By Ahmed Zaman Shimul
Dhallywood’s reigning ‘Prince’ is living up to his title. Shakib Khan will lead ‘Prince: Once Upon a Time in Dhaka’, a high-octane Eid-ul-Fitr release directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud and he is bagging one of the biggest paydays in Bangladeshi film history.
Producer Shirin Sultana confirmed Shakib’s casting days ago and sources say the first-look poster and official title reveal are just around the corner.
The film, once announced with Shariful Raj, was rumoured to be based on underworld kingpin Kala Jahangir. The makers now insist it’s pure fiction: a glossy, larger-than-life drama set in 1990s Dhaka, promising crime, romance, action and family fireworks “from Gulistan to Gulshan.”
Shakib’s cheque is making headlines too. After asking for Tk 3 crore, he agreed to Tk 2.5 crore, with Tk 2 crore already paid upfront.
Initially, Kolkata TV star Madhumita Sarkar was tipped to star opposite Khan. But the superstar has reportedly vetoed both Bangladeshi and Indian actresses, pushing instead for a Pakistani lead actress. The production team is already in talks with several names to meet his demand.
Currently in the US to meet his green card requirements, Shakib is spending time with son Shehzad Khan Bir and ex-wife Bubli. He is due back next month, with filming on Prince set to kick off in October.