Afzal Hossain said you should have been beaten up: Sazu Khadem

For the last two decades, Sazu Khadem has been a familiar face on all facets of acting — be it theatre, TV or the silver screen. The actor has honed his skills not only in dramatic arts, but also in the realm of presenting. 

His film "1971 Shei Shob Din" released in theatres recently, gaining massive responses from the audiences. Directed by Hridi Huq, the film narrates the story of a middle-class family amidst the Liberation War. Many have reacted strongly to the film, some even  got teary eyes. But the hatred for Sazu Khadem's character, Rayhan — a Rajakar — remains synonymous among all.

"This is an achievement for the character!", exclaimed Sazu, who feels that being berated and hated for a character means that the actor has done their job well.

Sazu has already visited multiple halls and watched the film a few times. "After the screening, I was waiting to see the audiences' reaction. Then a few elderly women approached me, saying, 'You're horrible, should we hit you?'," recalled Sazu.

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That's not all. Apparently, Sazu Khadem was also present when another noted actor, Afzal Hossain, along with wife watched the film. After the screening, Afzal complimented Sazu, saying, "You should be beaten up. That was great acting." Decorated actress Suborna Mustafa also had a similar reaction after she watched the film. Moreover, actor Mosharraf Karim's wife, Jui Karim, also reacted to the negative role asking, "Why are you so horrible?"

Sazu Khadem's theatre and TV buddies also chimed in with praises for his Rajakar character. "I'm being cursed and complimented, what more can an artiste ask for," the actor said.

The actor, who feels proud of our Liberation War, is seeing the negativity in a positive light. According to him, people's hatred towards Rayhan illustrates how much people dislike Rajakars. "I could successfully portray the character as the audience evoked such strong feelings. Feels good to know how distasteful the audiences find Rajakars to be," concluded Sazu.

All the 'hatred' aside, he is currently working on a new drama called "Ful Bahar", portraying the character of Ful. The drama is directed by Juboraj Khan. Apart from this, two of Sazu's films are awaiting release. One of them is titled "Shyama Kabbo", directed by Badrul Anam Saud. And the other is, "Ajob Cheleta", directed by Manik Manobik.