director Abul Khair Bulbul noticed Khan and offered him to play lead role in his film and he accept the offered. Although eventually the production of the film did not began. Later he get an offer for Rafiqul Islam's 1998 romantic project Sobai to Shukhi Hote Chay directed by Aftab Khan Tulu. Khan accepted the offer and first time stand on camera. The film was delayed being release, which was later released in the following year. At that time, director Sohanur Rahman Sohan was looking for a new hero due to a dispute with actor Shakil Khan. In two deferent interviews with Kaler Kantho and Chiti Aziz Reza said that he very much requested Sohanur Rahman Sohan to give a chance Shakib Khan in his film. Sohan agreed to his request and asked to bring Shakib Khan to their office. Sohan then gave him a chance as a lead actor for his upcoming project and later made his debut with Ananta Bhalobasha (1999) directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan. He was paid only 5,000 for those initial films. Shakib Khan said about his wish, Career 1999–2005 Shakib Khan was first contracted sign in the film Sobaito Sukhi Hote Chay (Everyone Wants To Be Happy), he was first to stand in front of the camera with this film, which was directed by Aftab Khan Tulu, another newcomer Karisma Sheikh played opposite him. Although Khan's debut film was Ananta Bhalobasha (Eternal Love) directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan, which was released on 28 May 1999. Erin Zaman, the younger sister of veteran Bangladeshi actress Moushumi, played opposite him in the film, and it has become notable as the debut film of both. Although the film was not very successful but Khan as a hero caught the attention of everyone. In the second year of his acting career, he appeared in the film Golam (2000) opposite then the top actress Shabnur directed by Ispahani-Arif Jahan duo. On this year, he starred opposite Purnima in the film Ajker Dapot directed by AJ Rana, Dujon Dujonar opposite Popy directed by Abu Saeed Khan, and Bishe Bhora Nagin opposite Munmun directed by Delwar Jahan Jhantu. In 2001 several films released by him including Shikari, Shopner Bashor, Mayer Jehad, Rangga Mastan, Hingshar Poton and Bondhu Jokhon Shatru. Shopner Bashor directed by FI Manik, along with Riaz and Shabnur his performance also praised by the critics and audience in the