Actress Azmeri Haque Badhon has opened up about her emotional experience after failing to secure a role in Mujib: The Making of a Nation, the Bangladesh-India joint production based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The big-budget film, directed by Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, was produced at a reported cost of around 700 million Indian rupees during the Awami League government’s tenure.
In a recent interview, Badhon said she auditioned twice for the film but was rejected — a decision that left her in tears. “I had a strong wish to work with Shyam Benegal. He’s such a legendary director. After being rejected, I cried a lot,” she said.
Badhon recalled that she was not only turned down but also insulted during the audition process. “The pain wasn’t just about being rejected — I was treated poorly. Later, when the trailer and the film were released, hearing people’s reactions made me feel it was actually a blessing in disguise. I was happy they didn’t cast me.”
The actress also shared a personal moment after the film’s trailer came out, recalling how a close cousin comforted her, telling her that perhaps it was for the best. “At that time, I still cried, but later I realised maybe I was spared from something I wouldn’t have been proud of,” she added.
In Mujib: The Making of a Nation, actor Arifin Shuvoo portrayed Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, while Nusrat Imrose Tisha played Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib. The cast also included Nusraat Faria, Riaz Ahmed, Dilara Zaman, Chanchal Chowdhury, Siam Ahmed, Zayed Khan, Khairul Alam Sabuj, Raisul Islam Asad, Gazi Rakayet, Tauquir Ahmed, Misha Sawdagor, and over a hundred other actors.
