Inside The Mind Of Heeramandi’s Taajdaar: Taha Shah Badussha On Love And Revolution
Unless you are living under a rock, you will not miss the Heeramandi hype currently buzzing. The 8-episode Netflix series, released in April, has everyone talking for various reasons. One standout factor is Taha Shah Badussha, also renowned as Taajdaar. The Heeramandi actor has emerged as a prominent figure in Bollywood, evolving significantly since his debut in Luv Ka The End 15 years ago.
Now displaying maturity and depth, Taha's journey from a young actor to a seasoned performer is evident. On his visit to Dubai this week, I had the opportunity to catch up with him and peek into his personal life. He declares that he is a romantic (also what he wholeheartedly personifies in the series) — a persona he embraces so gracefully.
During our conversation, Taha shared insights into his career and the impact of Heeramandi on his life. The series, set in the historical backdrop of pre-independence India, delves into the lives of courtesans, offering a nuanced portrayal of their struggles and triumphs.
Taaz, I am very intrigued. On Instagram, your tagline says Lost between "Ishq and Inquilaab" — what does that mean?
Nobody has asked me that. The idea is Taajdaar's from Heeramandi. It's about facing the dilemma of choosing the greater good over personal love. It's a tough choice because everyone wants to be with the person love. However, when you see loved one sacrifice for the greater good, it becomes a heart-wrenching decision made for the benefit of others. Therefore, I believe this is what defines Taaj: a person caught between mulk (nation) and mohabbat (love). This embodies the essence of Inquilaab (revolution) and Ishq (love).
Tell me, is there any similarity between Taajdaar and Taha?
Drawing from a wealth of personal experiences, the portrayal of Taajdaar in Heermandi is deeply influenced by real-life emotions. The romantic aspects of the character are particularly resonant, reflecting moments of falling in love and dealing with my heartbreak before. Such authenticity is evident in a scene in Heeramandi where Taajdaar smells a handkerchief, an act inspired by my personal memory of holding onto a loved one's sweater to feel closer when she was away. Another facet where I closely aligns with Taajdaar is patriotism. My country is my utmost priority and love. So much so that at this year's Cannes, I was so actively promoting India that I earned the informal title of the "Face of India in Cannes".
Talking about Cannes, was it true that you were not eating at the festival?
That's true. I chose not to eat at the festival. The waiting time for food could be quite long— up to two hours. Walking to the Indian restaurant alone could take 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes to order, and another 25 minutes for the food to arrive. By the time I would have finished eating and walked back, a significant portion of the day would have been lost.
Instead, I decided to skip meals to focus on networking. My philosophy was simple: I could eat when I returned to India or my next destination. Missing a meal seemed like a small sacrifice for the larger benefit of making valuable contacts. I didn't want to miss the opportunities for interaction and networking that Cannes presented, all for the sake of sitting in a restaurant.
Networking and hustling provides me with a greater thrill than dining in a fancy restaurant. On one occasion, I did visit an upscale restaurant at night in Cannes, but I felt out of place. I remember thinking, "Where can I get a shawarma?" I preferred something quick so I could get back to work. But I did find something to my liking. During an event with about 20 people from the Red Sea Film Festival, I did feel more at ease. The setting allowed for networking, making it a productive use of time rather than just a dining experience.
You've been in Bollywood for the last 15 years. But with Heeramandi, you've built this spontaneous, instantaneous fame. How did you take that overnight and what changed?
For the first time, I cried tears of joy. Previously, my tears stemmed from rejection, being replaced, or overlooked in the industry. From the first few days after the release of the series, I was receiving heartfelt messages, especially from people I have known for a long time, which profoundly moved me. Their mothers called and blessed me, expressing how much they loved my work.
Hearing that I made them cry and feel genuine emotions is a significant win for me. These interactions mean more to me than any social media metrics. People approach me, sharing how a particular scene made them cry, and that's my goal. I want the audience to shed their masks and get lost in the characters, truly experiencing joy and sorrow.
I consider myself an emotional actor, drawing from my own life experiences and pain. This connection with the audience is what brings me happiness. Success and stardom are just words to me; what matters is hard work. For 15 years, this has been my mantra, ingrained in my routine.
I am grateful that success came at the right time. Had it come earlier, I might not have valued it as much. Now, I deeply appreciate every person who reaches out to me and recognises my work. I never take this for granted.
When you first looked at the character of Taajdaar, what did you think? What made you so confident that you could do it?
I didn't receive the script initially, just the scenes on set. However, my education as an actor has always been beneficial. The depth I bring to a character is largely due to the techniques I've learned. Reading the character is one thing, but portraying emotions with layers comes from my training. These techniques help me connect my emotions to my voice and breath.
For me, it's all about the science behind acting through my gurus. I've learned these techniques through extensive training. Now, I simply go to the set and execute. It's not complicated anymore. After 15 years in the industry and completing around 20 courses globally, what once seemed challenging has become manageable. My preparation and execution are very well-coordinated now.
What next for you after Heeramandi?
I strive to be a versatile actor. My ambition extends to working in South India, portraying a variety of roles. I do not have a specific career path mapped out, but I am certain that I do not wish to remain stagnant. Repetition in my craft is not an option. I aim to consistently take on challenges and present something fresh to the audience.
Do you have any projects in the pipeline?
Indeed, I do. There are several lined up. However, I plan to take them forward once the excitement around Heeramandi subsides. At this moment, I am riding the current wave and thoroughly enjoying the experience.
You are an Abu Dhabi-born, Sharjah-bred guy. Tell us about your favorite spots in and around the cities?
My once cherished spot was Maroosh restaurant near the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. My family and I frequently visited this place to enjoy Shawarma. Those outings with my mother and brother remain some of my fondest memories. Another significant place in my life was Sherwood Academy, my school. Right in front of the school, my mother taught me how to drive. As a child, she would place me on her lap and guide me through the basics of driving. This lesson is something I will always hold dear. Reflecting on these memories brings a sense of nostalgia. Thank you for prompting this trip down memory lane. Dubai also holds a special place in my heart, particularly the Deira City Center. Its significance in my life, although difficult to pinpoint, is undeniable.|
With Heeramandi setting a high bar and Taha's commitment to excellence, the actor's journey is one to watch. His blend of talent, humility, and dedication ensures that he will remain a significant presence in Bollywood for years to come.
Sign in with Google