Salman Shah (actor)

Salman Shah
সালমান শাহ
Born
Chowdhury Muhammad Shahriar Emon

(1971-09-19)19 September 1971
Sylhet, East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
Died6 September 1996(1996-09-06) (aged 24)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Cause of deathSuicide[1]
Burial placeShah Jalal Dargah Cemetery
Alma materAdamjee Cantonment College
Occupation(s)Actor, playback singer
Years active1986–1996
Notable work
Height1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)[2]
Spouse
Samira Huq
​
(m. 1992)​
Signature

Chowdhury Muhammad Shahriar Emon[3] (19 September 1971 – 6 September 1996), known by his stage name Salman Shah , was a Bangladeshi film and television actor. Referred in the media as the "Prince of Bangladeshi Cinema" and the "First Superstar of Modern Dhallywood",[4] he is commonly regarded as one of the most influential and iconic figures in Bangladesh's film history.[5] Shah appeared in 27 films in a short acting career of three years, many of which were successful.[6] He first gained attention for his debut film, Keyamat Theke Keyamat (1993), and in the following three years appeared in leading roles in a series of commercially successful films, including Bikkhobh, Denmohor, Shujon Shokhi, Shopner Thikana, Ei Ghor Ei Shongsar, Sotter Mrittu Nei and Anondo Osru which established him as one of the most sought after leading men in Bangladeshi cinema.[7][8] Subsequently, he became the highest paid actor in the industry.[9] Three of his films, Shopner Thikana, Sotter Mrittu Nei and Keyamat Theke Keyamat are among the top ten highest grossing films of all time in Dhallywood box office.[10]

At the height of his fame, Shah was found dead in his apartment in Eskaton, Dhaka on September 6, 1996.[11] In 2021, after decades of controversy and speculation surrounding his death,[12][13][14] Bangladesh's Police Bureau of investigation officially declared Shah's cause of death as suicide.[15][16][17]

Shah appeared in films from a variety of genres such as family dramas, comedies, social and political dramas, action films, rural dramas, coming of age stories, romance and tragedies.[18] He was known for his versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters as a leading young man with his distinctive style of acting and personality.[19][20] Film analysts give Shah the credit for pioneering a new brand of meaningful cinema and introducing the modern era of leading men with his artistry and fashion.[21] Due to his accomplishments and influence in Dhallywood over time, he has been regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actors in Bangladeshi film industry.[22][23]

Early life and education

Chowdhury Muhammad Shahriar Emon was born on 19 September 1971 at the Ab-e-Hayat House, the home of his maternal grandfather in Dariapara, Sylhet.[3][24] He was the eldest son of Nilufar Zaman Nila and Qamaruddin Chowdhury, and his family was originally from Zakiganj.[6] He had a younger brother named Chowdhury Mohammad Shahran Evan.[25]

He studied at the Boyra Model High School in Khulna.[26] In 1987, he passed his matriculation from the Arab Mission School in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. After that, he completed his intermediate from the Adamjee Cantonment College, before proceeding to complete his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Maleka Science College (now Dr. Maleka University College).[27]

Career

Shah first appeared in public television in 1985 as a model for a music video produced by Hanif Sanket.[28] He later worked on several commercials and a small part in a TV drama. Shah made his acting debut in 1993 with the movie Keyamat Theke Keyamat along with another debutant actress Moushumi. Directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan,[29][30] the film was a remake of a Bollywood film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). Keyamat theke Keyamat became an instant hit and established Shah as a romantic lead actor in Dhalliwood.[31] The success of the Salman-Moushumi "romantic duo" led to their casting in three more feature films Ontare Ontare, Denmohor and Sneho.[7][32] Later, Shah co-starred with actress Shabnur in a number of commercially successful films including Shopner Thikana and Anondo Osru.[33]

Death

Epitaph of Shah's grave located in Sylhet in the graveyard in Shah Jalal Dargah.[34]

On 6 September 1996, Shah was found hanging from the ceiling of his bedroom at Eskaton, Dhaka.[35][36] Police had filed a case of suicide, but the family objected to it and lodged a murder case.[37] Business tycoon Aziz Mohammad Bhai was alleged to be involved in the murder.[38] One Rezvi Ahmed was arrested from the house of Shah's mother, who reportedly named Bhai and Shah's wife Samira for ordering the hit.[39] Rezvi later disavowed his confession.[38] On 24 February 2020, the Police Bureau of Investigation completed its investigation and reported that Salman Shah killed himself due to a family dispute over his affair with one of the most popular silver screen actresses at the time, actress Shabnur.[15]

