Listen "Kiran Shah MBE: The World’s Shortest Stuntman Who Worked on Lord of the Rings, Star Wars & More | E29"
Episode Synopsis
Kiran Shah MBE is an actor, stunt performer, and published poet with one of the most distinctive careers in international film. Known as the world’s shortest professional stuntman, he has worked on over 40 major films, including being featured highest grossing movies in history like Titanic, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and The Chronicles of Narnia. Kiran has served both as a scale double and stunt double for leading actors, contributing to some of the most technically complex scenes in cinema.Born in Nairobi and raised between India and the UK, Kiran’s path into film was shaped by persistence and adaptability. In 2009, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to the film industry and advocacy for people with dwarfism.In this episode of Seva at Scale, Josh Roy speaks with Kiran about the realities of working in global cinema, collaborating with the likes of Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio, the physical and emotional discipline involved in stunt performance, and the challenges of representation in entertainment. The conversation also explores Kiran’s work as a poet, his thoughts on storytelling, and how he’s navigated the industry on his own terms.Kiran offers a clear, honest reflection on his experiences, without framing them as extraordinary - but simply as part of a career built through consistency and craft. A true epitome of defying the odds! Josh and Kiran discuss the relationship between visibility and agency, and how small decisions can shape long term impact.This episode provides a thoughtful look at a life spent contributing behind the scenes - and in the spotlight - with clarity, patience, and intention. Hosted by Josh Roy, Seva at Scale, though primarily a business podcast, continues its mission to share grounded conversations with successful people in entrepreneurship, arts, and culture, building positively impactful work across disciplines. Hope you enjoy!