Badhan shares candid conversation with Vishal Bhardwaj over bold role in ‘Khufiya’

Recently, popular Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan has been the talk of the town for some of her social media posts. Continuing in that vein, on Monday, the actress shared a candid conversation between herself and Indian filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, revealing her bold stance in accepting the challenging role she played in ‘Khufiya’.

Released on Netflix in 2023, the Hindi-language spy thriller was directed by Bhardwaj.

The film, through which Badhan made her Bollywood debut, was reportedly turned down by some other Bangladeshi actresses. Badhan acted as one of the agents of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the foreign intelligence agency of India, alongside veteran actress Tabu, and other prominent actors including Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Ashish Vidyarthi and Atul Kulkarni.

In the Facebook post, Badhan recounted a conversation where Vishal Bhardwaj asked why she agreed to the role when others from Bangladesh declined.

“Sir, who would miss the chance to kiss Tabu?” Badhan recalled the laughing response she delivered to Vishal Bhardwaj, adding on a serious note: “I didn’t want to miss the chance to work with you. I’m an artist-I shouldn’t have fear or limits. I loved the character.”

According to Badhan, Bhardwaj mentioned that several others from Bangladesh had refused the role when approached - some citing discomfort with a same-sex kiss scene and others objecting to the use of the word “Jamaat.”

The actress responded, “Sir, I’m not a homophobic person. I believe everyone has the right to live their life freely. And I love my country—I don’t want Jamaat or any extremist group to ever come to power.”

Expressing his appreciation, Bhardwaj reportedly said with a smile, “I cast the right person for this role, my dear. I’m so glad we’re working together.”

The conversation sheds light on Badhan’s progressive stance and fearless approach to complex roles, further solidifying her position as a bold and socially conscious performer in the South Asian film industry.