Tahir Raj Bhasin

Tahir Raj Bhasin (born 21 April 1987) is an Indian actor who works in Hindi films. Bhasin made his screen debut with Kismat Love Paisa Dilli and made brief appearances in Kai Po Che! (2013) and One by Two (2014).

He made his official film debut with Mardaani (2014), which fetched him a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination and the Screen Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role. He also played the best antagonist in Force 2. His next film Chhichhore (2019) was a critical and commercial success. In 2021, he played cricketer Sunil Gavaskar in 83 (2021).

Early life and work Bhasin was born in New Delhi; his father worked in the Indian Air Force and he is the elder of two siblings. His father and grandfather both served as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force. During his school days, he participated in many extra-curricular activities. He studied political science at Hindu College, University of Delhi and did a workshop with Aamir Raza Hussain, who is a theater personality in Delhi. It was when he participated in the IIT Bombay's Mood Indigo festival that he decided to become an actor. At the age of 18, he worked at a national news production company where he hosted a campus talk show for a news channel. He joined the Institute of Advanced Acting and Behavioural Studies for a year, where he learnt about body language and behavioral analytics.

Career Tahir committed to acting professionally in 2012, when he featured in four short films for the Film and Television Institute of India and appeared in Indian television advertisements for companies like Samsung and Canon camera. After starring in a seven-second role in Abhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che! (2013), playing the role of senior Ali—the cricketer in the film—Tahir appeared in the romantic comedy One by Two (2014), directed by Devika Bhagat.

In 2014, Tahir made his debut in a leading role with Pradeep Sarkar's crime thriller Mardaani alongside Rani Mukerji, in which he played the role of Karan Rastogi, a Delhi-based human trafficking kingpin. His character in the film, inspired from the American TV series, Breaking Bad, was critically acclaimed and critics praised the representation of a "new, young, chilling face of crime" in Indian cinema. Mohar Basu of Koimoi called Bhasin a "revelation", and Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama mentioned that Bhasin made sure he leaves an "ineradicable impression" even if "pitted against a powerhouse performer" like Mukerji. With the role, Bhasin topped "The Times hotlist'14" in the Best actor in a negative role category, and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the annual Filmfare Awards ceremony.

In 2016, Tahir starred in the action spy thriller Force 2 as the antagonist opposite John Abraham and Sonakshi Sinha. His acclaimed portrayal won him a Star screen nomination for best supporting actor.

For his work in Mardaani and Force 2, Tahir ranked in the Forbes magazine 30 under 30 list for 2017. The same year, he was ranked in The Times of India list of top 50 most desirable men.

Tahir walked the red carpet at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival as part of the cast for Nandita Das’s Manto, in which he portrays the 1940s Bollywood star Shyam.

In 2019, he portrayed one of the lead roles in Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari's feature film Chhichhore. The film became a blockbuster hit, grossing over 200 crores at the Indian box office and was awarded the prestigious National Award for best film.

In 2021 Tahir starred In Kabir Khan’s 83, a film about India’s first cricket World Cup victory in 1983. He has essayed the part of the legendary test cricketer Sunil Gavaskar.

In 2022 Tahir had three back-to-back releases: Ranjish Hi Sahi, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein and Looop Lapeta, where he transitioned to playing the romantic lead.

The Netflix series Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein became a blockbuster hit and shot to number 1 on Netflix India. The Times of India said in its critique, "Tahir Raj Bhasin (who recently played Sunil Gavaskar in Kabir Khan's ‘83’) is delightful as a trapped Vikrant who is unable to escape. When he discovers that everything in his life is falling apart, including his true love, he makes the audience empathise and sympathise with his character's claustrophobic condition. Tahir's character arc is impressive, and he pulls it off like a pro."

KoiMoi stated in its review, “Tahir Raj Bhasin is literally everywhere. In theatres with 83, on Voot with Ranjish Hi Sahi, on Netflix with Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein and Looop Lapeta trailer. And he deserves to be there. The actor has the capability to handle an entire show on his back. As a character that see a 180-degree transformation, there are a lot of expectations from him, and he doesn’t disappoint. Watch out for the scenes he is helpless in, the man knows his craft and how!"

Miss Malini wrote, “Tahir is a revelation. He carries the nuances of Vikrant so effortlessly well and his journey from a small-town boy to a man-on-a-mission is a treat to watch."

He starred in the Netflix film Looop Lapeta opposite Taapsee Pannu, which soared to number 1 on Netflix India's charts and was ranked in the top non-English films worldwide. Tahir's performance as Satya opened to resounding critical acclaim. KoiMoi stated “This is a 2-balls-2-sixes situation for Tahir Raj Bhasin after proving his unerring mettle of acting skills in Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein. He underplays Satya big time without crossing the lines to be a caricature." A CNBC TV18 critique said, “Tahir Raj Bhasin is on a dream run right now. Already basking in adulation for his performances in web shows Ranjish Hi Sahi and Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein, he’s wild and nimble in Looop Lapeta as Satya." The film is the Indian adaptation of the hit German classic Run Lola Run.

Personal life and off-screen work In a 2015 interview, Bhasin stated that he had relationships during his school and college days but after being committed to acting, he does not have time for relationships.

In 2022, he was ranked 20th in GQ India's "30 most influential young Indians" list.

Filmography

Films

Web series

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Film Result 2014 Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actor Mardaani Most Promising Newcomer (Male) Stardust Awards Superstar of Tomorrow – Male Star Guild Awards Best Performance in a Negative Role Most Promising Debut – Male