Heeramandi actor Taha Shah Badussha’s surprising journey after being rejected by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Taha Shah Badussha, who made his debut with the film, Luv Ka The End in 2011, rose to fame in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar earlier this year. Taha portrayed the character of Tajdar Baloch in the Netflix series. Following its release, both critics and fans praised his performance.
Interestingly, Bhansali initially rejected Taha Shah for a role, only to later offer him the lead role of Tajdar in Heeramandi.
When Bhansali rejected Taha Shah for a role
According to a recent Filmfare interview, Taha Shah Badussha was not initially cast for Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. He had secured another role before Tajdar Baloch. However, Sanjay Leela Bhansali turned him down and suggested that he explore other opportunities.
Shortly after, Taha received a call informing him that the filmmaker had decided to go in a different direction and he might not get the role.
Taha Shah recalls being devastated and pleading with Bhansali at his office
Reports suggest that Taha Shah was devastated by this news and went to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s office. The Luv Ka The End actor pleaded with Bhansali to reconsider him for the role even before the director spoke.
Bhansali then reassured Taha while proposing a different role – the role of Tajdar Baloch.
Taha described it as the best surprise of his life and vowed to give his all for the lead role in Heeramandi.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a “perfectionist”, says Taha Shah
In the same interview, Taha Shah Badussha praised Heeramandi director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, referring to him as a perfectionist.
“I wouldn’t say he is a harsh taskmaster. Honestly, I am a harsh taskmaster myself. You have to be one if you want to achieve something in life. It’s not a negative trait,” he stated.
“It’s the most positive trait because someone who loves what they do can be passionate about it. It’s not anger, it’s passion. Even in his scolding, there’s love,” added the Heeramandi star.
Heeramandi also featured Manisha Koirala, Sharmin Sehgal, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chaddha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shekhar Suman and others. The series was released on May 1, 2024.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Sanjay Leela Bhansali reveals Tajdar and his dad’s strained relationship in Heeramandi was inspired from his real life