Actor and social activist Trupti Bhoir recently took centre stage at the prestigious TEDx Manhattan Beach in California, marking a significant milestone in her advocacy-driven career. Invited for her work as co-researcher, co-writer, co-producer and actor in her Bollywood debut Paro, Bhoir used the platform to shed light on the brutal realities of the Paro bride slavery system — a subject she has been tirelessly working to address through field initiatives and her NGO, Shelter Foundation.

Trupti Bhoir earns standing ovation at TEDx Manhattan Beach; her powerful talk on ‘Paro’ and bride slavery strikes global chord

Paro, which stars Taha Shah Badussha opposite Bhoir, follows the harrowing journey of women and teenage girls sold for less than livestock and forced into torturous lives. The actor’s portrayal underscores themes of rebellion, hope, and societal introspection, urging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths often ignored.

Speaking about her TEDx experience, Bhoir said, “It was a beautiful experience to be part of such a huge platform as elite minds from across the world came together to inspire goodness in everyone.”

She further reflected on the cultural diversity she witnessed, adding, “While this season’s speakers came from varied cultural backgrounds, a commonality that bonded all was the language of love and humanity propelled by congruent emotions. My Ted coach Nancy Doyle, my friend Ruhi Hak and my husband Satish Chakravarthy who has composed the background score for my film ‘Paro’ were very supportive and encouraging in my preparation and gave me the confidence to address 400 people in the audience.”

Bhoir’s speech concluded with a standing ovation, a moment she described as validation of her mission. “My talk ended with a resounding applause and a standing ovation for all the work I’ve done so far under my NGO Shelter Foundation for the cause I am relentlessly championing — to rescue bride slaves in India. This warm reception by the audience reinforced that my message has managed to reach people’s hearts. I believe arts and advocacy go hand-in-hand. I hope to inspire action every step of the way ahead.”

With this latest achievement, Bhoir now joins the distinguished list of Indian speakers to grace an international TED stage — a list that includes Shah Rukh Khan. Her TEDx talk is scheduled for official release in January 2026.

Also Read: Cannes Film Festival 2025: Taha Shah Badussha says, “Even if we save one woman, that’s a win” as he speaks at Paro screening