Salman Shah’s mother, Neela Chowdhury, has said there was no romantic relationship between the late Bangladeshi actor and his frequent co-star Shabnur. In remarks reported on August 12, 2026, she said Salman, who had no sister of his own, treated Shabnur like a younger sister and affectionately called her “Pichchi.”

Chowdhury said Shabnur relied on Salman for various needs and that he looked after her like an elder brother. She argued that people and media outlets at the time misinterpreted their close relationship and spread romance rumours. Shabnur had previously denied the claims several times, describing Salman as a respected senior co-star and elder brother, and saying the false rumours caused her mental distress during her career.

Salman acted in 27 films during his short career, with Shabnur starring opposite him in 14 of them. Their pairing began with “Tumi Amar” and later featured commercially successful films including “Sujon Sokhi” and “Anondo Oshru.” The old controversy resurfaced recently following the arrest of villain actor Don, nearly three decades after Salman’s mysterious death on September 6, 1996.