Salman Shah(1971-1996)

Chowdhury Muhammad Shahriar Emon (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", he is commonly regarded as one of the most popular and iconic figures in Bangladesh's film history. Shah appeared in 27 films in a short acting career of three years, most of which were successful. His first feature film Keyamat Theke Keyamat (1993) shot him to stardom. In the following three years Shah 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. Subsequently, he became the highest paid actor in the industry. 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. 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. 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. He was popular with every kind of audience. 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. 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. Shah's professional achievements, personal life, artistic potential, untimely death and enduring popularity have constantly been the subject of tabloid discussions. 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.