The relationship between late Dhallywood star Salman Shah and actress Shabnur remains a subject of public fascination nearly three decades after his death.
While their on-screen pairing became one of the most successful of the 1990s, speculation about a romantic relationship between the two has continued over the years.
Both Shabnur and Salman Shah’s mother, Neela Chowdhury, have now maintained that the two actors were never romantically involved.
Shabnur has repeatedly described Salman as being like an elder brother to her.
According to the actress, Salman affectionately called her “Pichchi” because he did not have a sister of his own. She also shared a close relationship with his parents and said their families had a warm bond.
Speaking recently after the arrest of actor Ashraful Haque, better known as Don, in the Salman Shah murder case, Neela Chowdhury also addressed the long-running speculation surrounding her son and Shabnur.
She said Salman cared deeply for Shabnur and often tried to help her, but their relationship was not romantic.
“Salman never had a romantic relationship with Shabnur. He depended on her in some ways and tried to support her. Since he did not have a sister, he treated her like one and cared for her,” Neela said.
However, Neela also alleged that Shabnur sometimes gave the impression that there was a special relationship between them, which later fuelled speculation.
She clarified that Salman may have had affection for Shabnur as someone close to him, but not as a romantic partner.
Shabnur, meanwhile, has consistently rejected claims that she and Salman were lovers. She said their closeness developed naturally through their work together.
“I never saw Salman as anything other than a brother. After his death, some people tried to use my name and our relationship for their own interests. Some journalists also published sensational stories about us,” she said.
Shabnur added that she had worked hard to establish her career and was frustrated that rumours surrounding her relationship with Salman continued to resurface.
The pair first appeared together in Tumi Amar, which went on to establish them as one of the most popular screen couples in Bangladeshi cinema.
They subsequently worked together in 14 films, including Sujon Sokhi, Bichar Hobe, Bikkhov, Swapner Thikana, Mohamilon, Tomake Chai, Swapner Prithibi, Jibon Songsar, Chawa Theke Pawa, Prem Piyasi, Swapner Nayok and Anondo Osru.
Most of their collaborations performed strongly at the box office, further cementing their popularity among audiences.
Reflecting on their professional relationship, Shabnur described Salman as warm, humble and deeply committed to his work.
She said the two developed an easy understanding while working together and could often communicate through simple gestures.
Their friendship also extended beyond the sets. Shabnur said she was close to Salman’s wife, Samira, and that the two families often spent time together.
During shoots, Samira would frequently join them for outings, meals and informal gatherings.
Shabnur also recalled memorable moments from their shoots, including evenings in Cox’s Bazar where the cast and crew would gather for candlelit dinners by the sea.
Salman Shah died on 6 September 1996 at the age of 24.
His death has remained the subject of debate and speculation for nearly three decades, with fresh claims and controversies continuing to emerge.
As the investigation into his death moves forward, the long-running speculation about his relationship with Shabnur remains part of the wider conversation surrounding one of Bangladesh’s most enduring cinematic icons.
