Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin says that every project has taught him to focus on being true to the process
Actor Tahir Raj Bhasin is an outsider with no connections in the industry. He debuted with Mardaani to show his acting prowess as a villain and since then, Tahir is delighted about how his career has been shaping up. After making a mark in Mardaani, which earned him the Best Supporting Actor and Best Villain awards, Tahir decided not to look back. His powerful performances in the subsequent films like Manto, Chhichhore and many more made him grab projects like 83 and Looop Lapeta. He is thrilled about the fact that he has shaped his own destiny in the Bollywood.
“I’m very proud of the journey I’ve had in Bollywood. When you start from the scratch, you value the recognition that your work gets and the opportunities you’ve earned because they are built solely on the basis of your talent. I consider the parts I’ve done so far to be a personal collage of experiences,” he says.
The actor credits the directors he has collaborated with for having faith in him. “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some amazing filmmakers. This has led to my growth as an actor and as a person. Every project has taught me to focus on being true to the process. What matters is making a part fun to watch and authentic. The next exciting turn of my career is going to be equally challenging. Looop Lapeta is a thriller comedy and pairing up with a talent like Taapsee (Pannu) is something I really look forward to.”
Tahir discloses his journey in cinema makes him proud. “The part in YRF’s Mardaani challenged me to stretch my abilities as I was a staring opposite an icon like Rani Mukerji. The uniqueness of the part made it a great one for me. From doing that to shifting gears in a light hearted college drama Chhichhore and now to a romantic lead in Looop Lapeta is incredibly fulfilling and gives me a sense of pride in the journey so far,” he says.
Tahir also reveals who his biggest inspirations are. “People who I count as mentors in cinema aren’t always the ones with me on a day to day but are magnetic people who I’ve briefly crossed paths with. It’s something they’ve said or did that left a deep impression on me. Aamir Khan, who I had a chance to meet soon after Mardaani, said — never be in a rush and never be afraid to take chances. It seemed cryptic back then but as time passes, it makes more and more sense. My other cinema mentor is Nawazuddin Siddique, who I worked with in Manto. His work teaches me to never underestimate the power of the audience,” says Tahir.
