Actor Sujat Shimul marries with a symbolic Tk 999 dower

Stage and television actor Sujat Shimul has tied the knot with theatre and recitation artiste Jannatun Nesa, choosing an unconventional dower of just Tk 999 to convey a message about marriage, trust and the imperfections of life.

The wedding ceremony took place at a restaurant in the capital's Mirpur area on Saturday (October 24) evening, in the presence of close relatives and friends from both families.

The unusual dower amount has drawn attention, with the couple saying the figure carries several layers of personal and symbolic meaning.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Shimul said they had wanted to choose an amount that was different from the outset of their decision to marry. They looked for a number connected to everyday life that would also hold special significance for them.

The idea of Tk 999 emerged partly from Bangladesh’s national emergency service number, 999, which people can call for urgent assistance.

Shimul said they saw a connection between the familiar number and marriage as an essential part of life-- one that marks the beginning of a new chapter and brings a sense of fulfilment.

The number also represents something deeper, according to the actor. Since 1,000 comes immediately after 999, he sees the latter as symbolising the state just before completeness.

He believes life is never entirely perfect, and some gaps or imperfections always remain. The couple found meaning in that idea when deciding on their dower.

A personal connection also influenced their choice: Shimul’s father-in-law worked in the police force, another reason the number 999 held significance for the couple.

The actor also spoke about prevailing social attitudes towards dower, saying that demands involving hundreds of thousands or even millions of taka can sometimes raise questions about exchange, trust and mistrust within a relationship.

By setting the dower at Tk 999, the couple wanted to challenge conventional perceptions and communicate a different message. Shimul said they also hoped the decision would reflect a bold stance, particularly from a woman’s perspective.

Among those attending the wedding were veteran actor and theatre personality Mamunur Rashid, writer and journalist Anisul Hoque, and members of the couple’s families.

The couple’s choice puts the spotlight on a familiar but often debated aspect of marriage, offering an alternative perspective on the meaning of dower beyond its monetary value.