Renowned filmmaker Shahnawaz Kakoli from Bangladesh has been hospitalized at Universal Medical College Hospital in Mohakhali following an ischemic stroke that occurred late on Sunday night, as confirmed by medical authorities on Monday. Kakoli, who has been dealing with long-standing health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid disorders, started experiencing severe symptoms on Sunday morning. Sources close to her family mentioned that Kakoli faced difficulties eating and complained of numbness in her hands and feet. As her condition worsened throughout the day, her relatives decided to seek immediate medical attention on Sunday evening.
Dr. Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, the Managing Director and attending physician at Universal Medical College Hospital, officially diagnosed Kakoli with an ischemic stroke and mentioned that the left side of her body was partially paralyzed. A CT scan was performed, and she is currently undergoing necessary medical treatments, including physiotherapy. The medical team anticipates that Kakoli will require ongoing medical supervision in the following days.
Concerns for Kakoli’s health have been expressed by her colleagues and supporters on various social media platforms. Director Animesh Aich shared his distress on Facebook regarding Kakoli’s stroke, stating, “My dear friend, filmmaker Shahnawaz Kakoli, has had a stroke. Devastated! It’s heartbreaking!”
Kakoli gained recognition as a prominent filmmaker in Bangladesh with her debut movie “Uttorer Sur” (Northern Symphony) in 2012. The film was showcased at esteemed film festivals in Goa, Kolkata, and the Third Eye Mumbai Film Festival, where it garnered awards for Best Film, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Child Artiste at the National Film Awards. Her subsequent film in 2015, “Nodijon” (The River Woman), sustained her reputation for producing critically acclaimed work. Apart from her contributions to feature films, Kakoli has made significant contributions to television dramas, screenplay writing, and art direction.
Medical staff at the hospital are closely monitoring Kakoli’s progress as she continues her recovery journey. There is currently no specific timeline provided for her potential discharge from the hospital.