Taha Shah Badussha has had a year. A standout turn in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi announced him to a global audience, and the industry took notice. Now, with a high-profile project for Amazon and Dharma Productions under Karan Johar already generating significant buzz, the actor is stepping into a new weight class. He is deliberate about the roles he chooses, drawn to characters with heart and stories built around resilience. The sports film, the action vehicle, the complex dramatic part that asks everything of him — all of it is on the table. Taha Shah Badussha is not chasing a moment. He is building a body of work.
Taha Shah Badussha @taahashah Photography Mazhar Badani @mazharbadani Styling AmbiKa “B” Sanjana @styledbyambika Grooming Suzie K @suziekbeauty Production x Location BELLO Media Group x Maison Privée @bellomediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la
Your performance in Heeramandi left a lasting impression. What part of that experience has stayed with you the most?
The part that stayed with me the most has been working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, of course. I think just being in his shadow inspired me immensely. I don’t think I can ever truly live up to that level of brilliance, but just being around it has been deeply motivating.
Definitely working with Mr. Bhansali and Netflix as well — this being my first ever show with them — has stayed with me. And even the cast… Manisha ma’am, Sonakshi, Richa… working with such a stellar and accomplished group of actors has truly left a lasting impression on me.
What can you share about your upcoming projects and how does it push you into new creative territory?
I am actually excited to share this — I have signed a really incredible project with Amazon and Dharma. Mr. Karan Johar is helming the project, which makes it even more special. We just announced it a couple of days ago, so there’s a lot of anticipation and energy around it. Creatively, it feels like a new space for me, and I’m excited to explore that.
Is there a particular kind of role you’re hoping to explore next that audiences haven’t seen from you yet?
I would love to play a sports film. Also an action film. Maybe even an action-romantic, something completely commercial — that’s a space I’m really drawn to. At the same time, roles that challenge me, roles that push me to dive deeper into my own soul, those are the ones I truly seek. I want to keep evolving with every character I take on.
How do you decide which scripts or characters are worth investing your time and energy in?
Any role that challenges me. Roles that are hopefully out of the box, stories that inspire, and stories about underdogs achieving their dreams. I think I naturally gravitate towards narratives that have heart, that move something within me, and give me an opportunity to grow as a person.
Your style feels effortlessly refined yet modern. How would you define your personal fashion philosophy?
My personal philosophy is to be dressed for the occasion, and always dress up, never dress down. It’s okay to be slightly overdressed rather than underdressed. Otherwise, in my own personal space, I like to keep it very relaxed — baggy clothes, T-shirts, mostly hoodies as well. Comfort with a sense of ease is key for me off-duty.
Do you approach fashion as an extension of your personality or as a form of transformation, much like acting?
I would have to say it’s an extension of my own personality — just expressed in different ways of dressing, but still me at the core. There’s always a sense of authenticity I like to maintain, even when experimenting with different looks.
Has your journey in cinema influenced the way you present yourself through fashion?
A hundred percent. Being in the film world definitely makes you more aware of trends, of what’s happening, what’s evolving. You’re constantly looking to better yourself, to present yourself better, to dress better. So yes, it has had a strong influence on how I approach fashion today.
Are there any designers, eras, or cultural influences that shape your wardrobe choices?
My favourite, of course, remains Manish Malhotra. I absolutely love his designs and he is a dear friend too. I would say I’m an old-money guy at heart, so sharp, tailored suits are really my thing. Classic, timeless elegance always appeals to me.
How do you balance staying true to your style while experimenting with bold or unconventional looks?
I don’t think I want to lock myself into saying I have one particular style. I like to stay open to exploring. And I guess that’s where the fun is — trying new things while still feeling like yourself.
If you had to describe your style in three words, what would they be?
Luxury. Bespoke. And colourful.
Do costumes and styling ever help you get into character before the camera starts rolling?
One hundred percent. Costumes play a huge role, but I would also add that the hair and sometimes even the makeup really help you step into the character. They complete the transformation and allow you to feel the part even before the camera starts rolling.
Looking ahead, do you see fashion playing a bigger role in your career, perhaps beyond just personal style?
A hundred percent. I think I would one day love to have my own label — creating our own designs and building something of my own in the fashion space. So yes, definitely something I see myself exploring in the future.
