PARO – The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, a powerful and emotionally stirring film, sees actor Taha Shah Badussha in a bold new avatar that is set to challenge perceptions. Conceptualised by celebrated Marathi actress, filmmaker and social activist Trupti Bhoir, the film is helmed by Gajendra Ahire, a two-time National Award-winning director, and produced by Sandesh Sharda.
The film casts a piercing light on the plight of ‘PARO’ or ‘Molki’ brides — women who are bought and sold into marriage, often becoming victims of modern-day slavery. With Trupti Bhoir playing the lead role of Chand, the narrative tackles the harrowing realities of this toxic cycle, rooted in deeply patriarchal traditions.
Taha Shah Badussha portrays Rashid, one of Chand’s husbands — a man initially devoid of remorse, who undergoes a significant emotional journey towards accountability and transformation. Speaking about the film, a proud Taha said:“PARO is a film that deeply affected me when I first heard about it. I want to play roles that resonate with the audience, build awareness and aspire for change in society. I want the roles I play, to deeply resonate with the audience, and my role in PARO is just like that. Everybody who has seen the movie so far has been deeply affected and moved by its story, and that is the kind of impact that we were all aiming for.”
The film made its mark with a prestigious screening at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, followed by a showcase at Academy LA, in association with Los Angeles Fashion Week. During the LA event, Trupti Bhoir also launched TARPA TRIBES — a sustainable fashion brand under her SHELTER FOUNDATION, which empowers tribal women from remote villages in Palghar, Maharashtra through skill development, shelter and employment.
Having garnered critical acclaim across the global festival circuit, PARO is tentatively scheduled for its India release in the second half of 2025.
