Dubai’s Taaha Shah remembers his first meeting with Bollywood’s A-list producer Karan Johar vividly. He was at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai when he spotted Johar walk out with YRF honchos Aditya and Uday Chopra.
“I was just sitting there one moment staring into oblivion when they walked past me into a lift. The next thing I know, I sprang up, jumped down four flights of stairs at one time and chased him. They were about to exit the building. I was breathless but I managed to squeeze out words that went: ‘I really wanted to meet you’,” His proactive approach worked as Johar shared his number with the Bollywood hopeful.
“There’s nothing called the right place, right time. You just have to keep yours senses open. Be alert,” said Shah, who attended Sharjah’s School of Choueifat and Sharjah American International School. Before hitting Bollywood in Yash Raj Film’s romantic comedy Luv Ka The End in 2011, Shah was a steel trader.
“This accidental meeting helped me. When I auditioned for my role as Arjun in Gippi, there was this recall value with Karan. That helped me,” said Shah. His top tip?
“Never give up on your dreams. Be ready to community and learn as many skills as you can. Be it ballet, horseriding... you never know what will finally get you a role in Bollywood.”
