Taz Singh: The Multilingual Actor Breaking Barriers In Korean And Indian Cinema

Tarsvinder Singh Sihra aka Taz Singh is the internet's current sensation. The Scotland-born Sikh actor made global headlines when he was an appearance in global K-pop superstar RM aka Kim Namjoon's music video "Lost".

Describing the BTS behemoth as a considerate and relatable person, Taz Singh confesses he had no inkling as to whom and what he was auditioning for.

"When my UK agent asked me back then, it was just labelled as a Korean project. It was kept very confidential. I saw the audition details and the script and gave my first audition which was followed up by a second. After a week or so I was told I had got the job. I was pleased because I spoke a bit of Korean and have been interested in Korean entertainment, and thought well finally I get to do a Korean project. It was days later we were told it was with RM, and I cannot tell you how excited and happy I was. I still remember my jubilation, having been a BTS fan, this was unbelievable."

The video which has crossed over 9 million views since its release in May 2024 sees Taz take on the role of a talk show host who introduces RM's new song in both English and Korean to viewers. Calling it his best project to date Taz describes RM as a vibe and cherishes his fist bump with the singer, whom he calls one of the greatest artists of all time.

"Working with him was amazing artistically, but he's also an incredible human being. It felt like working with friends on set, it was all very easy to connect with RM and the rest, and it was artistically and creatively inspiring.

Born to Sikh parents in Glasgow, Taz is proficient not only in Korean but Mandarin as well. The aspiring actor who can also speak conversational Japanese, is currently in Japan shooting for a Japanese project. He says while growing up in the United Kingdom, his interest in languages and different cultures was deeply influenced by his friends who came from diverse backgrounds.

"I embraced different cultures and picked up different Asian languages, and as a human being and an artist it has helped me become more diverse."

Taz who recently auditioned for a Korean drama, will also be seen in the Bollywood action thriller "Tehran" starring John Abraham followed by Ullajh with Janhvi Kapoor.
He reveals getting a foothold in any industry comes with its own set of challenges, as well as breaking stereotypes.

"Initially I did face a lot of challenges trying to find a break in the Korean entertainment industry as well as getting an agency to represent me. I took the Korean proficiency test, which measures your proficiency in the language. I did a lot of networking, as well as opting for casting groups, to maximise my chances in every area and direction to get better opportunities. Though I have auditioned a lot for Bollywood as well. I am just striving for a better tomorrow and hope a lot more auditions and chances come my way as well in the Indian film industry," he says hopefully.

Taz, who has also starred in the Italian series" Sports Crime", says it's heartening to see that the whole push for diversity and inclusivity is motivating for his generation of aspirational actors.

"I think the world is now at a stage of encouraging more diverse as well as different aspects across the board. It is more welcoming and encourages people from different backgrounds and cultures to embrace, whether it is Bollywood as well as elsewhere. Even a person like me who could well be restricted in narratives, has room to explore."

However he does confess it's not been easy, and it can be a lonely journey to forge one's path alone.

"2020 was a difficult time for me and I felt lost as a human being. Throughout my life there were times of uncertainty, even though I was confident and had the belief I was competent, the outside world would not validate these beliefs nor did I see those outcomes. There were times when things wouldn't go my way and I have seen so-called good friends also change and that's when you start doubting yourself as a human being. There are times when you want to control outcomes and feel lost. But it is very important to have self-belief and confidence in one's self."

Taz describes John Abraham as a spiritual person and Jahnvi Kapoor as a thorough professional. Though he remains tight-lipped about both his Hindi film outings( Tehran and Ullajh. However, in all earnestness, Taz says "I hope to keep getting the opportunity to entertain audiences with my craft and creativity, in whatever medium, language or genre."