The UAE-born Indian Taaha Shah has become the talk of the town for his recently released movie Ranchi Diaries. Shah talks to SHAlINI SAKSENA about sharing screen space with Anupam Kher
How did you get Ranchi DiariesIJ
Some films fall into your lap, and that’s what happened with Ranchi Diaries. Sattiwik (director of the film) had seen me at my friend's birthday party and he remembered me from luv Ka The End. He felt I was perfect for Pinku, my character in Ranchi Diaries. So about a year later, he gave me a narration of the script and I wanted to be Pinku after the first reading itself.
What is your character likeIJ
Pinku is like the Robin Hood who fights for the weak. He is this self-proclaimed ‘so-called’ godfather of his area. The character thoroughly enjoys himself and loves to cook chowmein and owns a chowmein stall. Pinku is a sensational and a very crucial character in the film.
How was it to work with Anupam KherIJ
For any actor who is just starting off, working with Kher sahib is a great learning experience. He is a legend and I love the way he balances his strictness and his playful energy. I wish that in some film I get an opportunity to play his son. It was an epic experience to work with him.
We hear that acting happened by chance to you.
It was never by chance. It was a constant thought at the back of my mind. Since there was no way to get into the acting profession, it was always very scary to plunge into it. But, then I decided to follow my passion and dreams. Fortunately, everything fell into place and now things are happening. It’s a roller coaster, but every moment of it is thrilling, exciting and absolutely passionate.
Any lesson the industry has taught youIJ
One of my co-actors once told me that everything in this business is very temporary. One of my gurus said that never burn bridges, always keep a connection and always keep going because the future never knows what it holds for you. Third, always read and try to outwork yourself. Always be completely involved in the industry you are in and know it A to Z.
If you had a time machine, the one thing you would like to change about your careerIJ
If I had a time machine, the one definite thing I would like to change in my career would be the date when I started my career when I decided to join acting and pursue the profession of acting. I started my career when I was 21. I wish I had started when I was 18.
Do you think you could have done better as a dancerIJ
I am an okay dancer but I will definitely not pursue that profession. I am a dancer now because of being an actor. Being an actor requires varied talents and dancing has been one of them.
There is always this talk of the casting couch. Your take on it
Yes, there is always the talk of casting couch and it must be existing. But I don't think anybody forces anyone to take wrong decisions in life. So my take is that the only thing you need is the strong dose of belief and that will take you far away from any such demeaning situation.
Any particular director or genre you would like to say no toIJ
I will like to say no to anything which is completely adult content. There is no director I would like to say no to because I feel that everybody has got great creativity and I would like to be a part of great scripts and great stories.