Taapsee Pannu, the talented actress known for her impactful performances, has opened up about the financial dynamics of the film industry, particularly concerning her roles in big-budget films like Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki and Varun Dhawan’s Judwaa 2. In a candid interview with Indian Express, Taapsee revealed that she did not receive “a lot” of money for these high-profile projects, contradicting the common perception that actors in such films are well compensated.
The actress explained that in large-scale productions, the leading male stars often have significant influence over the casting of female roles. “Funnily, people think I do films like Judwaa or Dunki for money, that I get paid a lot. But no, it is the opposite – I get paid to do more for films that are headlined by me, like Haseen Dillruba,” Taapsee stated. She highlighted the prevailing notion among filmmakers that casting a heroine in a film with a major star is seen as a favor, suggesting that many feel “there is already a big hero, why do we need anybody else?”
Elaborating on the casting process, Taapsee noted that in the majority of cases, it is the male lead who decides the female counterpart. “Now, even the audience knows that heroes decide who the heroine is going to be in most of their films, unless there is a very big, super successful director,” she explained. “Seventy-five percent of the time, it is the hero who has a big say on who the heroine is going to be. Some are secure, while others think, ‘Let me cast someone who will not overshadow me.’”
Taapsee has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles and delivering powerful performances in films like Pink, Thappad, Rashmi Rocket, and Shabaash Mithu. Her recent work includes Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba and Khel Khel Mein, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She gained widespread recognition through acclaimed films such as The Ghazi Attack, Mulk, Manmarziyaan, Badla, and Mission Mangal.
Taapsee’s portrayal in Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki (2023), alongside Shah Rukh Khan, has garnered significant appreciation, marking another successful collaboration in her evolving career. As she continues to challenge industry norms, her insights into pay disparities and casting dynamics shed light on the ongoing conversation about gender equality in Bollywood.
Sources By Agencies
