55th birth anniv of Dhallywood’s evergreen hero today

Today is the 54th birth anniversary of country’s popular film actor Salman Shah. Different socio-cultural organisations have arranged various programmes to mark the day.

Salman Shah, who created history in Bangladeshi cinema, was born on 19 September 1971 in Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet district.   

Salman Shah started his acting career with the drama serial “Pathor Somoi” written by Moinul Ahsan Saber.  

His breakthrough came with “Keyamot Theke Keyamot” directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan and released in 1993. Starring opposite Moushumi, Salman Shah became an overnight sensation as the film turned into a major success.  

However, it was his partnership with Shabnur that became one of the most celebrated on-screen pairings in the history of Bangladeshi cinema. The duo appeared together in 14 films, including “Tumi Amar” (1994), “Shopner Thikana” (1995), “Tomake Chai” (1996), “Shopner Prithibi” (1996), “Jibon Shongshar” (1996) and “Anondo Asru” (1997).

During his career, Salman Shah also worked with actresses including Shabnaz, Shahnaz, Lima, Shilpi, Sonia, Brishti, Shama, Sabrina and Kanchi. 

In total, he acted in 27 films, several of which remain popular among audiences.  His popular films are “Keyamat Thekey Keyamat”, “Antorey Antorey”, “Bikkhov”, “Bichar Hobe”, “Den Morhor”, “Ei Ghor Ei Sangsar”, “Jibon Sangsar”, “Chawa Theke Pawa”, “Anondo Osru”, “Mayer Odhikar”, and “Shotter Mrittu Nei”. 

Salman Shah died on 6 September 1996, at his residence in Eskaton, Dhaka, leaving behind a grieving family and millions of heartbroken fans. His death also triggered a long legal battle, as his family continued to dispute the conclusion that he had died by suicide.  

Three decades later, the case has gained fresh momentum following the recent arrest of actor Ashraful Haque, alias Don, one of the accused in a murder case filed over Salman Shah’s death. Don, the fourth accused in the case, was reportedly arrested after remaining absconding for years.

The development has renewed hopes among Salman Shah’s family and admirers that the long-standing mystery surrounding his death may finally be resolved. As the investigation continues, one thing remains beyond question: 30 years after his passing, Salman Shah’s stardom has not faded. For countless fans, the legend of Bangladesh’s evergreen hero continues to shine brighter with time.