Alamgir visits ailing Ilias Kanchan, recalls memories

Veteran actor Alamgir visited the Gulshan residence of actor and Nirapad Sarak Chai (NISCHA) Chairman Ilias Kanchan on Tuesday, a day after the latter returned to Bangladesh following more than 15 months of treatment in the United Kingdom.

NISCHA Vice Chairman Liton Ershad confirmed the visit, saying Alamgir arrived at around 5:30 pm and spent nearly two hours with the veteran actor.

According to Liton Ershad, the two, who have shared a close friendship beyond the film industry for many years, spent much of their time discussing Kanchan’s health and reminiscing about old memories.

“Because of his illness, Kanchan Bhai cannot remember many things. Alamgir Bhai tried to help him recall different memories, encouraged him mentally, and assured him not to worry,” Liton Ershad said.

Ilias Kanchan had been receiving treatment in London since April 2025 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. He underwent brain surgery in August last year, during which doctors removed a large portion of the tumour. However, they were unable to remove it completely because of the associated risks. Subsequent medical examinations confirmed that he had brain cancer.

Following the surgery, Kanchan underwent an extensive course of treatment, including chemotherapy and oral therapy over several phases. According to family members, he received chemotherapy five days a week over a 12-week period before continuing with multiple phases of oral therapy.

Despite the prolonged treatment, his health has not improved as expected. Liton Ershad said Kanchan had become eager to return home after spending more than a year abroad and requested to spend a few months in Bangladesh before beginning the next phase of treatment.

“The third phase of therapy ended on July 30. His next phase of treatment will begin later, but before that he wanted to spend some time in his home country,” he said.

Quoting the attending physicians, Liton Ershad said the cancer remains at the original site following surgery but has not spread to other parts of the body, which doctors consider a positive sign.

He added that Kanchan can now speak slowly, although he still struggles to complete full sentences and occasionally experiences speech difficulties. While his appetite remains relatively normal, he no longer follows his previous routine of eating on time.

SKS