The highest paid actor and winner of the National Film Award, Shakib Khan rules the Bangladeshi film industry with his powerful acting. The famous actor recently took some time off to talk to The Daily Star about his professional life:

The word is that you are set to make your debut as film producer?

Shakib: Right. It is a long cherished dream of mine to produce films. I live and breathe cinema. The film industry has given me a great deal now it is my turn to repay the debt.

Who is the director of that film?

Shakib: Bodiul Alam Khokon, who has also directed many of my hit films. The movie is tentatively titled “Raja Handsome” where I will have two heroines as co-stars. The movie will be shot in Malaysia. It will take a few days to fine tune the details of the project.

How many of your movies have been released this Eid?

Shakib: There are a few: “Purnodairgho Prem Kahani”, with Jaya Ahsan as co-star. Then there's “Full and Final” where Boby is cast opposite me.

Do you regard anyone as a serious competitor in the film industry?

Shakib: I don't think so. I feel I am my own competitor. I am very dedicated to my work and want to excel my own performance all the time.

Tell us about the two TVCs you have done?

Shakib: I've been getting numerous offers for TV commercials over the years. But, I am not too interested in doing them. However, it was a new experience in my career.

You're also venturing into entrepreneurship. How did that begin?

Shakib: While I went abroad for shooting or on holidays, the buzzing food courts greatly impressed me. So I have set up a restaurant named “Hot Chicken” in Jamuna Future Park. The next branch will be in Uttara.

What is it like to be president of Chalachitra Shilpi Samity?

Shakib: As an artiste, I feel very proud to be in that rank, but it's also something I enjoy very much. As I am elected by artistes, I want to do something worthwhile for them.