He was one of my best friends: Moushumi on Salman Shah

Today marks the 25th anniversary of beloved actor Salman Shah's passing. On this day, he is remembered by his fans, friends, and fellow colleagues, ensuring that his legacy will live on for years to come. Moushumi, his co-star in "Keyamot Theke Keyamot" shares her fond memories of Salman Shah with The Daily Star.

After making our silver screen debut with "Keyamot Theke Keyamot", we worked together in films like "Den Mohor", "Sneho", and "Ontore Ontore".

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Salman and I attended the same school in Khulna for three to four years.  Everyone at the school knew him by the name, Emon, and I was known as Arifa. I am fortunate to be an integral part of his journey to becoming the superstar Salman Shah from the schoolboy Emon.

Salman's house was opposite our school. I visited his house multiple times, especially during the holidays. We used to play hide and seek together, and just chat for hours. I had a beautiful relationship with him.

My fuppi (aunt) was a teacher. She used to pick me up from school. Everyday as I waited for her, I used to spend time with Salman. Him and I liked to draw together, and play in our school's field. Eventually, he left Khulna with his family.

We did not talk for many years after that, as both of us got busy with our studies. In college, I used to attend a coaching centre at Mohammedpur. Salman went there too. He was friends with one of my friends. We saw each other at the centre, but never really spoke at the time.

I started modelling when I was in college, and that is how I gradually got film offers. Director Sohanur Rahman Sohan contacted me for "Keyamot Theke Keyamot" one day. He called Salman too. However, a lot of other boys gave interviews with Sohanur bhai, before Salman was cast as the lead actor.

At that meeting with Sohanur bhai, I asked Salman, "Are you Emon?" We were both surprised to see each other.

During the filming of "Keyamot Theke Keyamot", Salman and I reminisced about our childhood memories. In fact, we used to chat and laugh together so much that the director got irritated with us frequently.

We never anticipated the massive success of "Keyamot Theke Keyamot", upon its release. It was beyond anything any of us could have imagined. We were humbled to receive so much love.

After "Keyamot Theke Keyamot", our next hit was "Ontore Ontore", in my opinion. That film ran in theatres for one year.

Salman and I were a beloved screen pair, but we went on to work with other artistes eventually. Through it all, our friendship never suffered. He was one of my best friends.

In fact, people believed that there was a real-life romance blossoming between both of us, but that was not true! He was a dear friend of mine. He was one of the most dashing, stylish co-stars I ever had.

Honestly, I can never speak of Salman highly enough.

Salman, my friend, I cannot believe it has been 25 years since you left us. May you rest in peace, wherever you are.