Actor Fokira battles illness, Film Artistes’ Association steps in with support

Fokira, who portrayed villainous roles in nearly seven hundred films in smaller parts, is now struggling with deteriorating health.

The 65-year-old actor, once a familiar face in Bangladeshi cinema, has been confined to his home for nearly a year after suffering three strokes that left him almost speechless.

Fokira began his career in the 1980s and went on to earn recognition not only as an actor but also as a stuntman. Over the decades, he shared the screen with leading stars such as Razzak, Alamgir, Salman Shah, Riaz, Manna, and Shakib Khan. Known for his distinctive screen presence, Fokira became a household name among regular viewers of Bangladeshi films. Until just a few years ago, he was often seen riding his signature white motorcycle around the FDC area — a motorcycle that, according to industry insiders, Salman Shah used in several films.

Recently, Sony Rahman, a member of the executive committee of the Film Artistes' Association, visited the ailing actor at his home in Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur. "Fokira bhai has been bedridden for a year. He cannot speak," Rahman told Channel i Online. "He does nothing except shed tears. Sometimes he behaves like a child. But he still recognizes people. When Misha bhai called on video, he recognised him and waved."

Fokira's children confirmed that he has undergone treatment in several hospitals in Dhaka, but his condition has shown no improvement. Once the owner of a restaurant in Mohammadpur before turning to acting, Fokira is now struggling to manage both medical and household expenses. He lives with his wife, daughter, and son.

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Recognising his difficult circumstances, the Film Artistes' Association has decided to extend financial assistance. The decision was taken at a meeting held on Saturday.