Entertainment

Taha Shah Badussha – Multifaceted Talent

Taha Shah Badussha, the actor gracing the screen as Murad, the second son of Akbar the Great in Taj- Divided by Blood, has had an intriguing journey. Born in Abu Dhabi, UAE, he embarked on his acting odyssey, culminating in an academic pilgrimage to the renowned Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in the heart of New York City. Beyond his acting talent, Taha is recognized for his unwavering commitment to fitness, maintaining an impressive physique that mirrors his dedication to a healthy lifestyle. With a multifaceted approach to well-being, Taha Shah Badussha continues to shine as a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, inspiring others. In an exclusive interview with Surabhi Goel, he discusses his fitness journey and career achievements.

What are your upcoming projects, and what can fans expect from your future roles?

Following ‘Taj,’ I’ve been fortunate to embark on diverse projects. One of my upcoming ventures, directed by Rohan Sippy, promises a unique narrative. It features talented actors like Kunaal Roy Kapur and Chandan, taking us to uncharted territory. I’m excited about my upcoming project, ‘Misfit’ with Amazon, which consists of short episodes, around 25 to 26 minutes each, across 13 episodes. It’s a fast-paced, humorous series designed for pure entertainment and relaxation. There’s no need to overthink; it’s all about enjoying the ride. I’m also involved in another project but can’t divulge much now. You’ll get the scoop when the news breaks, and we can catch up on the exciting details.

How do you balance your acting career with your commitment to fitness? Do you follow specific fitness routines or practices to stay in shape for your roles?

Fitness is paramount in my life, and I believe anyone must maintain an unwavering commitment to their well-being. It cultivates innovation and mental fortitude and thrusts you into challenging situations, fostering personal growth. To strike a balance, I prioritize waking up at least four hours before my set call time, dedicating about an hour and a half to my fitness regimen. I ensure a swift start by hitting the gym within 20 minutes of waking up, leaving no time to waste.

As for adapting to the physical requirements of various roles, I believe in maintaining a versatile physique. It’s essential not to appear overly muscular or bodybuilder-like but relatively lean and agile to embody the character effectively. Achieving this requires flexibility, which I diligently nurture through a daily hour-long yoga regimen. Following flexibility training, I delve into my workouts. However, gym training is a tiny part of my overall fitness philosophy. I endorse diverse activities, including dance, martial arts, gymnastics, and horse riding. Such activities enhance stamina, speed, and agility, contributing significantly to overall fitness. For instance, I’ve been practicing gymnastics for years and recently embarked on horse riding training to prepare for specific roles. Additionally, I firmly believe that engaging in sports, like football, improves stamina and speed. Fitness, to me, isn’t limited to conventional gym routines; it encompasses a wide array of physical activities and holistic development.

Many actors have specific fitness regimens tailored to their roles. Can you tell us about any unique training or diet routines you’ve adopted for a character you’ll be portraying soon?

I adhere to a consistent dietary regimen as part of my lifestyle, primarily consuming home-cooked food and avoiding fast food, alcohol, sugary treats, and sodas. When preparing for a role, I make dietary adjustments to meet specific physique requirements, such as adding extra rotis or incorporating healthy white rice. My overarching goal remains to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, with my current focus centered on fitness for my upcoming role rather than strict dietary goals.

What role do mental fitness and wellness play in your life, especially in the high-pressure world of acting? Do you have any strategies for maintaining mental resilience?

Mental fitness holds a straightforward solution for me – sweat it out. Sweating signifies that you’ve truly put in the effort, and I believe that if your t-shirts aren’t drenched, you haven’t worked hard enough. I often turn off the ACs in the gym because I feel that pushing your body in challenging conditions is crucial for fitness. A strong body and a strong mind go hand in hand; there’s no room for complacency. I consider myself a ‘labourer of the day,’ I firmly believe that hard work, getting your hands dirty, and embracing the challenges of a tough workout are the keys to mental resilience and overall well-being.

Are there any dream roles or genres you’re particularly eager to explore in your acting career? How do you plan to work toward achieving these goals?

I have several dream roles and genres that I’m eager to explore in my acting career. One of them is portraying a cop, someone akin to an army officer dedicated to serving the country. Additionally, I strongly desire to be a part of a sports film, perhaps something centered around the Olympics or a sports headline like javelin throw, showcasing physical skills. Another intriguing area I’d like to delve into is witty and layered gangster roles akin to what’s depicted in the film ‘Mumbai Meri Jaan.’ These aspirations align with my passion for acting and fitness, and I’m committed to working towards these goals.

Besides acting and fitness pursuits, do you have any other passion projects or areas of interest you’d like to share with your fans and followers in the coming months?

