Taha Shah Badussha, star of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi, recently turned heads as the showstopper for designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla at the opening show of India Couture Week 2024.
The 36-year-old actor, known for his role as Nawab Tajdar Baloch, expressed his profound honour at being chosen for this prestigious role.
In an exclusive interview, Badussha described his showstopper role as a significant milestone.
"I feel very honoured," he said. "I used to walk the ramp as a model, but now to be invited as a showstopper feels like a personal growth."
Reflecting on his journey, Badussha attributed his success to "15 years of hard work, resilience, and persistence."
Badussha made his film debut in 2011 with Luv Ka The End, alongside Shraddha Kapoor, and has since appeared in films such as Gippi (2013), Ranchi Diaries (2017), and Baar Baar Dekho (2016).
He shared how his role in Heeramandi evolved from a brief appearance to a leading role, despite not having initially seen the script.
"Being part of a Bhansali production was a dream," he remarked, acknowledging how the role expanded from a two-day shoot to a lead part.
The actor noted that Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s designs for the India Couture Week show resonated with the essence of Heeramandi, which is set in pre-independence India.
"The designs reflect a lot of Indian tradition, similar to the themes in Heeramandi," he observed.
Following the success of Heeramandi, Badussha also had a noteworthy encounter with Hollywood star Tom Cruise. Describing it as a "pure fan moment," he said, "It was inspiring to be in his presence. He has redefined cinema and there’s so much to learn from him. It didn’t feel real."
Badussha made his appearance alongside Wamiqa Gabbi at the Taj Palace in New Delhi, where they presented the collection titled “Asal & Mard” at the couture show.
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