Baar Baar Dekho's Taaha Shah on his UAE roots

"I will always have a strong connection to the UAE," Abu Dhabi-born actor Taaha Shah, who is currently promoting his new film Baar Baar Dekho, revealed to City Times recently. "Everything that I've experienced till date in the UAE - be it love or heartbreak, memories of schooling, parents - it's made me what I am."
Taaha, who made his Bollywood debut with Shraddha Kapoor in 2011's Luv Ka The End, also opened up about what made him take the acting plunge, after dabbling in different fields.
"What really inspired me was the need to entertain. When I was growing up, I was at a boarding school in India for about two to three years. People have a lot of bad stories when they come over there, they miss their parents, so I used to try and make them feel happy, I used to do things to make those people laugh and I think that's when it got ignited, the need to entertain. Also, my mother was a big film buff, so I think that's where the small germ grew in me."
For a chance to interact with the actor, head down to Vox Cineplex Grand Hyatt, near Wafi, tonight at 9pm, as he participates in a 'meet and greet' with fans.
Excerpts from our chat with Taaha:

Tell us about your role in Baar Baar Dekho.
My character's name is Tarun, who is Jai's (Sidharth Malhotra's) younger brother. Being the youngest in the family, he is the centre of their attention and love, and reciprocally, Tarun is someone who loves to be loved and cared for. Next thing you know Tarun will jump off the couch and give you a tight hug or maybe want one for himself. He always looks up to Sidharth's character, and wants to be like him with regard to achieving what he has. This would be the first time I get an opportunity to play a character that has so many shades.

What was it like working with Katrina and Sidharth?
They are both so chilled out and easy to work with. Working with Sidharth I actually felt like I had an elder brother's support through the shoot. I think our brotherly bonding off screen translated so well on screen too. Katrina makes you feel absolutely comfortable through the shoot process. And the amazing dancer she is, shooting Nachde Ne Saare, the mehendi song with her and the whole crew was an absolute blast!

How has your experience in Bollywood been so far?
Bollywood teaches you, nurtures you and gives you the joyride of your life! It's about how ready you make yourself to take it up - if you can maintain not taking success to your head and failures to your heart, I think you should be fine!

You were working on a JP Dutta film. What is the status of that project?
All I can say is that we have completed the shoot of the film and it will only be right for the producers to announce the next step. Meanwhile, I have Anupam Kher's production Gunday aur Gudiya that I am really looking forward to.
One actor you really admire...
Hands down, Shah Rukh Khan. From 1994 he has been my idol. As for my favourite films of his, I think the most clichéd answer would be DDLJ and KKHH, but what really inspired me was KHNH.
At this point in my career when I have to make offbeat choices, I'm undecided as to whether it's right or wrong for me, so then I relate to all those people who might have made odd choices in their lives. Two of the biggest inspirations would be Darr and Baazigar and I feel I would also like to play a huge negative role. and die!
Are you excited for Baar Baar Dekho's release in the UAE as you grew up here?
Releases are always special and unnerving at the same time. For me, every time I get back to UAE with a film release, it's a surreal feeling. It's akin to showing your family your work and you want them to see it and love you for it. As for promoting it here, yes, I am super excited and really hoping many people will go out there and watch our labour of love.
(enid@khaleejtimes.com)