[9] He first gained attention for his debut film, Keyamat Theke Keyamat (1993), and in the following three years appeared in leading roles in a series of commercially successful films, including Bikkhobh [bn], 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 the industry.

[14] 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 achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success.

[17] 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.

[18] Due to his accomplishments and influence in Dhallywood over time, he is regarded as one of the greatest and most successful actors in Bangladeshi film industry.

[22] His untimely death was noted to be a tragic event for the nation which evoked unanimous public reactions of grief and brought the film industry to a standstill.

[27][28][29] Chowdhury Muhammad Shahriar Emon was born on 19 September 1971 at the Ab-e-Hayat Bhaban, the home of his maternal grandfather in Dariapara, Sylhet.

Being a registered artist of Bangladesh Television, some of the TV dramas he worked in the 1980s are Akash Chowa, Pathor Shomoy and Shoikote Sharosh.

[10][40] Later, Shah co-starred with actress Shabnur in a number of commercially successful films including Shopner Thikana and Anondo Osru.

[44] He next appeared in Gazi Mazharul Anwar's Sneho where Shah starred with veterans Shabana, Alamgir and Humayun Faridi.

His last release was the coming of age film Prem Judho opposite Lima where Shah played a father for the first time.

[45] In the same year, he acted in the hit and acclaimed TV drama Noyon playing the dual roles of twin brothers Sultan and Raj co-starring Shomi Kaiser.

His first was rural and social drama Bichar Hobe where he reunited with director Shah Alam Kiran and Humayun Faridi.

His portrayal of a son fighting for his mother's rights against his grandmother played by veteran actress Ferdousi Mazumder was acclaimed.

Shah wrote and acted in his last BTV drama titled "Shopner Prithibi" co-starring Tanvin Sweety and Kazi Hayat.

[51] The title of his film Shopner Nayok or "Dream Hero" is famously used as a moniker associated with Shah by fans to describe his short career and wide appeal.

[52] Shibly Sadik's third association with Shah, Anondo Osru was a huge success and was heavily acclaimed for its depiction of a tragic romance.

Though he died before dubbing for the film, his performance of a mentally challenged musician is cited by critics and media to be one of the finest in Bangladeshi cinema.

[53] Shah was also supposed to star opposite Popy in Montazur Rahman Akbar's Coolie but was replaced after his death with Omar Sani.

[19][8] His acting potential, commercial value, fan following and trend-setting style statements have been transcending generations and earning him an enduring stardom and popularity.

[65] The credit of his lasting legacy is given to his natural acting, screen presence, dialogue delivery, good-looks, fashion sense and acceptance among different types of audiences.

Film experts feel that his facial expressions, body language, styles to match the characters and fashion-consciousness were way ahead of his time with a touch of modernity.

[67] He is cited as a fashion icon and acting inspiration by a number of Bangladeshi entertainers including Shakib Khan, Arifin Shuvo, Sariful Razz, Siam Ahmed and Nirab Hossain.

He established the Salman Shah Foundation to provide scholarships and financial assistance to underprivileged students, and to support healthcare initiatives in Bangladesh.

[73][74] Every few months later the Bangladesh Film Archive organize and hold screenings of the digitalized versions of his movies for free due to public demand from new plethora of fans.