Renowned Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu captivated the audience at ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 with her bold responses to remarks made by fellow actor and Lok Sabha Member Kangana Ranaut. Addressing the comment, she remarked, “Yes, I am a ‘sasti’ actress because I don’t charge that much. I deliver quality work, and everyone knows she is a brilliant actress, but using such words reflects your upbringing, not mine. If someone gives me their time, I ensure I don’t waste it. Time is currency here.”
Recognized for her versatility and commanding screen presence, Taapsee spoke about the power of storytelling, stating, “Theatre is a shared community experience, while OTT is more personal—one-on-one. Today, risky films can find an audience anywhere in the world. I don’t want to hear that a film has a low budget just because it is women-centric. Why limit it to OTT? That mindset in Bollywood needs to change.”
Speaking in the session ‘Fearless and Feisty – Telling Powerful Stories,’ Taapsee commented on social media’s influence, saying, “Don’t judge talent by social media following. Cast actors in films for their craft, talent, and ideology—not just their follower count. I invest more time in honing my skills than being active on social media. Trolling doesn’t bother me much.”
Discussing the challenges of being a woman in the film industry, she added, “Acting is an uncertain profession. Everyone wants a bigger role, but no actress should be asked, ‘Who is your hero?’ after signing a film. I want to change that. When I started, I thought I wouldn’t last more than 5-6 years as a heroine. Now, 15 years later, I look back at my journey with pride.”
Reflecting on her career and public scrutiny, Taapsee shared, “I never followed trends—I tried to create my own. Things have evolved, and so have I. Celebrities are always easy targets. No one was interested in my husband because he is neither a cricketer nor a businessman, and I never felt the need to publicize my personal life, even when I got married.”
ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, themed ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier,’ brought together thought leaders and visionaries to examine India’s role in a rapidly evolving world. As the nation navigates climate change, geopolitical tensions, and groundbreaking technological advancements like AI, the summit explored India’s position as both an ancient civilization and a rising demographic powerhouse. Over two days, global experts, intellectuals, and changemakers shared transformative ideas in science, medicine, social structures, and global leadership, presenting bold visions for a more sustainable and progressive future.
