Taapsee Pannu advised to not choose female-centric films

The actor opened up to Zoom about her struggle as a strong-headed female in the industry and the roles she chooses

Bollywood's recent import from South Indian cinema, Taapsee Pannu, is known for her strong, unapologetic persona.

The star has also made sure to carefully choose roles that favour her stance, however she was advised against doing so, she revealed in an interview with Zoom.

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"I have been advised by people in this industry that I should let men take the centre stage now," Pannu said about the strange criticism she's received from industry peers.

She went on to reveal how she's been told by people that "You are only doing women-centric films. When I tell them that I also did Mission Mangal, they say 'but that's again a strong female character.' Toh kya karu? Kuch bhi flimsy sa role kar lun? (So what should I do? Should I do just any flimsy roles?)," expressed Pannu.

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The Pink actor was then asked why she chose to do a role in  Judwaa 2 alongside Varun Dhawan which, of course, was not as strong of a role. Taking the question head-on, Pannu replied, "Yes, I did that only to prove that I can also do this. Don't put me in a box. But today, I am in a position that when I do a commercial film, the character will have something for sure. That I can command today."

Sounds like someone is sure of their rising star and, why not? Pannu has been the fore-runner in a new age of female actors in Bollywood that have taken up the mantle of portraying strong female characters - something that was long due in Hindi cinema.

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Her breakthrough role in Pink launched a much-needed discourse about sexual harassment and silencing of victims. She followed it up with roles in unconventional films - Naam Shabana, Badla and Saand Ki Aankh - that had little to no commercial value, yet has managed to become a staple in the Bollywood circuit.

The star has a long line-up of films for the upcoming year. She will next be seen in Anubhav Sinha's directorial, Thappad. Following that, she will be seen in Tadka, Rashmi Rocket, Haseen Dillruba, and Shabaash Mithu.

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