Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken candidly about her early experiences in the South Indian film industry while promoting her upcoming film Assi. In a recent interaction, the actress addressed uncomfortable industry practices, career dissatisfaction, and long-standing rumours involving Kangana Ranaut.
Her remarks have reignited conversations about the portrayal of women in regional cinema and the pressures faced by actresses in commercial films.
Allegations of Discomfort on Film Sets
Taapsee revealed that during her early years in the South film industry, she was often asked to wear padded bras for glamour sequences and songs to enhance her screen appearance. She said such suggestions were frequently discussed openly on set, sometimes in front of large crews.
The actress described these moments as deeply uncomfortable, adding that conversations about her body being conducted publicly made her uneasy. According to her, these requests were presented as routine styling adjustments rather than optional choices.
“Excessive Focus” on Actresses’ Navels
Taapsee further commented on what she described as an excessive focus on actresses’ navels in certain regional industries. She noted that both Southern cinema and Bhojpuri films often emphasise this aspect in songs and glamour sequences.
Her observation has sparked debate online, with many questioning long-standing cinematic tropes that objectify female performers in commercial formats.
Clarifying Rumours About Kangana Ranaut
Addressing speculation about a supposed rivalry with Kangana Ranaut, Taapsee denied any personal conflict. She stated that she has never fought with Kangana nor publicly spoken against her.
Responding to past remarks where Kangana’s sister allegedly referred to her as a “cheap copy,” Taapsee said she did not take offence. She added that if Kangana is widely regarded as a strong performer, being compared to her does not bother her.
The clarification appears to put to rest years of industry gossip about tension between the two actresses.
Career Beginnings and Dissatisfaction
Taapsee began her acting career with the Telugu film Jhummandi Naadam and went on to become a recognised face in the South Indian film industry. Despite achieving star status, she revealed that she did not always receive roles she found creatively satisfying.
She suggested that while she was commercially successful, the characters offered to her lacked depth and meaningful development.
Her most recent Telugu appearance was in Mishan Impossible, released in 2022.
A Shift Toward Content-Driven Roles
Over the years, Taapsee has increasingly gravitated toward performance-oriented cinema, particularly in Hindi films. Her recent projects have focused more on strong, layered characters rather than glamour-centric roles.
With Assi, she appears to continue that trajectory, positioning herself in narratives that prioritise storytelling over spectacle.
Renewed Debate on Industry Standards
Taapsee’s comments have once again highlighted broader conversations about gender representation in Indian cinema. While glamour and song sequences remain integral to many commercial films, questions about consent, comfort, and portrayal continue to surface.
As she promotes Assi, the actress’s reflections offer insight into the evolving expectations of performers and the changing dynamics of film industries across India.
Whether these discussions lead to structural change remains to be seen, but her candid remarks have certainly reopened the dialogue.
