28 February,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Taapsee Pannu
Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken candidly about the realities of Bollywood, revealing that she has at times lost films because a leading hero did not want her cast opposite him. In a recent conversation, she addressed whether her outspoken nature has ever cost her work and admitted that industry politics often play a role in casting decisions.
Taapsee shared that while she is not always told the exact reason why a project slips away, she has come to understand that in some cases the male lead's preference influences the final decision. She explained that in many mainstream films built around a conventional hero heroine pairing, the hero's comfort and choice can weigh heavily on who gets selected. Sometimes, she said plainly, the hero does not want you in the film.
Reflecting on her journey, Taapsee pointed out that strong directors who are confident about their vision can change that narrative. She cited her casting in Dunki as an example of how a filmmaker's conviction can override typical industry assumptions. In projects where the director truly believes an actor fits the part, things tend to fall into place regardless of outside perceptions.
The actor also addressed the occasional label of being difficult to work with. She dismissed such claims, saying her filmography speaks for itself. Repeated collaborations with filmmakers, she argued, would not happen if she were genuinely hard to manage on set. According to her, such perceptions are often formed by those who have not worked with her personally.
Taapsee acknowledged that she is not someone who socialises extensively within the industry and prefers to maintain a degree of distance off camera. However, she believes in letting her work define her rather than networking or fitting into expected equations. She added that she is not anyone's regular pairing and does not chase projects simply to align with a particular star.
Known for choosing unconventional and performance driven roles, Taapsee said she has learned to accept the ups and downs that come with the industry. For her, staying true to her choices matters more than fitting into established formulas.