Shah is buried in Shah Jalal Dargah Cemetery in Sylhet.[40]

Legacy and influence

Shah is considered the most popular actor of his generation and one of the icons of Bangladeshi cinema.[5] The credit of his lasting legacy is given to his facial expressions, screen presence, dialogue delivery, good-looks and fashion sense. Film experts feel that his natural acting, body language, styles to match the characters and fashion-consciousness were way ahead of his time with a touch of modernity. Many of his fashion statements became trends in Bangladeshi pop culture.[41] He is cited as a fashion icon and acting inspiration by a number of Bangladeshi entertainers including Arifin Shuvo, Sariful Razz, Siam Ahmed and Nirab Hossain.[42][43][44]

Salman Shah was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare. He established the Salman Shah Foundation to provide scholarships and financial assistance to underprivileged students, and to support healthcare initiatives in Bangladesh.[45]

In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation established a statue of him in FDC, Dhaka.[46] On his birth anniversary, the Salman Shah Smriti Parishad (Salman Shah Memorial Council) organizes a festival every year.[47][48]

Filmography

Films

Year Title Role Director Notes
1993 Keyamat Theke Keyamat Raj Sohanur Rahman Sohan Debut film
1994 Tumi Amar Akash Zahirul Haque
Ontare Ontare Shaan Shibli Sadik
Sujon Sokhi Sujon Shah Alam Kiran
Bikkhov Anik Mohammad Hannan
Sneho Emon Gazi Mazharul Anwar
Prem Juddho Raja Jibon Rahman
1995 Den Mohor Sarowar Shafi Bikrampuri
Konna Dan Srabon Delwar Jahan Jhantu
Shopner Thikana Sumon M. A. Khaleq
Anjuman Salman Hafiz Uddin
Moha Milon Shanto Dilip Shom
Asha Bhalobasha Akash Tamiz Uddin Rizvi
1996 Bichar Hobe Sujon Shah Alam Kiran
Ei Ghor Ei Songsar Mintu Malek Afsary
Priyojon Jibon Rana Nasser
Tomake Chai Sagor Matin Rahman
Shopner Prithibi Masum Badol Khondokar
Shotter Mrittu Nei Joy Chotku Ahmed
Jibon Songshar Sobuj Jakir Hossain Raju
Mayer Odhikar Robin Shibli Sadik
Chawa Theke Pawa Sagor M. M. Sarkar
1997 Prem Piyashi Hridoy / Jibon Chowdhury Reza Hasmat
Shopner Nayok Raju/Rasel Nasir Khan
Shudhu Tumi Akash Kazi Morshed 25th Film
Anondo Osru Dewan Khosru Shibli Sadik
Buker Bhitor Agun Agun Chotku Ahmed

Television

Year Shows Role Notes
1985 Akash Chowa Un­known First Time front of camera
1988 Shoikote Sharosh Rabbi
1990 Pathor Shomoy Un­known
1994 Itikotha Yusuf
Doyel Un­known
1995 Sob Pakhi Ghore Fere Un­known
Noyon Sultan/Raj
1996 Shopner Prithibi Shuvo
2017 Ityadi Apurbo Archive Footage

