Taapsee Pannu on the Struggle to Land a Film Like 'Dunki'
In a candid revelation, actor Taapsee Pannu has stated that securing a role in a major commercial film like 'Dunki' required years of persistent effort and was never a certainty in her career. The Rajkumar Hirani directorial, which features Shah Rukh Khan in the lead, represents what Pannu describes as a rare and precious opportunity, arriving as a reward after more than a decade in the film industry.
Not Seen as a Mainstream Choice
Speaking to SCREEN, Pannu elaborated on why films of this scale remain elusive for her. "A film like Dunki is difficult to get for someone like me because I'm not considered a commercial, mainstream, viable heroine," she explained. She emphasized that big commercial projects continue to be challenging not only for her but for many actors who do not fit the conventional mold of mainstream choices. The role in 'Dunki' ultimately worked in her favor because the character demanded someone with her specific sensibility and artistic approach.
Building Identity Through Earlier Films
Pannu directly linked this breakthrough opportunity to her previous film selections, which helped carve out her unique space in Bollywood. "I got Dunki because I did films like Assi and Gandhari. These films have given me my space and identity in the industry. This is my reality," she noted. She characterized 'Dunki' as a "gift" that she received after over ten years of dedicated work in cinema, highlighting the long and uncertain journey to such milestones.
Uncertainty Persists Even After Success
Despite the success of 'Dunki,' Pannu admitted that the path to future large commercial projects remains unclear and fraught with challenges. "I don't know how long it will take for me to get another one. It's still a struggle because people have to come to terms with the idea of presenting me in a more glamorous, mainstream space," she said. This ongoing struggle underscores the persistent industry perceptions that actors like her must continually navigate.
Irony of Her Career Beginnings
Pannu also pointed out a striking irony in her career trajectory. "I started my career in the South with massy films, and my Hindi film debut was with David Dhawan. It doesn't get more commercial and in-your-face than that," she remarked. This background makes the current difficulty in accessing similar commercial opportunities in Hindi cinema all the more perplexing and reflective of shifting industry dynamics.
About 'Dunki' and Current Projects
Directed by the acclaimed Rajkumar Hirani, 'Dunki' marked his first collaboration with superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The film featured Taapsee Pannu alongside a talented ensemble cast including Boman Irani, Anil Grover, and Vikram Kochhar, with Vicky Kaushal making a special appearance. Meanwhile, Pannu is currently receiving widespread praise for her performance in 'Assi,' a courtroom drama directed by Anubhav Sinha. This film also stars Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, and delves into pressing legal and social issues, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and impactful actor.
