Taapsee Pannu has always maintained composure in the face of criticism, and her response to being called Kangana Ranaut’s “sasti copy” by Rangoli Chandel years ago remains unchanged.
In a recent interview, she revisited the controversy with her characteristic wit, remarking that perhaps she is indeed “sasti” because she does not command the same paycheck as Kangana. Acknowledging the comparison, she stated that being called a copy of such a talented actress is not something she takes offense to.
She also emphasized that a person’s choice of words is a reflection of their upbringing and character, adding that she would never make such remarks about a fellow actress who has carved her own path in the industry.
This statement aligns with her response in 2019 when she praised the trailer of Judgementall Hai Kya without mentioning Kangana’s name, which led Rangoli to accuse her of imitating the actress without giving her due credit. The controversy escalated with Rangoli’s post on X (formerly Twitter), accusing Taapsee of copying Kangana’s style while refusing to acknowledge her, but the post was later deleted.
Beyond revisiting past controversies, Taapsee also spoke candidly about the biases that persist in Bollywood. She pointed out how films led by female protagonists often suffer from lower budgets and restricted theatrical releases. She believes that breaking these stereotypes requires effort from both men and women in the industry, as many actors and filmmakers strive to bring about meaningful change.
She also touched on the increasing influence of social media in the casting process, voicing her concern that an actor’s talent should not be judged based on their online following. She asserted that filmmakers should focus on personality and skill rather than digital popularity when making casting decisions.
Currently, Taapsee is preparing for her next film with Anubhav Sinha, marking her third collaboration with the director after Mulk and Thappad. She was last seen in Dunki (2023) alongside Shah Rukh Khan and continues to carve her own space in the industry with performances that challenge conventions.
