Taapsee Pannu Calls Shah Rukh Khan-Dunki ‘A Gift For 10 Years Of Hard Work’, Confesses Big Films Don’t Come Easy To Her

Few actors in Bollywood have built such a consistent association with courtroom dramas as Taapsee Pannu. Over the last decade, the actress has repeatedly returned to stories rooted in justice, resilience, and women reclaiming their voices, carving out a niche that has become uniquely her own.

Taapsee Pannu Reflects On Difficulties In Bollywood

Her journey began with Pink, directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, where she portrayed a rape survivor in a hard-hitting legal battle. She followed it up with a lawyer’s role in Mulk under Anubhav Sinha, and later collaborated again with the director on Thappad. Now, continuing that legacy, the duo reunites for Assi, where Pannu once again steps into the shoes of a lawyer, this time defending a rape survivor played by Kani Kusruti.

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With Assi set to revisit themes of justice and systemic accountability, and Dunki showcasing her in a more mainstream space, Taapsee’s career today reflects both grit and gratitude, proof that sometimes, slow and steady storytelling earns the biggest rewards.

In an interview with SCREEN, the actress admitted that such opportunities don’t come easily to 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’s given me my space and identity in the industry. So, this is my reality. Dunki is a gift I get for these 10 years. I don’t know how long it’ll take for me to get another one.”

Taapsee Pannu On Being Typecast In The Indusstry

Explaining the constant push and pull between perception and possibility, she added, “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 South with massy films. I started my Hindi career with David Dhawan. It doesn’t get more commercial and in-your-face like that. Then I’ve worked with Anubhav Sinha and Anurag Kashyap. It’s very crazy choices of directors. I can do this and that.”

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Reflecting on the audience she has built through these choices, Taapsee concluded, “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 can have that privilege. So, this is my home ground.”

Her words underline the tightrope she walks, balancing intimate, socially relevant cinema with occasional big-ticket entertainers. Rather than chasing glamour alone, Taapsee Pannu has chosen roles that build credibility and emotional connection, even if they cater to a smaller but loyal audience.

With Assi set to revisit themes of justice and systemic accountability, and Dunki showcasing her in a more mainstream space, Pannu’s career today reflects both grit and gratitude, proof that sometimes, slow and steady storytelling earns the biggest rewards.

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Also Read: Assi: Taapsee Pannu Owns 2026’s Most Powerful Performance, Proving Why She’s The OG Protagonist

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.