I don’t have many options to choose: Badhon

‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ famed Azmeri Haque Badhon recently attended a screening of the much-talked-about film at the Independent University, Bangladesh. She shared her acting experience, the film and a lot more with The Business Post’s Purba Zannat in a candid interview there

If ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ continued for 30 more minutes, where do you think Rehana’s story would end?

I’m already tired of answering such questions regarding the film’s ending though it’s hard to answer it. I wasn’t even mentally prepared for such an ending and requested Saad if it was possible to skip the scene. For me, the whole journey of Rehana was very painful. The character has a lot of frustration and I did not get mental health support for me to overcome Rehana’s trauma during the making. Through Rehana’s trauma, the past traumas of my life also resurfaced. I can’t really think of what would happen next and I guess the director might be able to answer it better.

Is this film a turning point in your career? 

Not just in my professional life, this film is also a turning point in my personal life too. Just before I started the project, I got the legal guardianship of my daughter. That was a very difficult time for me when I was chosen for the character Rehana. The journey helped me to change my views and made me realise that I’m a human too. This character was a reflection of my whole life and its impact on me is huge.

Tell us about your experience in Cannes.

In 2020, Saad called me seeking suggestions on sending the film to Cannes and asked me how would I feel if Rehana gets selected for Cannes. I didn’t know what to say as I never dreamt of anything such big. This is the first film from Bangladesh which got selected officially in a Cannes competition. I got to know more about the Cannes film festival after the film got selected but the whole journey there was amazing.

If Rehana Maryam Noor was not selected for Cannes, do you think it would be this much successful in Bangladesh?

I believe if the film wouldn’t made it to Cannes, most of the audience won’t react to the film like this as they are responding now. Many couldn’t able to express their dissatisfaction with the film as the film is already got much international recognition. The film is not a pleasant one and it makes many uncomfortable. So, I think many won’t even come to watch the film. I remember when I signed for the film, it was just after the release of Saad’s ‘Live from Dhaka’. After watching that film I made up my mind that I should consider this project as my last project. ‘Live from Dhaka’ mesmerised me though it just continued for only four days in a single hall. That’s how our country is.

What are the differences between Bollywood, Tollywood and our entertainment industry?

Working with Saad was really different and I can’t compare that with anything. I didn’t feel there’s much difference between the work process of Tollywood and in our country. In Kolkata, I worked in web series only. Working in Kolkata wasn’t a pleasant experience for me. I had to face a lot of challenges there. But working in the Bollywood industry was an amazing experience. They are very professional in terms of time management, artiste management and technical support. They are very well trained. I’m very happy to work with Vishal Bharadwaj.

What was your experience working with Vishal?

For me, working with Vishal Bharadwaj was a big opportunity. I’ve been working in this entertainment industry, I’ve worked in Kolkata but working with Vishal in Bollywood was a pleasant experience. My role had a little screen-time but yet my experience there would help me in future. Usually, I remain in dilemma to meet people whom I like or whom I try to follow as my experience in most cases was not of the expectation. I often feel it would have been better if I didn’t meet them. But for Vishal, Tabu, and Ali Fazal – they are amazing persons, good human beings. This is something that mesmerises me the most. I think it is very important to be a good human.

Do you want to play characters like Rehana or do you want to try playing different characters?

In our country, it’s hard to find a female-centric script but I got the opportunity to play such a character. We don’t really have this opportunity. Women don’t really get to do much glamorous work or acting especially in acting after the age of 30 or 35+. In my case, I’m already 38. If I talk considering the reality, I don’t think I have much option to make a choice. All that I can say, if directors of the younger generation want to take a risk of telling a story from their point of view, I want to work with them. I want to explore and gather experiences. In our industry, I think, actors might have chances to explore but for an actress, it’s really tough. Here, female characters are very cliché. I’m interested to work but don’t know how many opportunities I’ll get.