There was a time when Shakib Khan avoided working on films without a specific leading lady. Whether it was Shabnur, Poppy, Sahara, Apu Biswas or Bubly, whenever a film with a local heroine became a hit, he would continue pairing with her.
He has acted in multiple films with all of them. Recently, however, he has stepped away from this pairing tradition. He is taking on a new heroine in almost every film.
Apart from Mehazabien, he has worked with nearly all of the country’s leading television actresses. This time, he seems to be leaning towards foreign heroines.
The TIMES of Bangladesh reported last August that he wanted to work with an Indian or Pakistani actress for his next Eid-ul-Fitr release.
The report stated that Shireen Sultana, producer of Abu Hayat Mahmud’s ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’, had been in discussions with several Pakistani actresses. Saba Qamar, Maya Ali, Mahira Khan and Hania Amir were on that list.
Although the name of Madhumita Sarkar, a popular television actress from Kolkata, was initially heard in connection with the project, and even Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra was mentioned, Shakib eventually set his sights on Pakistan for “special reasons”.
Recently, in a video by YouTuber Rafsan the Choto Bhai, Shakib revealed that he is in talks with Pakistani actress Hania Amir for a film. However, he did not disclose details regarding the project or its director.
According to TIMES’ investigation, Shakib originally wanted Hania Amir as the leading lady for Prince.
Hania recently visited Bangladesh as a brand ambassador for Sunsilk, during which she met Shakib. Reportedly, she expressed strong interest in working with him. However, no final agreement has yet been reached, and therefore no official announcement has been made.
Furthermore, the film’s producer Shireen Sultana told TIMES that a large portion of the film will be shot in India. “So even if we want to, we cannot work with a Pakistani artiste. Perhaps a Pakistani actor will appear in another project in the future,” she explained.
However, sources close to Shakib say that he wants Hania Amir for one of his upcoming films. In that case, she may be seen in an Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ul-Azha release next year. Only an official announcement awaits.
