Toofan has caused a storm in Bangladesh. How do you feel about the reviews on social media?

Of course, I am very happy to see the reviews and the different ways people express their love. I get emotional and grateful towards those who express their feelings about seeing me on screen. For this, I always express gratitude to the Almighty.

Toofan gets whatever it wants. Do you get everything you want in your personal life?

I haven’t yet accounted for everything in life. There hasn’t been time for that yet. No one gets everything in a lifetime. Life is a mix of fulfillment and some unfulfilled desires. But compared to my major achievements, minor setbacks seem insignificant at the end of the day. So far, I’ve received more than I’ve wished for.

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

I am always humbled by Shakibians’ love. I feel their love, but it’s hard to express everything in words. Wherever I’ve been around the world, I have received their love. I feel very fortunate because of their love. I want to live forever in this love.

Even after so many years, you still hold a significant position in the Bangladeshi film industry. Do you feel burdened by it?

(Smiling) I don’t feel any burden of the film industry or anything else on my shoulders. My feeling is for the fans’ love. As long as I live, I will continue to work for these loving people. I have dreamed for many years of seeing Bangladeshi films on a global platform. Initially, many thought I was just making tall claims and that it was impossible. But what I dreamed of is now happening. Our films are being officially released globally. Last year, the film Priyotama achieved great success globally. Our market acceptance has increased in places like New York, Toronto, London, Dublin, Venice, Sydney, Paris, and the Middle East. We will do even better in the near future. I believe that Bengali cinema is going to establish itself on a much larger scale globally. My dreams are being fulfilled one by one, and I am moving forward. The scope of my dreams is expanding.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a megastar in Bangladesh?

Not just in Bangladesh, but a major position comes with its advantages and disadvantages everywhere. Only those in high positions can understand this. Those close to them can feel it. Now our industry is moving to a better place, and globally our position is getting stronger. We are going through a great time post-COVID. For this reason, we are facing many obstacles, which I have been feeling a bit more lately. Inshallah, with the love of people, I will overcome all obstacles and reach my destination.

Why didn’t any other Bangladeshi star achieve your kind of success?

I didn’t come here to compete. Everyone is trying to do good work from their positions. People watch my movies, and they also watch others’ movies. I never saw it as a competition. From the beginning, I have tried to do my work correctly. Along with me, there are others like Arifin Shuvo from here, and from across the border, there are Prosenjit, Jeet, Dev—each a hero of Bengali cinema. Because of Bengali cinema, we receive people’s love. We need to move Bengali cinema forward and present it to the world.

Which recent Bollywood action film did you like?

Recently, I enjoyed the Bollywood action film Jawan.