Shakib Khan remains the most prominent figure in Dhallywood, dominating the industry since 2008. Early in his career, he rose to fame alongside heroines such as Shabnur, Popy, Munmun and Moyuri.
Following the massive success of Koti Takar Kabin, Shakib formed a popular on-screen partnership with Apu Biswas, after which he became an informal decision-maker for many aspects of his films, including choice of heroine, story, director, dance director and cinematographer.
In conversations with The TIMES of Bangladesh, several producers who have recently worked with Shakib noted that the actor holds significant influence over the selection of heroines, though none were willing to speak on record.
After parting ways with Apu Biswas due to her personal reasons, Shakib worked with Bubly, a collaboration that also ended for similar reasons.
Since then, he has moved away from reliance on a single heroine and begun casting popular faces from Bangladeshi television, including Tanjin Tisha, Tasnia Farin, Jaya Ahsan, Nabila and Sabila Nur. Discussions have also taken place about working with Nazifa Tushi.
In 2023, ‘Priyotoma’ became a blockbuster, pairing Shakib with Kolkata actress Idhika Pal. Following this, he has shown a preference for casting Kolkata heroines.
In ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’, the heroine was Jyotirmayee Kundu, an emerging talent from Kolkata.
Reports also suggest that Shakib expressed interest in Pakistani actress Hania Amir after her appearance at a Sunsilk event last year, though a planned meeting with the ‘Soldier’ producer Hania did not materialise.
Discussions with Madhumita Sarcar, a well-known face from Kolkata serials, also fell through at the last moment.
Producers and directors face challenges meeting Khan’s preferences. Some Kolkata actresses reportedly demand high fees. Reportedly, Idhika Pal requested TK30 lakh for a film after the success of Priyotoma, driving production costs up.
There are also claims that Shakib can disrupt filming if a heroine outside his choice is cast. Even when working with actresses he prefers, complications reportedly arise.
During Prince, Tasnia Farin allegedly considered leaving the project but completed it at the producer’s request, reportedly maintaining minimal communication thereafter.
One producer commented that Shakib acts independently because he is the industry’s “hit machine”. Directors, who traditionally decide on casting, reportedly face difficulties if they do not follow his choices.
To ensure completion of projects and protect investments, producers often feel compelled to accommodate his demands.
