I want to live forever in this love.

Even after so many years, you still hold an important position in the Bangladeshi film industry.

Do you feel overwhelmed by this?

Shakib Khan: (smiling) I don’t feel burdened by the film industry or anything else. I focus on loving my fans. As long as I am alive, I will continue to work for them.

What do you think about the future of Bangladeshi cinema?

Shakib Khan: For many years, it has been my dream to see Bangladeshi films on a global platform. Many thought I was making fanciful statements, that it was impossible, but today what I dreamed of is coming true. Our films are officially released worldwide. Last year, Priyotama achieved great success all over the world. Our films are increasingly accepted in cities like New York, Toronto, London, Dublin, Venice, Sydney, Paris and the Middle East. We will do even better. I believe that Bengali cinema will establish itself on a much larger global scale. My dreams come true one by one and their scope expands.

What are the pros and cons of being a megastar in Bangladesh?

Shakib Khan: A major position has advantages and disadvantages everywhere, not just in Bangladesh. But only those and their loved ones can understand it. Post-COVID, our industry is going through great times and moving towards a better world. However, lately I feel like we are facing a lot of obstacles because of this. Insha Allah, with the love of people, I will overcome all obstacles and reach my destination.

Why has no other Bangladeshi star achieved such success?

Shakib Khan: I didn’t come here to compete. From the beginning, I tried to do my job correctly. Everyone is doing their best. People watch all our films. There are other people like Arifin Shuvo from here, and across the border there are Prosenjit, Jeet, Dev, all heroes of Bengali cinema. We are receiving love from the audience through Bengali cinema, and I believe that together we need to take Bengali cinema forward and present it to the world.

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