Bhabna on her unconventional role in ‘Lal Moroger Jhuti’

The film features "Bhoyongkor Shundor" famed actress Ashna Habib Bhabna in the lead role. In a candid conversation with The Daily Star, she shared her experience of working in the film, and more.

"Lal Moroger Jhuti" was announced, and partially shot in March 2016, receiving a government grant in 2015. However, due to financial crisis, the shooting was resumed in 2020.

"While I was working on my debut film "Bhoyongkor Shundor", I signed "Lal Moroger Jhuti", said Bhabna. She will be portraying Poddo, a rebellious girl who stands up against injustice.

"We don't often get to see courageous female roles in our films," asserts Bhabna. "Poddo is not a girl-next-door."

She stressed that women are usually portrayed as oppressed and helpless in Liberation War movies. However, Poddo is one of a kind for her brave personality.

Photo: Jayita Afreen, courtesy of Bhabna

"Lal Moroger Jhuti" appears to be set in 1971. "It is not a film on Liberation War of Bangladesh, however, it is based on and around the time of the war."

The film took almost five years to complete. "My observation is that when it comes to patriotism, artistes are very earnest about it. It took a lot of time. Yet, the film has gone the extra mile, because the film is on the story of our own country," explains Bhabna.

A rooster called Bagha plays an important role in the film. "Bagha is like my own child in the film," explains the actress. "In 2016, I brought a rooster home and he stayed with me for three months. We shared a great bond." However, the shooting was postponed and the film's team decided to return him.

"Later, we had to cast a new rooster. He amazed us all with his acting. I had a great bond with him too."

Bhabna hopes that people will like her second feature film, "Lal Moroger Jhuti".

"Filmmaking in Bangladesh is not an easy task," she shares. "We have to go through plenty of hurdles in the process. I request the audience to go to theatres and watch Bangladeshi films, because they are made for the people. If local films do good business, our film industry will improve."   "Lal Moroger Jhuti" also features Jyotika Jyoti, Ahmed Rubel, Laila Hasan, Ashish Khondker and Doyel among others.