Taha Shah's Oscar Dream: 'Paro' on 2026 Contention List

Taha Shah Badussha, known for 'Heeramandi', is celebrating a significant achievement as his film 'Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery' has been included in the Oscars 2026 contention list. The actor shared his initial disbelief upon hearing the news, thinking it was a prank until the producer, Trupti Bhoir, convinced him. This inclusion marks a rare milestone, which Shah struggled to accept initially, noting it took him half an hour to fully process.

Shah's journey in acting stemmed from a childhood desire for recognition, having felt overlooked in school. He learned the importance of self-belief as he matured. His career highlight remains 'Heeramandi', while the pandemic period in 2020, when he felt stuck in the US and forgotten, represented his lowest point. The film 'Paro', produced by Trupti Bhoir and directed by Gajendra Ahire, is a drama addressing bride trafficking and stars Shah alongside Bhoir and Govind Namdeo.