Acclaimed Indian actor Taha Shah Badussha (pictured above) attended the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards in London as a guest of Berkeley Media Group, the international content company recognised for championing globally resonant storytelling across cinema, television, and digital platforms.

Taha was hosted by Yu-Fai Suen, Managing Director of Berkeley Media Group, and the company’s senior leadership team. A long-standing BAFTA member, Suen is a highly respected industry executive with over three decades of experience spanning film production, financing, and international distribution across the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe.

Under Yu-Fai’s leadership, Berkeley Media Group has been closely associated with award-winning filmmakers and internationally recognised projects across Hollywood, the UK, Europe, India, and emerging global markets, with a strong emphasis on culturally driven stories created for global audiences.

Taha Shah Badussha won widespread acclaim for his performance as Tajdar in Netflix’s Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which became a global cultural phenomenon and introduced international audiences to his nuanced screen presence. More recently, he played the male lead in Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, an Oscar- contended Hindi film that brought international attention to a powerful and urgent social narrative, further cementing his reputation as an actor drawn to meaningful, socially resonant storytelling.

Taha is also the ambassador of the annual Film Conclave, part of London’s India Week, hosted by Economic Policy Group (EPG), a platform that brings together voices from film, policy, and global media to foster cross-border collaboration and international exchange.

Reflecting on the evening and the celebration of cinema on an international stage, Taha Shah Badussha said: “It’s such an honour to attend the BAFTAs with the Berkeley Media Group and celebrate the incredible work this year. The BAFTAs are such a special reminder of how much heart and collaboration goes into filmmaking.”

Hosted by Alan Cumming, the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards were held on 22nd February at London’s Royal Festival Hall, celebrating outstanding achievements in global cinema.

South Asian excellence was notably represented on the night, with Alia Bhatt presenting an award, and the Manipuri-language film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Excel Entertainment’s Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, winning the ‘Best Children’s and Family Film’ award, marking a significant milestone Indian cinema on the global stage.

As his international journey continues, Taha Shah Badussha remains focused on projects that challenge convention, bridge cultures, and tell stories with lasting emotional and social impact.

Taha Shah Badussha is the only UAE-born actor to have established a career in mainstream Hindi cinema. He made his feature film debut with Luv Ka The End and went on to build a diverse body of work.

work with films such as Gippi, Baar Baar Dekho, and Ranchi Diaries, earning recognition for performances marked by sincerity and emotional depth.

Taha’s international work includes the critically acclaimed American film Draupadi Unleashed, reflecting his ability to work across industries and formats. His breakthrough in the digital space came with Taj: Divided by Blood, followed by his widely acclaimed performance as Nawab Tajdar in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi.

The role became a defining moment in his career, bringing him global visibility and firmly establishing his presence on the international stage.

In addition to his work on screen, Taha has also made his mark in fashion, walking for renowned designers including Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla and Neeta Lulla.

His recent film, Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, has been recognised on the Oscar Contention List for the 98th Academy Awards, highlighting his commitment to socially relevant storytelling. In recognition of his growing impact, he is the recipient of the ‘Rising Star Award’ at London’s annual Film Conclave.