Dunki Was Not Easy to Land, Says Taapsee
Actor Taapsee Pannu has opened up about the challenges of securing mainstream commercial films like Dunki. Speaking in a recent interview, she admitted that projects of that scale are difficult for someone with her career trajectory. Although Dunki became a major milestone, Taapsee said she never considered herself a typical “commercial, mainstream heroine.” Instead, she believes she earned the opportunity because the role required someone with her experience and credibility.
‘A Gift for Doing Films Like Assi and Gandhari’
Reflecting on her journey, Taapsee described Dunki as a “gift” for consistently choosing performance-driven cinema over the past decade. She credited films like Assi and Gandhari for shaping her identity in the industry. According to her, these choices helped her carve out a distinct space, even if it meant working outside the typical commercial formula. “This is my reality,” she said, adding that she does not know how long it may take to receive another big-ticket project like Dunki.
A Career Built on Diverse Choices
Taapsee began her acting journey in the South with mass entertainers before transitioning to Hindi cinema. She worked with filmmaker David Dhawan early in her Bollywood career, which marked her entry into mainstream cinema. Later, she collaborated with directors like Anubhav Sinha and Anurag Kashyap, known for content-driven narratives. This mix of commercial and unconventional projects, she said, helped her build a loyal audience base. While that audience may be smaller compared to mainstream stars, she values the trust and credibility she has earned.
About Dunki and Assi
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Dunki starred Shah Rukh Khan alongside Taapsee and explored the issue of illegal immigration through the “donkey flight” route. Despite mixed reviews, the film emerged as a global box office success, reportedly earning ₹454 crore worldwide. Meanwhile, Assi, a courtroom drama directed by Anubhav Sinha, has garnered appreciation for Taapsee’s performance, though its box office numbers remain modest. For Taapsee, however, both films represent different but equally important milestones in a career built on bold and varied choices.
