Why Salman Shah continues to capture the Bangladeshi imagination

On Monday, the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) organized a press briefing to disclose their findings into the investigation of the death of popular Bangladeshi actor Salman Shah.  

Salman died more than 23 years back in an apparent suicide, however, there has long been rumours and claims from fans and his family members that he was murdered. 

The PBI however stuck to the original finding that Salman had killed himself, adding that it was trigger by conjugal troubles and other personal and familial issues.

The news caught the imagination of people once again and throughout Monday social media accounts belonging to Bangladeshis was abuzz with claims and counter-claims about the authenticity of PBI's findings. 

It was once again a display of the unwavering popularity of Salman Shah. 

But why was he so popular? How was he any different from other actors of his generation? TBS spoke with a few personalities from the film industry earlier to find out the answers. 

TBS team talked to Shohanur Rahman Sohan—the director of Salman's first film "Keyamot Theke Keyamot."  He reminisced, "Salman never took films as mere films only. He treated them like life and death. He could effortlessly transcend into a character." 

Not only that, Sohan thinks the star had heavily influenced fashion and style among the youth of his time. Which is why Salman is still the recipient of profound love and admiration.

Watch the music video of "O Amar Bondhu Go" from the movie 'Keyamot Theke Keyamot'

The actor's career was only four years long, during this time he acted in 27 films. Each of those was a hit.

In 14 of those films, he coupled with actress Shabnur. He also paired with actresses Moushumi, Shahnaj, Lima, Kanchi, Shabnaj, Brishti and others. Even though he frequently acted in romance and melodramas, the variety in his characters was commendable. Sometimes a student leader, a protesting youth, a rural young man, or sometimes a man deeply in love ready to leave everything behind—these were some of the roles he played.

Film analyst Jakir Hossain Raju once told a newspaper that, after the actors of 70s and 80s, Salman's emergence on the big screen created a youthful exuberance. At a festival organised in memory of the actor, Shakib Khan shared that the first film he ever watched was starred by Salman. He reflected, "There are very few actors who are as stylish and intelligent. I am one of his fans."

Actress Shabnur, who worked with Salman in many films, put her emotions her words, "Salman was like a friend to me. He was hearty with everyone in the film industry. He respected the elders and was affectionate towards the youngers. This is why he was so special."

Watch the music video of "Bhalo Achi Bhalo Theko" from the movie 'Tomake Chai'

Before coming to the world of cinema, Salman Shah was known as Imon. During that time, he acted in a quite a few dramas directed by Arun Chowdhury. The director says about Imon aka Salman Shah, "One of his biggest qualities was to be present at the shooting spot on time. The way he transformed himself into a character was a real delight to watch. These made him special."