Shakib Khan is one of the biggest stars in Bangladeshi cinema, often referred to as "The King of Dhallywood". With a career spanning over two decades, he has starred in over 250 films and become a cultural icon in Bangladesh and West Bengal. This article will explore his life, career, and recent endeavors.
Early Life and Career
Born Masud Rana on March 28, 1979, in Gopalganj, Bangladesh, Shakib Khan's childhood was marked by frequent relocations due to his father's government job. His father, Abdur Rab, was a government servant, and these moves exposed the young Masud to a variety of environments and experiences. This early exposure may have contributed to his versatility as an actor later in life. He began his journey into the world of entertainment by taking a dancing course from choreographer and actor Aziz Reza in 1995.
Khan made his acting debut in 1999 with the action-romance film Ananta Bhalobasha. While his debut didn't bring immediate fame, he soon proved himself a talented and reliable actor. In addition to acting, Khan demonstrated an interest in other aspects of filmmaking early in his career. In 2014, he launched his own production company, SK Films. His breakthrough as an actor came with films like Shuva (2006), based on a Rabindranath Tagore novel, and Amar Praner Swami (2007), which earned him his first of eight Meril-Prothom Alo Awards for Best Actor.
Notable Films and Achievements
Shakib Khan has delivered numerous commercially successful and critically acclaimed films throughout his career. He has won four National Film Awards for Best Actor, showcasing his acting prowess and range. Some of his most popular movies include:
Film Title | Year | Co-stars | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Koti Takar Kabin | - | Apu Biswas | Major commercial success |
Pitar Ason | - | Apu Biswas | Major commercial success |
Tomar Jonno Morte Pari | - | Apu Biswas | Major commercial success |
My Name is Khan | - | Apu Biswas | Major commercial success |
Bhalobaslei Ghor Bandha Jay Na | 2010 | - | National Film Award for Best Actor |
Khodar Pore Ma | 2012 | - | National Film Award for Best Actor |
Purnodoirgho Prem Kahini | 2013 | - | First sequel in Khan's career, longest-running film of the year |
Aro Bhalobashbo Tomay | 2015 | - | National Film Award for Best Actor |
Shikari | 2016 | Apu Biswas | Commercial success, paired with his spouse |
Nabab | 2017 | Subhasree Ganguly | New look garnered praise, earned worldwide recognition |
Swatta | 2017 | - | National Film Award for Best Actor |
Bhaijaan Elo Re | 2018 | - | Success in India, considered one of his best performances |
Chalbaaz | 2018 | - | Success in India, considered one of his best performances |
Naqaab | 2018 | - | Success in India, considered one of his best performances |
Priyotoma | 2023 | - | Broke box-office records, highest-grossing Bangladeshi film of all time |
Khan's filmography is extensive and includes a variety of genres, from romantic comedies and melodramas to action thrillers. He has consistently delivered strong performances and captivated audiences with his charisma and on-screen presence. Notably, Priyotoma (2023) not only broke box-office records but also became the highest-grossing Bangladeshi film of all time, with a gross collection of ৳41.23 crore (US$3.4 million). This achievement solidified Khan's position as a leading figure in Bangladeshi cinema and demonstrated his enduring star power.
Recent Projects and News
Shakib Khan continues to be a prominent figure in the Bangladeshi film industry, with several recent and upcoming projects generating excitement among his fans. These include:
- Dard (2024): This film has received mixed reviews, with one critic stating that it "lives up to its name, painfully."
- Toofan (2024): This action film has been a commercial success.
- Rajkumar (2024): This film has been well-received by audiences.
- Agun, Sher Khan, Antaratma: These films are upcoming projects that Khan is currently involved in.
- Borbaad: This film, currently in production, was being filmed in Mumbai, India, where Khan suffered an injury on set.
- Toofan 2: While there have been conflicting reports about the release date, a sequel to the successful Toofan is in the works.
In addition to his film projects, Khan has also been expanding his business ventures. He recently acquired the Dhaka franchise in the Bangladesh Premier League through his company, Remark-Herlan. This move highlights his interest in sports and his entrepreneurial spirit.
On a different note, Khan has been involved in a controversy surrounding a sexual assault allegation. He has denied the allegations and the matter remains unresolved.
Other Ventures and Interesting Facts
Shakib Khan's influence extends beyond the silver screen. He has been involved in various other ventures, including:
- Film Organizing: He served as the president of the Bangladesh Film Artists Association after being elected in 2011.
- Stage Performances: Khan has participated in numerous stage performances, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer.
- TV Commercials: He has appeared in advertisements for brands like Asian Duplex City and Power energy drink.
- YouTube: Khan maintains a presence on social media platforms like YouTube, where he has two channels: "Shakib Khan Official" and one for his production house, SK Films.
- Sports Team Ownership: He is a partner in Champions Sports Ltd., which owns the Dhaka Capitals cricket team in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Some interesting facts about Shakib Khan:
- He has acted opposite 70 different heroines in his career, demonstrating his ability to collaborate with a diverse range of actresses and portray a variety of characters.
- He secretly married actress Apu Biswas in 2008, and they have a son together.
- He is known by nicknames like "King Khan" and "King of Dhallywood".
- He is 6 feet tall.
Popular Songs from Shakib Khan Movies
Music plays a significant role in Bangladeshi cinema, and Shakib Khan's films are no exception. Some popular songs from his movies include:
- "Moneri Govire" (sung by Andrew Kishore and Kanak Chapa) from the movie Kanak Chapa
- "I Love You Jaan" (sung by Andrew Kishore and Kanak Chapa) from the movie Romana
- "Premer Raja" (sung by Imran and Kona) from the movie Rodela Jannat
- "Mama Maw Maw" from the movie Captain Khan
- "Ami Tomar Moner Vitor" (sung by Habib and Nancy) from the movie Eai To Prem
- "Bhalobasha Hoye Jay" (sung by Atik Hasan and Doly Sayontoni) from the movie Full & Final
- "Jibon Amar Dhonno Holo" (sung by Asif Akbar and Mimi) from the movie My Name is Khan
- "Bhalobashar Prithibita Kokhon" (sung by Andrew Kishore and Samina Chowdhury) from an unspecified movie
- "Chokher Monite Tumi" (sung by Monir Khan, Anupama, and Samina Chowdhury) from the movie Jonmo
These songs, with their catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, have contributed to the popularity of his films and are enjoyed by fans across Bangladesh.
Conclusion
Shakib Khan's journey from a young boy with a passion for dancing to the "King of Dhallywood" is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. He has entertained millions with his films and become an integral part of Bangladeshi cinema. He has consistently pushed boundaries with his diverse roles and captivating performances, leaving an undeniable mark on the industry. While controversies may surround him, his contribution to Bangladeshi cinema remains significant. With several projects in the pipeline, Shakib Khan is poised to continue his reign as one of the most beloved and successful actors in Bangladesh and potentially expand his influence internationally.