Photographs from his youth cover the walls of the drawing room—football in hand, excitement in his eyes. That young man is now 72 and battling a brain tumour.
On Friday (7 August) night, a visit to Ilias Kanchan’s Gulshan residence offered a glimpse of the veteran actor, who rose from being a celebrated screen hero to a real-life campaigner for road safety.
After receiving treatment in London, he recently returned to Bangladesh.
Kanchan entered the film industry in the late 1970s. His good looks and natural acting quickly won audiences over.
Beyond romantic roles, he played rebellious young men, historical and folk characters, and responsible family men.
His career includes Dhallywood’s highest-grossing film Beder Meye Josna, as well as acclaimed literary and socially relevant films such as Parineeta, Bheja Chokh, Shundori, Shasti, Dumurer Phool and Bashundhara. He also enjoyed considerable box-office success alongside stars such as Rajjak, Farooque, Alamgir and Rubel.
Thirty-one years ago, after losing his wife Jahanara Begum, Kanchan founded the road-safety movement Nirapad Sarak Chai.
The organisation transformed him from a screen hero into a real-life advocate for ordinary people.
That hero is now facing his own difficult battle.
He has spent the past 15 months undergoing treatment for a brain tumour in London and has completed around 60 chemotherapy sessions before returning home.
When we arrived, another legendary actor, Shabnam, was already there.
The two had worked together in Sahadharmini in the 1980s—their only film as a pair. Their professional association, however, grew into a lasting friendship and family connection.
Shabnam recalled memories from the film, while Kanchan tried to remember them.
His son Mirajul Moin Joy helped him along, but Kanchan could not recall the details.
“I can’t remember,” he said, his face briefly reflecting disappointment.
Chemotherapy usually causes hair loss, but Kanchan’s hair has grown back, although it has turned white. Shabnam lightened the mood with a joke.
“Who says he is 72? I say he is 27. If he just puts some colour on his hair, nobody will be able to tell,” she said.
Kanchan replied that he was comfortable with his current look.
“I was joking so that he would not feel that he was alone. It feels painful to see such a lively person sitting quietly,” Shabnam said.
Visitors continued to arrive—members of Nirapad Sarak Chai, fellow artistes and journalists.
Kanchan tried to speak with everyone, although some of his words were difficult to understand. Those around him listened patiently.
After speaking continuously for some time, he would become uncomfortable and fall silent.
Later, popular villain Misha Sawdagar arrived with his son, who studies marine engineering. As soon as he entered, Misa touched Kanchan’s feet in greeting.
Kanchan looked at him for a moment. His son Joy then said, “Dad, this is Misha uncle. Misha Sawdagar.”
Kanchan replied, “I know him.”
Misha introduced his son as well, and Kanchan placed his hand on the young man’s head and blessed him.
Misha also brought two Quran memorizers, who prayed for Kanchan’s recovery.
Recalling their long association, Misha said, “In the film industry, I followed Humayun Faridi and ATM Shamsuzzaman. After them, Kanchan bhai was the person I respected most. We competed against each other for the president’s position in the Artistes Association, but our relationship never suffered. I live near his house in Uttara, and we have a family relationship.”
Shabnam also offered words of encouragement to Kanchan and his children.
“London has an advanced healthcare system. I pray that you make a full recovery and return to acting,” she said.
Kanchan’s son Joy also spoke about an unspoken regret his father carries.
“My father feels that he had many more things he could have achieved in life, but he could not do many of them,” Joy said.
“I told him that what you have achieved is already the dream of many people. The love you have received from the people of this country—what greater achievement could there be?”
At one point, I stood beside Kanchan. He rose from his seat and, before I could ask him anything, asked, “How are you?”
After exchanging greetings, he said, “I am well. Please pray that I can return to you all soon. I want to work again.”
He spent nearly an hour and a half with the visitors, although towards the end he found it increasingly difficult to remain seated.
“I am feeling unwell,” he said.
Joy immediately stepped forward and helped his father inside.
The family said they will return to London on 12 August. Kanchan is scheduled for a medical check-up at a hospital on 19 August, when doctors will assess whether any cancer cells remain.
The results will determine whether he can be considered out of danger.
A National Film Award and Ekushey Padak-winning actor, Ilias Kanchan remains deeply loved by millions of fans.
Like them, we hope he returns to us in full health, gives audiences more memorable performances and continues the unfinished work of making the country’s roads safer.