See also

References

  1. ^ "Probe report on Salman Shah's death submitted to court". Business Standard. 25 February 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
  2. ^ "সালমান শাহ এর যত জানা-অজানা কিছু তথ্য". BD24Live (in Bengali). 22 February 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
  3. ^ a b Correspondent, A. (19 September 2016). "Salman Shah's 45th birth anniversary today". The Daily Star. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  4. ^ "আজ ঢাকাই সিনেমার 'মহানায়ক' সালমান শাহর জন্মদিন". The Daily Star Bangla (in Bengali). 19 September 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  5. ^ a b "Dhaliwood still misses Salman Shah". 5 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Salman Shah festival at BFDC". The Daily Star. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  7. ^ a b "ঢালিউডে নতুন দিগন্ত উন্মোচনেরও তিন দশক". www.kalerkantho.com. 23 March 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Remembering Salman Shah: Best Movies of the Short-Lived Maestro". unb.com.bd. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  9. ^ "২৫ হাজারে শুরু, ১০ লাখ টাকা পারিশ্রমিক পেতেন সালমান শাহ". NewsG24. 6 September 2021. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
  10. ^ "ঢালিউডের সর্বোচ্চ আয় করা ১০ সিনেমা". RoarMedia (in Bengali). 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  11. ^ "Actor Salman Shah's death case revived". www.observerbd.com. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  12. ^ Mahmud, Tarek (9 August 2017). "Salman Shah death: Two decades on, many questions unanswered". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  13. ^ Haider, Liton. "Salman Shah death: Two decades on, the plot thickens". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  14. ^ "Actor Salman Shah's family objects to the plot of Buker Moddhe Agun, takes legal action". The Business Standard. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  15. ^ a b "PBI concludes actor Salman Shah killed himself". 24 February 2020.
  16. ^ "Salman Shah committed suicide for feud over Shabnur: PBI". The Business Standard. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  17. ^ Report, Star Digital (31 October 2021). "Salman Shah's death: Court accepts PBI report saying actor died by suicide, not murdered". The Daily Star. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  18. ^ "চলচ্চিত্রে চির অম্লান নায়ক সালমান শাহ". RTV News (in Bengali). 19 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  19. ^ "কত গল্প জমে আছে সালমানকে নিয়ে". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 19 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  20. ^ "সালমান শাহ: গল্পটা সংক্ষিপ্ত, অসমাপ্ত ও অমীমাংসিত". Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). 6 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  21. ^ "চলচ্চিত্রের নতুন ধারার প্রবর্তক সালমান শাহ". Bhorer Kagoj (in Bengali). 6 September 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
  22. ^ "Salman Shah: Still the most revered icon". NewAgebd. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  23. ^ "এই দিনে সালমানের মৃত্যুর সংবাদে স্তম্ভিত হয়ে পড়েছিল সবাই". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). 6 September 2022. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  24. ^ "সাফল্যের রাজপুত্র সালমান শাহ". Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Dhaka. 6 September 2012. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  25. ^ "Samira Haq sues Salman Shah's family for BDT 10 crore". The Daily Star. 27 September 2020. Retrieved 27 September 2020.
  26. ^ "একই স্কুলে পড়তেন সালমান-মৌসুমী". Bangla Movie Database (in Bengali). 19 September 2016.
  27. ^ Santa Maria (5 September 2014). "অন্তরে সালমান শাহ". Bdnews24.com (in Bengali). Dhaka.
  28. ^ "স্বপ্নের নায়ক সেই তুমি". Odhikar. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
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  30. ^ "Salman Shah's 13th death anniversary". The Daily Star. 5 September 2009. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  31. ^ "New Age | Newspaper". 5 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  32. ^ "Memories of the star Salman Shah's death anniversary". The Daily Star. 6 September 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  33. ^ Arts & Entertainment Desk (9 February 2023). "Salman Shah, Shabnur's film returns to theatres". The Daily Star. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  34. ^ "The Graveyard of Salman Shah". The Daily Star. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  35. ^ "Remembering Salman Shah". The Independent. Dhaka. 6 September 2014. Archived from the original on 5 February 2015. Retrieved 31 January 2015.
  36. ^ "Salman Shah Forever etched in memory". The Daily Star. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  37. ^ Biswas, Prakash (12 July 2016). "Police Bureau of Investigation to open fresh enquiry into movie star Salman Shah's death". Bdnews24.com. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  38. ^ a b "Actor Salman Shah's death case revived". The Daily Observer. Dhaka. 11 February 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  39. ^ "Aziz Mohammad Bhai surprised". The Daily Star. 26 July 1997. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  40. ^ Rahman, Hifzur (31 October 2003). "The Graveyard of Salman Shah". The Daily Star. Retrieved 24 September 2020.
  41. ^ "ফ্যাশনে এগিয়ে ছিলেন সালমান". আজকের পত্রিকা (in Bengali). 18 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  42. ^ Diganta, Probashir (6 September 2022). "Arifin Shuvoo, Sariful Razz remember film icon Salman Shah". Probashir Diganta. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  43. ^ Shazu, Shah Alam (6 September 2020). "Salman Shah: A star that never stops shining". The Daily Star. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  44. ^ "Salman Shah: Still the most revered icon". New Age | The Most Popular Outspoken English Daily in Bangladesh. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  45. ^ "The legacy of Salman Shah". The Daily Star. 28 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  46. ^ "স্বপ্নের ঠিকানায় সালমান শাহ'র ভাস্কর্য". banglanews24.com (in Bengali). 13 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  47. ^ "Salman Shah Festival to take place in September". The Daily Star. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  48. ^ "Salman Shah's birth anniversary celebrated". The Daily Star. 23 September 2014. Retrieved 8 February 2017.

External links