Trupti Bhoir's Paro: A Bold Exploration of Bride Slavery in India

Trupti Bhoir, a determined filmmaker, shines a light on the dark reality of bride slavery in her film Paro. With a personal journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim, she explores the stories of women affected by this issue. Paro, co-produced with Taha Shah Badussha, has made it to the Oscar Convention List, marking a significant achievement in Bhoir's career. Through her NGO, she documents the experiences of thousands of women, emphasizing that this film is not just entertainment but a vital movement for change. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story and the making of Paro.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 12, 2026, 05:55 IST

A Journey Fueled by Determination

Trupti Bhoir, an accomplished actor, writer, producer, and filmmaker, did not have a privileged upbringing. Instead, she relied on her resilience and a firm belief in the transformative power of storytelling. Her latest film, Paro — The Untold Story of Bride Slavery, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Gajendra Ahire, sheds light on a harrowing issue in India: the buying and selling of women for marriage, some as young as twelve.

The Dreamer from Goregaon

Unlike many in the film industry, Trupti does not hail from a family of filmmakers. She is the sole member of her family involved in cinema. Before her acting career took off, she worked as a beautician, commuting from Andheri to Borivali for nearly five years, lugging over 25 kilos of equipment to provide home services. "There were days when I couldn't afford a vada pav," she recalls. Growing up in Goregaon, Mumbai, Trupti was adventurous and free-spirited, often hopping onto bullock carts on her way to school, which would delay her arrival.

Cinema's Unyielding Call

Trupti believes that acting was never a conscious choice; rather, it was a calling. Her debut film, Touring Talkies (2013), made history as the first Marathi film to be listed for an Oscar, and she shared the Best Actress Award with the legendary Sridevi, a moment she describes as surreal. Now, with Paro, which she co-wrote and co-produced alongside actor Taha Shah Badussha, she has achieved another milestone by entering the Oscar Convention List, marking her second Oscar-listed film.

The Inspiration Behind Paro

The concept for Paro emerged after Trupti viewed documentaries on bride trafficking, which she likened to a slow-spreading cancer in society. "Girls are trafficked not just for prostitution but for serial marriages, stripped of their rights and identity," she explains. This realization led her to not only conduct research but also immerse herself in the issue.

More Than Just a Film

Trupti asserts that Paro represents every silenced girl and forgotten woman, addressing truths that society can no longer overlook. Through her NGO, Trupti Bhoir Shelter Foundation, she became the first in India to systematically document bride slavery, gathering handwritten accounts from over 4,000 women and girls across the country. With more than 60,000 women facing this grim reality, she emphasizes, "This is not merely a film; it’s a movement."

Facing Danger for the Cause

The path to creating Paro was fraught with danger. During her research, Trupti and her mother encountered a trafficking agent who threatened them with a dagger, forcing them to flee for their lives. The filming process was equally challenging, involving shoots in freezing temperatures and traversing thorny landscapes under the scorching Rajasthani sun.

From Local Roots to International Recognition

Paro has since been showcased at prestigious venues such as Cannes 2025, Harvard Kennedy School, Oxford University, the India Caucus, and LA Fashion Week. Despite her success, Trupti remains humble, stating, "I’m still that girl who scored 35 percent in school and dared to dream."