The killing of Bangladeshi actor Shanto Khan and his father, producer Selim Khan, during the unrest in Bangladesh has shocked the Kolkata film industry. Members of the industry, many of whom had worked with Shanto, have expressed their sorrow and refrained from commenting on the internal political situation in Bangladesh.
Reactions from Kolkata Film Industry:
Rajatabha Dutta: The actor was stunned by the news of Shanto and his father’s deaths. He described Shanto as a cooperative and respectful individual during their collaboration on the film ‘Bikkhov’ (2022). Dutta expressed sadness over the tragic event, emphasizing the yearning for peace and harmony in the arts.
Kaushani Mukhopadhyay: She received the distressing news late Monday and has been deeply troubled since. Mukhopadhyay recalled Shanto’s hospitality during their filming for ‘Piya Re’ and his respectful attitude towards her. She expressed hope for the restoration of normalcy in the region.
Raj Chakraborty: The filmmaker was shocked by the deaths and reflected on the fond memories of working in Bangladesh. He condemned the violence and loss of life, emphasizing the impact on both the film industry and humanity.
Parambrata Chatterjee: The actor-director, who has worked on several Bangladeshi projects, denounced the violence and vandalism that occurred during the unrest.
Background on the Incident:
Shanto Khan and Selim Khan were reportedly lynched in Chandpur on Monday night. Selim Khan, who owned a notable production house, was previously an expelled member of the Awami League. His killing follows a period of heightened violence involving supporters of the party, after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation from the Awami League government.
