‘Heeramandi’ star Taha Shah Badussha on ‘Paro’ making to Oscars contention list: 'I honestly thought they were joking'

Taha Shah Badussha shot to widespread recognition after his breakthrough turn in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi’. The actor recently found himself back in the spotlight when his film ‘Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery’ earned a spot on the Oscars 2026 contention list.

For any actor, reaching this stage is a rare milestone and for Taha, it felt almost unreal.Recalling how he first heard about it, Taha shared with Mid-Day, “To be honest, I was sitting here when they messaged me. So first of all, I was thinking that these people were pulling my leg and were joking.” He added that the news came from the film’s producer and actor Trupti Bhoir, saying, “I was like, ‘No, no.’ She had to really convince me. She said, ‘Hey, check the link.’

I checked it, went up and down, and then realised they weren’t joking.”

Taha Shah Badussha on letting the reality set in

Once the truth hit him, the actor admits he went silent. “When I found out this was actually happening, I went very quiet. I couldn’t understand how a small film, made from the heart, could reach this level. It was a wish, but I never thought it would actually happen.”He further revealed, “It took me half an hour to accept it. Then I called everyone again, and everyone was very happy.”

Speaking about the film’s release plans in India, Taha said, “Now we’re just trying to push it to get the right release.”

Why did acting become Taha Shah's calling?

Opening up about his early years, Taha shared how feeling overlooked in school shaped his ambition. “When you’re young, you want respect and applause from your classmates. I didn’t get that. I always felt left out,” he said, adding that the desire to prove himself pushed him towards acting. Reflecting on maturity, he noted, “You eventually realise that you need to be your biggest cheerleader.”Looking back at his childhood, Taha said, “I’ve always wanted to be on stage. I loved watching plays. I didn’t know it was acting back then, but around 20, I told my mom, and she sent me to the New York Film Academy.”

Highs and lows of the journey

When asked about career highs and lows, Taha called ‘Heeramandi’ his undisputed peak so far. The toughest phase, however, came during the pandemic. “The lowest point was around 2020 after COVID,” he said. Explaining further, he shared, “I was in the US, and people here forgot me.

COVID hit, and I felt stuck, not from here, not from there. I genuinely thought my time would end.”

About 'Paro'

Produced by filmmaker and social activist Trupti Bhoir and directed by acclaimed storyteller Gajendra Ahire, Paro is a socially driven drama that explores the systemic issue of bride trafficking. The film stars Taha Shah Badussha alongside Trupti Bhoir and Govind Namdeo, and has garnered attention on international platforms and film circuits for its sensitive, issue-led storytelling.