Taapsee Pannu Calls Dunki a Reward After 10 Years of Struggle in Bollywood

Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken candidly about her journey in the film industry, describing her role in Dunki as a reward earned after more than a decade of perseverance. Reflecting on her career, she said that opportunities in big commercial films remain rare, especially for actors who are not perceived as conventional mainstream leads.

The film, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, marked Taapsee’s first collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. She described being part of the project as a significant milestone and credited her body of work in content-driven cinema for shaping the opportunity.

Taapsee noted that actors who are not seen as traditional commercial heroines often find it difficult to secure roles in large-scale productions. According to her, she was chosen for Dunki because the role required a certain sensibility and authenticity that aligned with her acting style.

She emphasised that films such as Assi and Gandhari helped her build a distinct identity in the industry. These projects, she said, gave her space to grow as a performer and contributed to her credibility as an actor capable of handling layered roles.

Despite the success of Dunki, Taapsee admitted that opportunities in mainstream cinema are not guaranteed. She acknowledged that industry perceptions still influence casting decisions and that it may take time for filmmakers to envision her in more glamorous or commercial roles.

Interestingly, the actor pointed out that she began her career in mass entertainers in South Indian cinema and made her Hindi film debut in a commercial film directed by David Dhawan. She noted the irony that despite this background, she is often viewed as a content-driven performer rather than a mainstream commercial face.

Dunki, a comedy-drama exploring migration and human aspirations, featured an ensemble cast including Boman Irani and Vicky Kaushal in a special appearance. The film generated significant attention for bringing together Rajkumar Hirani’s storytelling and Shah Rukh Khan’s star power.

Meanwhile, Taapsee is receiving appreciation for her performance in the courtroom drama Assi, directed by Anubhav Sinha. The film addresses pressing legal and social issues and features a strong ensemble cast.

Over the years, Taapsee Pannu has built a reputation for choosing unconventional roles that balance meaningful storytelling with commercial appeal. Her journey reflects the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, where actors are increasingly navigating between content-driven narratives and mainstream entertainment.

Her reflections highlight the challenges, persistence, and adaptability required to sustain a long-term career in a competitive film industry.