I’m a firm believer in exploring various passions and interests. As a profession, acting allows you to immerse yourself in countless lives and experiences. I’ve been dedicating time to learning the guitar, and, more recently, I’ve taken up piano. My newfound love for music is something I’m truly enjoying. While fitness involves physical exertion and action sequences, music offers a unique emotional expression and connection with its therapeutic and magical qualities.

Quick takes-

Who are your favourite male and female actors with what you consider the perfect physique, and what do you admire most about their dedication to fitness?

I have a couple of close friends who I greatly admire for their dedication to fitness and their near-perfect physiques. Tiger Shroff and Vidyut Jamwal are two of my friends who inspire me immensely. We share mutual respect and train together, having known each other for many years. I believe that healthy competition and the energy it brings are essential for personal growth, and these two brothers of mine are my constant sources of inspiration.

Regarding female actors, I’d have to mention Jacqueline Fernandez as one of my favourites. Her commitment to fitness and her incredible physique are truly admirable. Additionally, Disha Patani is someone I hold in high regard for her fitness journey and dedication.

Apart from your passion for fitness and acting, what is your favourite activity or hobby to calm yourself and find relaxation?

For me, the ultimate sources of relaxation and mental well-being are two things. Firstly, getting a good night’s sleep is essential. Secondly, there’s nothing quite like the soothing escape and immersion in another world that a visit to the movie theatre provides. I find it crucial to watch a film in the cinema, on the big 70 mm screen, without any distractions like phones. The magic of that experience truly helps me unwind and find calmness.

What are your go-to methods or activities for destressing and maintaining mental well-being?

Managing stress and maintaining mental well-being are practices I prioritize. It begins with a disciplined routine that includes a healthy sleep schedule and avoiding junk food. I firmly believe in starting my day early, around 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning, and kick starting it with gratitude. Planning the day helps me stay ahead of time and minimizes stress. I’ve found that organizing my time effectively and understanding my daily goals are crucial to staying on track. Everyone has the same 24 hours, and managing them wisely is the secret to achieving anything and everything.

Who is your favourite fitness idol, and why?

During my formative years, my fitness idols were Arnold Schwarzenegger and Salman Khan; they were my role models. Later, Jackie Chan emerged as a significant inspiration in fitness and overall dedication.

Do you love travelling, and which is your favourite destination?

I deeply love travelling, especially when there’s a purpose behind it, like work or a shoot. Simply going on vacation without any specific engagement feels somewhat unexciting to me. For instance, I recently travelled to Lucknow for a shoot, and even during my leisure time, I took the chance to immerse myself in the city’s culture. When I’m not working or shooting, I enjoy joining various classes, like the ones I attended in London, which happens to be one of my favourite places. Traveling with a purpose, whether for work or personal growth, is the most enriching way to experience new destinations.

The beauty of acting lies in the transformative nature of characters; each role allows you to explore a different facet of life. I firmly believe there’s a part of you in every character you portray, which is why the characters resonate with you.

September 29, 2023

#Celebrity

Prince Cecil Decodes the Perks & Challenges of a Destination Wedding

Actor Prince Cecil married Sai Machiraju in an intimate, 80–100 guest wedding in New Zealand, her home country, on August 24. In an exclusive with Hashtag Magazine, he breaks down what nobody tells you about planning a wedding away from home. The Perks An intimate celebration: New Zealand as our destination wedding was special because my wife, Sai Machiraju, is from there. But the thing about destination weddings is you have to keep it very private, like close-knit. I think just 80-100 people attended our wedding. Core memories that last: Destination weddings create core memories that stay lifelong. Our post-wedding pics in the snow, flying down from a helicopter, were just two happy people who wanted to capture our love. The couple even shot part of their album at Cecil Peak, a nod to his name. It was pretty cold, but it felt like a Classic Bollywood moment; at least I was covered in a sherwani, and my wife was in a saree. The right team makes the difference: There are a lot of challenges in planning a destination wedding: admin for travel, tickets, food, stage, clothes, logistics. They were quite major, but having a great team, management and a limited crowd was a huge plus. The Challenges Not everyone can make it: Someone close wants to attend it badly, but life, work commitments and the distance meant they had to skip it. That’s one of the hardest parts, missing someone you desperately want there on your special day. You can’t control the weather: The night before their outdoor ceremony, it rained heavily. We were so tensed and worried about how we’d manage, and checking for last-minute backup options. Planning can get chaotic: Coordination outside your space, managing things as per our customs and rituals, is so hard. Everything was

