Mid-October last year began like any other day for filmmaker Shahnewaz Kakoli. Outwardly, everything seemed normal, yet that morning would irrevocably alter the rhythm of his life, his family, and his creative journey. Suddenly, Kakoli experienced numbness in his limbs, loss of appetite, and mounting discomfort. Alarmed, his family rushed him to hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a stroke.
Initially, Kakoli spent a week under continuous hospital care at two separate facilities. Once stabilised, he was moved home, but the road to recovery remained long and arduous.
About a week later, formal therapy began at the CRP (Centre for Rehabilitation of the Paralysed) in Mirpur, Dhaka. His treatment plan alternates between inpatient and home care, spanning months:
| Therapy Type | Duration & Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Daily, 3 sessions during inpatient stays | Regain mobility and strengthen muscles |
| Occupational Therapy | Daily, 3 sessions | Relearn hand movements and daily activities |
| Speech Therapy | Daily, 3 sessions | Recover speech and pronunciation |
Kakoli now spends his days relearning basic movements—walking, lifting his arms, and articulating words. His wife, actress Pran Roy, told Prothom Alo, “Progress is slow. We used to bring him on a stretcher; now it’s a wheelchair. With two people supporting him, he can take 10–12 steps. His left arm and leg remain immobile, and his speech is still partially distorted.”
Once a filmmaker who choreographed precise shots with impeccable artistry, Kakoli now endures joint pain with every motion. Early in therapy, the pain was so severe he resisted attending sessions, often crying out in agony. Although he has become more tolerant, the pain persists.
The financial strain has been immense. Daily therapy and treatment cost 8,000–10,000 BDT, depleting their savings over four months. Roy shared, “All our savings are gone. The funds we had saved for the film From Bangladesh are now being spent on treatment. Even our beloved car had to be sold. Life has become extremely difficult.”
Their car, purchased four years ago, had been a source of joy, accompanying them on shoots, location visits, and family trips. Roy herself has been unable to work for four months, further limiting income. “I cannot focus on work when Kakoli needs constant attention at home,” she explained.
Shahnewaz Kakoli is renowned in Bangladeshi cinema for his sensitive, humanistic storytelling. His debut Jalrang remained unreleased, but Uttorer Sur (2012) won national acclaim, earning multiple National Film Awards. His 2015 film Nodijon also received accolades for its poignant portrayal of rivers, people, and struggle. Regularly involved in television dramas and scriptwriting, Kakoli had been preparing From Bangladesh, nearly complete in post-production, before illness intervened.
Prior health conditions—hypertension, diabetes, and thyroid issues—were already managed, yet the sudden stroke dramatically altered his life. As Roy reflected, “A stroke doesn’t just disable the body; it disrupts daily life, relationships, and dreams.”
Even now, with therapy ongoing and support from friends and well-wishers, uncertainty remains. Yet hope endures. As Roy said, “I pray to God that Kakoli recovers quickly.” One day, perhaps, the filmmaker who once commanded the camera will return behind it, calling out once again, “Action… cut.”