Her newer films shifted away from the traditional damsel-in-distress tropes toward storylines highlighting female empowerment, maternal strength, and social justice.
Together, they appeared in over 70+ films, including blockbusters like Koti Takar Kabin , Pitar Ason , and My Name is Khan . These movies cemented Apu as the ultimate "pair" for Shakib Khan in the minds of the audience. 2. A Secret Marriage: The Hidden Chapter (2008–2017)
The public relationship between the two is well-documented in the media: Secret Marriage : They were secretly married
Films like Chacha Amar Chacha , My Name Is Khan , Bhalobaslei Ghor Badha Jay Na , and Love Marriage solidified their status as the ultimate romantic duo. Their onscreen chemistry was defined by high-energy dance sequences, intense emotional dialogues, and a natural familiarity that captivated audiences across Bangladesh. From Screen to Reality: The Secret Marriage Her newer films shifted away from the traditional
Sociologists point to the "Paradox of the Modern Bangladeshi Woman." Apu represents the ideal contemporary woman: she is successful, financially independent, and a mother, yet her on-screen storylines almost always see her sacrificing for love.
The secret was dramatically revealed on April 10, 2017, when Apu appeared on a live television broadcast with their seven-month-old son, Abraham Khan Joy. She stated the reveal was prompted by Shakib's perceived negligence. While Shakib initially reacted with anger, calling it a "conspiracy," he eventually acknowledged both the marriage and his son. Divorce and Post-Marriage Dynamics Will accept my son, not Apu: Shakib Khan - The Daily Star
Apu's personal identity was recently revisited in 2025 when she clarified that, despite earlier claims made in 2017, she never actually converted to Islam and remains a follower of Hinduism. She explained she had initially lied to protect her family and her son's future. From Screen to Reality: The Secret Marriage Sociologists
The revelation brought immense, immediate tension. Shakib Khan initially rejected the news, stating he would accept his son but not Apu, creating a massive public outcry [Daily Star]. Divorce and Moving Forward (2018–Present)
With a newfound sense of determination, Apu reached out to Rony, and they had a heart-to-heart conversation. They decided to face the challenges together, as a team, and to prioritize their love above all else.
In April 2017, Apu appeared on a live television program with her infant son, breaking the silence and confirming her marriage to Shakib Khan. This move shocked the nation and changed the narrative surrounding her life permanently. 3. Real-Life Separation and Divorce (2017–2018) The High-Profile Split
Apu and Shakib Khan's relationship began during the filming of Koti Takar Kabin in 2006. They married in secret on April 18, 2008, at Shakib’s residence in Dhaka. The couple kept their union hidden for nine years to preserve Shakib's career image as an "available" romantic lead.
According to Apu, she had converted to Islam upon marriage, adopting the name Apu Islam Khan. The revelation was born out of a desire to secure her son's identity and acknowledge her rightful place as Shakib's wife, a status that had been kept hidden to protect their respective cinematic careers. The High-Profile Split