Entertainment

RAMAYANA: THE EPIC REIMAGINED

Ramayana: The Epic Reimagined is shaping up to be one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious productions, bringing together a star-studded cast and an international creative team. From its two-part format and reported ₹4,000-crore budget to its cutting-edge visual effects and global release plans, here are 10 things to know about the epic cinematic spectacle. 1.Two films, one epic Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic project. The first instalment is scheduled for release during Diwali 2026, with the second chapter planned for Diwali 2027. The films are directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra. Ranbir Kapoor has revealed that the team shot around six hours of footage for the first film before editing it down. A Chinese listing reportedly indicates a runtime of about 166 minutes for Part One. 2.Ranbir Kapoor as Rama: The first choice Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, amid years of speculation over other names. Mahesh Babu, Hrithik Roshan and Ram Charan were among the actors linked to various versions of the project. However, director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra have clarified that Ranbir was always their first choice for their current Ramayana. Tiwari cited his physicality, screen presence and ability to convey emotion through his expressions. Interestingly, Yash, who plays Ravana, was also reportedly considered for Rama before taking on the antagonist. 3.Sai Pallavi is Sita Sai Pallavi plays Sita opposite Ranbir Kapoor’s Rama. The role marks a major Hindi-film project for the acclaimed South Indian actor and adds another prominent South Indian star to the cast alongside Yash. 4.A large ensemble cast An extensive ensemble supports the three leads. Sunny Deol plays Hanuman, Ravi Dubey plays Lakshman, Arun Govil plays Dasharath, Lara Dutta plays Kaikeyi, Indira Krishnan plays Kausalya, Kajal Aggarwal plays Mandodari, Rakul Preet Singh plays Shurpanakha, Kunal Kapoor plays Indra

Entertainment

Exclusive Interview: Nikhil Siddhartha on Swayambhu, Family and Politics

After the pan-India success of Karthikeya 2, Nikhil Siddhartha finds himself at a pivotal phase in his career. The actor is currently gearing up for the release of Swayambhu, one of the most ambitious projects he has undertaken to date, a historical action drama that demanded nearly two-and-a-half years of dedication, extensive physical transformation, and months of post-production work. In a candid conversation with Priyanka Goud, Nikhil opens up about the challenges of mounting a large-scale period film, why he prioritises quality over quantity, how fatherhood has changed his outlook on life, and his belief in using cinema as a tool for social awareness. A Two-and-a-Half-Year Commitment Describing Swayambhu as a project unlike any other in his career, Nikhil revealed that he dedicated nearly two and a half years exclusively to the film.“Some films are easy to make, and some are difficult. Swayambhu falls into the category of films that demand complete commitment. I underwent a significant transformation for the role, growing my hair long, maintaining a specific physique, and immersing myself in the character and story throughout the production period,” he said. A Historical Story with Universal Appeal One of the aspects that attracted Nikhil to Swayambhu was its historical backdrop. Nikhil plays Krishnan Raman, a historical figure whose name appears on ancient copper plate inscriptions that have recently gained attention. “This story is rooted in history, but its themes are universal,” he said. “It’s not confined to one region; audiences across India will be able to connect with it.” The actor also highlighted the growing importance of visual effects in modern filmmaking. Swayambhu reportedly contains nearly 2,700 VFX shots, making post-production one of the most demanding phases of the project. “We completed principal photography in December 2025, but for the last five to six months it has been

Entertainment

Preity Zinta on Batwara 1947, Motherhood and Finding Her Way Back to Cinema

For Preity Zinta, returning to the screen with Batwara 1947 is about more than making a comeback. The period drama allowed her to explore a chapter of India’s history, work with director Rajkumar Santoshi for the first time, and step into a world far removed from her own. But the film also made her reflect on how much life has changed since she began her career, from the freedoms available to women today to the perspective that comes with becoming a mother. For Zinta, Batwara 1947 is ultimately a story about family, resilience and hope, as she tells Lipika Varma in an exclusive conversation. Why did you say yes to doing this film? What touched you the most? There were a couple of things. First, I really wanted to work with Raj ji. I had never worked with him before, so working with him was always on my bucket list. I had also always wanted to do a period film. Beyond that, I genuinely loved the story. What touched me most was that even in the darkest of times, there is always a ray of hope. People may see this as a story about two countries, but for me, it is essentially about a family. I was also deeply affected by stories of families who believed they were leaving their homes temporarily, even burying their jewellery and valuables, thinking they would return. They never imagined they would lose everything forever. Since this is my first period film, I spent time researching and understanding that era. After such a long break from films, why did you choose this project? I was enjoying my personal life, focusing on my family and raising my children. Professionally, I had always wanted to work with Raj ji and also wanted to do a period film.