Kirti Kulhari, known for her compelling performance in the 2016 courtroom drama Pink, recently shared her disappointment about feeling sidelined during the film’s promotional campaign. Despite playing a pivotal role, she realized that the film’s marketing was primarily centered around Taapsee Pannu and Amitabh Bachchan, leaving her feeling unrecognized for her contribution.
In a conversation with a radio channel, Kirti reflected on how Pink made her aware of the industry’s hierarchy. “When I took on the film, I saw it as a story of three women. It never occurred to me to think in terms of ‘big star’ or ‘small star.’ I believed we were all actors, working together. But during the promotions, I felt the difference—people around me made sure I noticed it.”
The turning point for her came when the trailer was released. To her dismay, she found that the promotional material heavily featured Taapsee Pannu alongside Amitabh Bachchan, while her own presence was significantly downplayed. “That was the first shock. I knew what I had done in the film, but I wasn’t reflected in the way it was being presented. Shoojit (Sircar) assured me not to worry and to wait for the film to release. But I don’t do PR. I always believed my work would speak for itself.”
However, as promotions continued, it became clear that Taapsee was being positioned as the face of Pink after Amitabh Bachchan. Kirti admitted this realization hit hard. “The PR machinery was all about her. Eventually, she became the ‘Pink girl’ in people’s eyes, and I saw it unfold right in front of me. It was a reality check.”
Even after the film’s success, the industry’s approach continued to affect her. Though she received nominations for Best Supporting Actress, she chose not to attend the award functions, as she didn’t see herself in a supporting role. “My PR game was zero. It shook me,” she confessed.
This entire experience also impacted her bond with Taapsee. While she acknowledges that Taapsee had always been nice to her, Kirti couldn’t help but take the situation personally. “I don’t think she noticed it from her side, but for me, the way the industry functions and how PR plays a role became very evident. And yes, it did affect our equation.”
Despite the challenges, Kirti has continued to make her mark in the industry with critically acclaimed performances. Her journey serves as a testament to the unseen struggles many actors face in Bollywood, beyond just their on-screen work.
