Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, starring Taha Shah Badussha, is now officially on the Oscars contention list for the 98th Academy Awards, spotlighting India’s social issue-led cinema globally.
DUBAI: Indian independent film Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, starring Taha Shah Badussha, has officially been entered into the Oscars contention list for the 98th Academy Awards, opening the door for nominations across various categories in the 2026 awards cycle.
Directed by renowned filmmaker Gajendra Ahire and produced by Trupti Bhoir and Sandesh Sharda, the film offers an unflinching portrayal of bride trafficking, forced marriages and modern-day bride slavery in rural India. Alongside Taha Shah, the cast features acclaimed performers Trupti Bhoir and veteran actor Govind Namdeo.
The critically acclaimed drama has travelled widely, making an impact at prestigious venues such as the Cannes Film Festival and academic platforms like Oxford and Harvard. It has also been screened in global cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington and Mumbai, earning praise and awards at film festivals in Norway, Holland, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Taha Shah Badussha expressed gratitude and responsibility for the film’s message, stating, “This film is more than a role. It is a voice for the silenced and a story that deserves to be seen and heard beyond borders.” He also spoke about his aspiration to play diverse roles across genres and stories that raise awareness and drive meaningful change.
Paro has drawn strong appreciation for its sensitive yet powerful storytelling, focusing on human rights and social justice. Its entry into the Oscars contention list marks a major achievement for Indian cinema that chooses conscience over convention. The film’s journey underscores the growing global interest in socially driven narratives from South Asia.
