From Thappad to Stardom: How Taapsee Pannu Fought Her Way to the Top—And Isn’t Done Yet

Taapsee Pannu's journey to Bollywood stardom is unconventional; she didn't dream of acting and started as a software engineer in Delhi, doing modeling gigs on the side

Making her film debut in the Telugu cinema in 2010, Taapsee gained attention in South Indian films before breaking into Hindi cinema with a notable role in "Baby" in 2015

Known for taking on challenging roles, Taapsee has been vocal about industry issues like pay disparity and sexism, refusing to be typecast and choosing offbeat scripts

Her performance in "Pink" alongside Amitabh Bachchan was a turning point, sparking national conversations about consent, despite the pressure of acting with such a seasoned actor

In "Badla," a psychological thriller, she again starred with Bachchan, dismissing any rumors of tension with her characteristic humor

"Thappad" showcased her in a powerful narrative about domestic abuse, earning her critical acclaim, and she chose this film over more lucrative commercial roles for its message

Taapsee's role in "Saand Ki Aankh" as a 60-year-old sharpshooter was criticized for her age, but she defended her casting by pointing out her versatility

Her highest-grossing film to date, "Dunki," directed by Rajkumar Hirani and co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, earned her a Filmfare Best Actress nomination

Taapsee continues to impress with her performances in various genres, from the romantic thriller "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" to the comedy-drama "Khel Khel Mein"

Upcoming projects include the action thriller "Gandhari," where she does her own stunts, and the investigative comedy "Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan," showcasing her diverse acting skills