National Film Award-winning director Shahnewaz Kakoli is continuing to receive extensive medical care after suffering a stroke, according to her husband, actor Pran Roy.
In an interview with Channel i online, Pran Roy said doctors are unable to predict how long her recovery may take. He described the treatment process as ongoing and said it remains uncertain when, or if, she will fully regain her health.
The stroke left Kakoli paralysed, and she has been under medical supervision for more than three months. She is currently undergoing regular rehabilitation therapy.
Pran Roy said his wife is still unable to walk and has lost movement in the left side of her body. She is also dealing with acute pain in one of her hands, which doctors are trying to manage. Although she cannot sit up without assistance, there has been slight progress, as she can now be moved short distances with the help of a stretcher or wheelchair.
Kakoli is being treated at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Mirpur, where she undergoes several therapy sessions each day as part of her recovery programme.
The long duration of her treatment has placed a growing financial burden on the family. Pran Roy said daily medical and therapy costs are considerable and they have been relying on support from relatives, friends and well-wishers to continue. He admitted uncertainty about how long they would be able to sustain the expenses in this way.
He also revealed that he had sold his personal vehicle to help meet the medical bills. Since Kakoli fell ill, his ability to take on regular work has been severely limited, significantly reducing his income.
Reflecting on their financial situation, Pran Roy said they had never focused on accumulating wealth. He explained that they chose to spend what they earned and did not prioritise savings, a decision he now views with regret given their current circumstances.
In terms of institutional support, he acknowledged that Actors Equity Bangladesh had provided some financial assistance and maintained contact. However, he said other industry bodies, including the directors’ association at the FDC, had not continued their initial engagement.
Pran Roy said they have not yet formally approached the government for help. He described seeking state assistance as a final option, adding that they intend to manage independently for as long as possible. If their situation becomes untenable, he said he would appeal to the authorities and hopes they would respond positively.
Before her illness, Kakoli had completed filming her latest project, ‘From Bangladesh’. Only a small amount of post-production work remains, but progress has been delayed for several months. Pran Roy noted that the film’s release could have offered some financial relief.
Kakoli began her directing career in 2012 with ‘Uttorer Sur’, produced by Impress Telefilm. The film earned critical acclaim at home and internationally and secured four National Film Awards, including Best Film. She was also honoured with the award for Best Story for the same production.
