Taapsee Pannu has opened up about not receiving commercial film offers since starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Dunki, revealing how her career has evolved after the film.
Speaking to News18, the Thappad starlet said female leads in mainstream films are often replaceable, while actresses with stronger industry connections and visibility have an advantage in landing such roles.
She said, “I feel that all actors are replaceable. It’s not like ki yeh role iske ilaava koi aur kar hi nahi sakta. They may do it differently but I think everyone can pull off every role. But the female characters in these so-called mainstream and commercial films are ones that can be played by anyone. And the basis of landing these roles isn’t your talent It’s your market, saleability, contacts, visbility, presence and influence. All of these factors more than an actor’s talent come into play.”
She continued, “And I know it for a fact that I’m lagging behind when it comes to these factors. The only basis on which I can get a film is my talent. The only reason I got to work on Dunki is because Raju sir had seen my work. He puts his foot down for me."
Taapsee credited Rajkumar Hirani for casting her in Dunki, calling it an unconventional choice.
She said such opportunities are rare, which she believes has limited her chances of landing more big-ticket mainstream films.
Taapsee added, “Usually, the characters in a commercial film aren’t significant enough and so, it doesn’t matter which actress is playing the part. If an actress fits into their budget and has a certain market value, they immediately cast her.”
She mentioned, “Mainstream films that cast an actress purely on the basis of talent are far and few. And directors like Raju sir, who are so sure of the actress they want, are even fewer."
Taapsee Pannu was last seen in Gandhari, which follows a mother’s quest to rescue her kidnapped daughter.
