Members of the Kolkata film industry were left reeling on Wednesday following the tragic news of the killing of Bangladeshi actor Shanto Khan and his father, producer Selim Khan. The incident occurred amid ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, casting a shadow over the film community.
Many Kolkata-based actors, who have collaborated with Shanto Khan on various Bangladeshi film projects, have expressed their shock but opted to refrain from commenting on the underlying causes of the violence, citing it as an internal matter of Bangladesh.
“Shocked and Saddened by the News”
“I was stunned to learn about the deaths of Shanto and his father,” said renowned actor Rajatabha Dutta. “We are unaware of the circumstances surrounding their deaths, but it deeply saddens me to hear of their loss. As artists, we cherish peace, amity, and brotherhood.”
Dutta, who worked with Shanto on the 2022 film “Bikkhov” (Resentment), recalled the young actor’s professionalism and kindness. “During our shoot in Chandpur for the movie, Shanto took personal care of my needs and was attentive even at the hotel. It’s tragic that he had to die at such a young age when his career was on the rise,” Dutta added. He chose not to comment on the current situation in Bangladesh.
A Rising Star’s Legacy
Shanto Khan made his debut in 2019 with “Prem Chor” and went on to star in “Piya Re” (2021), “Bubujaan” (2023), and “Anto Nagar” (2024). His recent work in the film “Tungiparar Miya Bhai,” where he played a young Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, had garnered critical acclaim.
Actress Kaushani Mukhopadhyay, who starred opposite Shanto in “Piya Re,” shared her distress over the news. “I received the deeply disturbing news late Monday night and have been troubled ever since,” she said. Mukhopadhyay fondly remembered Shanto’s hospitality during their shoots in Chandpur and Dhaka, highlighting his respectful and ambitious nature.
Industry Reactions
Filmmaker Raj Chakraborty expressed his shock, stating, “Any death, whether that of a student, policeman, actor, producer, or political activist, is distressing. We all have cherished memories of working in Bangladesh. This reaction comes not just as a film industry stakeholder but as a human being and an Indian citizen.”
Actor-director Parambrata Chatterjee, who has also worked extensively in Bangladesh, condemned the violence and vandalism of iconic statues amid the turmoil.
Details of the Incident
Shanto Khan and his father, Selim Khan, were lynched in Chandpur on Monday night. Selim Khan, who owned a prominent Bangladeshi production house, had financed films such as “Tungi Parar Miya Bhai” and “Commando.” He was also an expelled member of the Awami League, whose supporters have been facing attacks in recent days.
The violence coincided with a significant political development: Sheikh Hasina, leading the Awami League government, resigned on Monday.
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