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Interview: Taaha Shah, Yash Raj’s new kid on the block

He is no average 24-year-old. Having left family and business in Dubai just two years ago, Taaha Shah has now secured a three-film contract with Yash Raj Films. He made his debut in last year’s ‘Luv Ka The End’ in a character with negative shades, receiving much acclaim from critics. With what seems like a promising career ahead and Karan Johar’s eyes already on the young actor, he is sure to be in the news a whole lot more in the months and years to come. BizAsia caught up with Shah who has recently been bettering his skills for what is hoped to be a lucrative future. Read on to find out more about this new kid on the Bollywood block.

Taaha Shah, Yash Raj's new kid on the block
Taaha Shah, Yash Raj's new kid on the block

You left your studies and your business to head for stardom. Why?

Well,��when I was going through that phase of life I felt incomplete. I needed to discover my true passion and passion as I know it is something you are willing to do 24/7 with a smile on your face, with undying vitality. Stories and acting them out is something that I am truly passionate about.

You’ve already come so far in two years. How does it feel being where you are now?

��Far�۪ is a very subjective word. For me the fight with time is on. I feel I’m behind; I’m lacking in things but I guess this thought or feeling is what keeps me going every morning…��the desire of striving for excellence.

What would you say has been the hardest and easiest parts of your journey so far?

The decision of getting into acting, and altering the conditioned mind, by carefully placing beliefs was the hardest part. On the other hand pursuing it has been the easiest.

You want to be actor in Bollywood so much rather than Hollywood?

Its not really a choice I made. Its all about my upbringing. I want to and I know one day I will be working on all��seven continents of this world.

At this stage, what would you now say is your biggest dream?

I think my only dream is to be universally loved and recognized.

Shah with Shraddha Kapoor in 'Luv Ka The End' (2011)
Shah with Shraddha Kapoor in 'Luv Ka The End' (2011)

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in the last two years?

It doesn�۪t matter what you do between your ��work time : 9am ��� 5pm�۪ what matters is what you do between 5pm and 9am.

Who, out of the current generation of actresses, would you most like to romance in a movie?

The question is who I don�۪t want to romance.

Who do you admire most in Bollywood and why?

I believe never to be impressed but inspired.

In the current crop of actors, who do you feel is the most talented (and therefore your toughest competitor)?

Competition is very narrow-minded. But if I was to compete with someone I would need to be on the same standing as them, with all the exceptional privileges bestowed upon me. So I’m going to stick to self competition and with my motto ��Everyday in everyway, I get better and better�۪.

What’s the best thing about being a Yash Raj find?

Being attached to the pioneers of the ��industry�۪ is definitely the cherry on top because with it comes many privileges… most importantly respect.

What do you love most about living in Mumbai?

The vast differences in people and culture.

What can we look forward to in the future?

I wish I knew. I know only what my mind visualizes but I must say its going to be one hell of a ride and well The rest is the game of life.

Well, it definitely seems like Shah has a good head on his shoulders and if news is to be believed then Johar is interested in casting Shah for his children’s film, ‘Gippi’. Wait and watch with us at BizAsia for any developments. We would like to say a huge thanks to Shah for taking the time out and talking to us. We wish him well on his journey.