Taapsee Pannu is currently enjoying praise for her performance in Assi. The courtroom drama has sparked conversations, with viewers appreciating her intense and emotional portrayal. Yet, alongside the applause, Taapsee has addressed a question that often follows her career – Why does she not regularly feature in big-budget commercial films like Dunki?
In a recent interview with SCREEN, the actor spoke honestly about industry perceptions, career paths and the realities of being seen as a “non-mainstream” heroine.
Taapsee Pannu Explains The Struggle Behind Securing Big-Budget Films
Speaking about her experience with Shah Rukh Khan starrer Dunki, Taapsee admitted that such opportunities are rare for her. She said, “A film like Dunki is difficult to get for someone like me because I’m not some commercial, mainstream, viable heroine. I got it because that role probably needed someone like me. That’s what I’ve been told. That’s because I did films like Assi and Gandhari before. This is what has given me my space and identity in the industry. So, this is my reality. Dunki is a gift I’ve had for these 10 years.”
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She further added, “I don’t know how long it will take for me to get another one. It’s a struggle because they still have to come to terms with – Oh, we have to show her all glammed up. I started my career in the South with massy films. I began my Hindi career with David Dhawan. It doesn’t get more commercial and in-your-face than that. Then I’ve worked with Anubhav Sinha and Anurag Kashyap. It’s a very crazy choice of directors. I can do this and that. I know what gave me a certain audience. It might be small, but I’m glad I’ve earned those people’s trust. Not every actress has that privilege. So, this is my home ground.”
About Dunki And Assi
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki explored illegal immigration through the “donkey flight” theme. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan alongside Taapsee Pannu. It also featured Boman Irani, Anil Grover and Vikram Kochhar, with Vicky Kaushal in a cameo. Despite mixed critical responses, the film emerged as a box office success, earning Rs 454 crore worldwide.
Meanwhile, Anubhav Sinha’s Assi is a courtroom drama centred on social and legal tensions. Taapsee plays the lead role, supported by Kani Kusruti, Revathy, Manoj Pahwa, Kumud Mishra and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. The film opened to mixed-to-positive reviews and has collected Rs 5.75 crore domestically so far.
Taapsee will be seen in Kanika Dhillon’s Netflix film Gandhari next.
