Taapsee Pannu bats for female actors, rues patriarchal, male-controlled mindset of industry

Taapsee Pannu is one actor who never hesitates to speak her mind and displays no inhibitions in sharing her opinions on topics related to the industry. 

She has very aptly displayed her nerve in women specific roles in Pink and Naam Shabana, movies that touched a chord with the audience who wholeheartedly appreciated Taapsee’s portrayal of strong female characters.

But, in real life, Taapsee Pannu has a rather different, or shall we say a sardonic view of the movie industry. 

Taapsee, in an interview with PTI, said that there is no difference between the film industry and society as far as the patriarchal, male-controlled mindset is concerned.

She said, "Being a female actor, who has a strong opinion and is not willing to sacrifice or leave her self-respect is tough. Sometimes I ask myself, 'Do I compromise with my self-respect or do I go and do something which will be for the larger good of my career?'

"Sometimes I have to be really clever and smart to manoeuvre because I know it is going to benefit (my career). But sometimes I have to put my foot down for my self-respect which doesn't go down well with a lot of people."

Taapsee, however, is happy that women are now becoming ‘vocal’ and are speaking their minds.

"A lot of female actors have now become more vocal. At least they are questioning. How strongly they are putting their foot down, I don't know. But yes they are speaking up.

"We get more security in the fact that there is much more significance attached to the characters and one just can't replace another. That is why we are in a position today where we can say what we feel. Now we can command in a certain way."

Taapsee says the fact that female actors are now standing up for themselves is bringing a significant change in the mindset of the people in the film industry.

"Being vocal is making a difference in terms of how people perceive us. There is a certain sense of command. They listen to what a female actor has got to say.

"I feel female actors are now being taken more seriously than ever before. We are now an active part of filming, post-production, pre-production and promotions."

Taapsee, who will next be seen in "Judwaa 2", says she wants to strike a balance between commercial and realistic films.

"I have done a lot of work in south before Bollywood happened and I apply that experience when I choose a film now. I will not repeat those mistakes. Maybe I will make new mistakes but will also learn from them."

After the David Dhawan-directed romantic-comedy, the actor will start preparing for Anubhav Sinha's "Mulk", which also features Rishi Kapoor.

'Mulk' is something which will start a conversation. I can't share much, but I can guarantee great cinema. I will start prepping for it from next month," said Taapsee.

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