Actor-Producer Sells Beloved Car to Cover Medical Expenses

Mid-October last year began like any other morning. Outwardly, everything seemed normal, but that very day would irrevocably alter the life of filmmaker Shahnewaz Kakli, his family’s rhythm, and the trajectory of his dreams. Kakli suddenly fell ill, experiencing numbness in his limbs, loss of appetite, and mounting discomfort. Alarmed, his family rushed him to the hospital, where doctors confirmed he had suffered a stroke.

Initially, Kakli spent a week undergoing treatment across two hospitals before being moved home. Recovery, however, proved far from straightforward. A week later, he began intensive rehabilitation at the CRP (Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed) in Mirpur, Dhaka. His therapy has been continuous, involving alternating periods of inpatient and home care over the past few months.

Currently, Kakli receives three daily therapies—physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Each day from morning to evening, he relearns fundamental movements: walking, lifting his hands, and pronouncing words.

Actor and husband Pran Roy told Prothom Alo, “There is progress, but it is very slow. Previously, we had to bring him on a stretcher; now he uses a wheelchair. With two people assisting, he can take 10–12 steps. His left arm and leg are still immobile. He can speak, but his face twists when doing so.”

For a man once orchestrating flawless cinematic scenes, every joint now brings pain. Early in therapy, Kakli was so overwhelmed by discomfort that he often refused treatment, exclaiming, “It hurts too much!” While his tolerance has increased, the pain remains.

The cost of daily therapy and medical care ranges between 8,000 to 10,000 BDT per day, and over four months, it has severely drained family savings. “Our savings are exhausted. The funds reserved for our film From Bangladesh are being spent on treatment. We even had to sell our beloved car,” Roy shared.

The four-year-old car was not only a practical vehicle for shooting and travel but also a cherished companion for family memories. Roy himself has been unable to shoot for four months, further straining finances. “Someone must always stay with Kakli. Leaving him alone at home makes it impossible to work. The constant tension is exhausting,” he added.

Kakli is known in Bangladeshi cinema for his sensitive storytelling. His films Uttorer Sur (2012) and Nodijon (2015) received national awards and international recognition, highlighting the struggles of ordinary people with authenticity. He also worked extensively in television drama, screenwriting, and direction. His latest project, From Bangladesh, completed post-production, remains unreleased due to his illness.

Before the stroke, Kakli battled high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues. The sudden intensification of symptoms in October underscored how a single event can disrupt not just the body, but the rhythm of life, relationships, and dreams.

Despite uncertainty and financial strain, Kakli’s family remains steadfast. “We pray to the Almighty that Kakli recovers soon,” Roy said. Their struggle is a poignant chapter not only in a personal life but in the cultural memory of Bangladeshi cinema—a testament to the resilience of artists whose stories illuminate screens and lives alike.

Shahnewaz Kakli’s Therapy Regimen