Taha Shah Badussha, a rising star currently enjoying the recognition for his role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi’, recently opened up about his tumultuous journey in the entertainment industry. While reflecting on his past struggles, Taha recalled a moment of intense disappointment that occurred over a decade ago, when he nearly had the opportunity to audition for acclaimed filmmaker Karan Johar, only for the plans to fall apart at the last minute. This recollection offers an enlightening look into the tenacity and unwavering resolve required to make it in Bollywood.
In an exclusive interview with Social Kandura, Taha recounted a period rife with efforts to get his foot in the door. He explained how, after about six painstaking months of trying to secure auditions in Mumbai, he received a life-changing call from casting director Shanoo Sharma. She informed him that there was a chance he could audition in front of Karan Johar, provided he could join an actress’s test audition. Taha’s excitement was palpable, as he described his readiness to seize any opportunity that came his way: “I thought, ‘I’ll take that opportunity, why not?’”
However, fate had other plans. As Taha fulfilled his prior commitments and reached the designated location, an unexpected call from Shanoo delivered disheartening news. “I was beneath their building when Shanoo called and apologized. She told me that Karan didn’t want to see me,” Taha recalled, with a hint of lingering sorrow. “I was already far away when I got the news, and I had to turn back, deeply heartbroken.”
Reflecting further on that emotionally charged moment, Taha described the sense of crushing disappointment he experienced upon hearing that Johar wasn’t interested in seeing him. The setback was profound enough to leave a lasting mark on the aspiring actor, who had been so close to displaying his talent to one of Bollywood’s key tastemakers. “I went back in an auto-rickshaw; I was really heartbroken because they said he didn’t want to see me at all,” Taha expressed, allowing a glimpse into the vulnerability behind his professional facade.
Despite this initial blow, life had a different trajectory planned for Taha. About a month later, Shanoo Sharma extended another olive branch, inviting Taha to her house.
. This time, he was amongst several hopefuls gathered to audition for a new YRF project. Taha’s perseverance paid off when he successfully auditioned and secured a role in the production, marking his debut in the film industry with the film ‘Luv Ka The End’. The break ushered him into the industry, allowing his talents to finally be recognized on a larger platform.
Interestingly, Taha’s journey with Karan Johar didn’t end with the first rejection. In a revealing anecdote shared with The Week, Taha spoke about another daring, almost cinematic encounter with the celebrated director. Determined to make an impression, Taha chased down Karan Johar’s car and knocked on his window. The actor recounts the encounter vividly, saying, “I ran after Karan Johar sir’s car and I hit his car, telling him that I just got a film. I wanted to show it to him, pleaded him to give me his number.” In an impressive feat of audacity and determination, Taha managed to catch Johar’s attention. The director, in a surprising turn of kindness, gave Taha his number and even offered him some water to ensure he was alright.
This bold interaction did pay off, as Johar eventually allowed Taha to audition for the film ‘Gippi’. Although the journey to that point was fraught with setbacks and required immense persistence, it highlighted Taha’s unrelenting drive to establish himself as an actor in the Bollywood industry.
Today, Taha Shah Badussha stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of seizing every opportunity that comes one’s way. His role as Tajdar Baloch in ‘Heeramandi’ has won him critical acclaim, proving that the road to success, no matter how winding, is navigable with enough determination and resilience. From heart-wrenching disappointments to audacious pursuits, Taha’s story is an inspiring saga for anyone dreaming of making it big in the glittering world of Bollywood.
