EXCLUSIVE! Taha Shah Labels Paro's Global Recognition 'Miracle'; Recalls 'Crying' After Heeramandi Success

Taha Shah Badussha Exclusive: Tall, dark and undeniably magnetic, Taha Shah Badussha has swiftly transformed into the internet's newest obsession. Ever since his spellbinding turn as Tajdar Baloch in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2024 Netflix sensation Heeramandi, the actor has been basking in an unprecedented wave of love, one that goes far beyond admiration for his looks. The actor has been at the receiving end of global love over his powerful and hard-hitting film 'Paro - The Untold Story of Bride Slavery', directed by Gajendra Ahire.

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In an exclusive conversation with Mimtaz from Filmibeat, Taha Shah speaks candidly about Paro earning a spot on the Oscars 2026 contention eligibility list, calling the moment nothing short of a "miracle". The actor also reflected on Heeramandi's success, recalling the emotional impact it had on him.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

1) Congratulations on Paro making it to the Oscars contention list! What was your very first reaction when you heard the news? What was the first thought that ran through your mind when you read the script?

Honestly, I thought it was a lie. I assumed someone was pulling an April Fool's prank on me. They had sent me the link, I looked at it and said, 'Good one, good one.' But then they asked me to actually check the list. When I did, I was completely flabbergasted.

That moment made me realise how differently the universe works. Sometimes, when you least expect any good news, especially when you're going through a tough phase, it suddenly surprises you with something beautiful. It keeps testing you, but it also rewards you. I felt deeply grateful and shocked at the same time.

2) Did you imagine your performance reaching global recognition when you first signed onto the film?

I was quietly hoping for something like this. When Paro was screened in places like Washington, LA and Chicago, the audience reactions were very encouraging. That gave us a feeling that if the film reached the right platforms and the right people, it could go far. But for Paro to actually become eligible for Oscars 2026 contention, it's honestly very, very special. I still see it as a miracle.

3) You worked with renowned filmmaker Gajendra Ahire in Paro. How was your experience collaborating with him, and what's the most important lesson you took from the process?

When Gajendra sir first gave me the script, there were barely any dialogues. I remember telling him, 'Sir, I can't improvise that much, especially in Haryanvi.' But then we sat down together and worked through it step by step. I found a Haryanvi coach, learnt the language, and slowly the character started taking shape.

Looking back, that process taught me an important lesson: when you truly put your mind to something-even if it feels difficult or risky-it becomes possible with dedication, discipline and love for the craft. Believing in unconventional subjects can feel scary, but sometimes, when you take that leap of faith, God helps you when you reach the right places.

4) Was there any particular scene or moment in Paro that really challenged you as an actor?

There's one particular scene I can talk about without giving away the story. I'm sitting in a grave, and an intense emotional turmoil hits the character. That scene was extremely challenging for me because I didn't sleep the entire night before shooting it. I stayed awake, mentally placing myself in that space, constantly imagining that I was sitting inside a grave and living with those emotions. I kept revisiting the scene in my head all night, which made the performance emotionally exhausting-but in a good way.

There's another scene as well, one that's deeply uncomfortable to watch. It's the kind of moment that will make you cringe and curl up in your seat. I don't want to reveal too much, but it's something that hasn't really been seen on screen before. When audiences watch the film, they'll immediately know which scene I'm talking about.

6) You have been in this industry for over a decade, but it was Heeramandi that changed your life completely. Fans weren't just praising your eyes and looks-they were blown away by your performance. How did it feel to receive such overwhelming love and recognition?

I was crying, really crying. For the first time, I truly understood what happy tears feel like. It wasn't just happiness; it was a deep sense of gratitude. When your heart feels that full, and you realise you've reached a moment in life that feels almost unreal, the emotions just take over. I'm incredibly thankful for every bit of love and every message people send me. That kind of appreciation motivates me to do better every single day. What touches me the most is when people say they felt inspired by my work and that it encouraged them to follow their own dreams. That, for me, means everything.