Bollywood star Taapsee Pannu, known for her outspoken nature, recently shared her thoughts on why many actors choose to stay silent on political matters. In an insightful interview with ANI, Pannu revealed the challenges faced by actors when voicing their political views.
Taapsee acknowledged the inherent risks of public commentary on politics, noting that actors often opt for silence to avoid controversy. “Actors are sometimes hesitant to speak out because they fear the repercussions,” she explained. “It’s not just about political stances; even personal opinions can lead to problems.”
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The actress, who has been vocal about various issues, including nepotism in the film industry, highlighted a persistent stereotype that actors are not particularly knowledgeable or capable of forming meaningful opinions. “There’s a perception that actors, especially women, should not have opinions,” she said. “It’s a double-edged sword. Whether you speak up or stay quiet, it seems to be a problem.”
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Pannu’s recent film, ‘Rashmi Rocket’, tackles a relevant and contentious issue: gender testing in sports. Set in the picturesque region of Kutch, the film follows a talented female athlete whose career a gender verification test jeopardizes. Pannu portrayed Rashmi, a runner who faces discrimination due to her natural testosterone levels.
In the movie, Pannu’s character confronts the unfairness of a ban based on hormone levels, a controversy recently resurfaced by Algerian boxer Imane Khelif at the Paris Olympics 2024. Pannu sees her role as a way to address these issues without making direct statements outside of her films.
“We used ‘Rashmi Rocket’ to explore the unfairness of gender testing in sports,” Pannu noted. “The film questions why athletes with higher testosterone levels are penalized, whereas others with inherent physical advantages are not. If an athlete is using performance-enhancing drugs, that’s one thing, but if their hormone levels are natural, it’s another issue entirely.”
Pannu’s portrayal in ‘Rashmi Rocket’ not only highlights her versatility but also her commitment to tackling important social issues through her work. Directed by Akarsh Khurana and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Neha Anand, and Pranjal Khandhdiya, the film has been praised for its sensitive and thought-provoking approach to a complex topic.
With a career marked by powerful performances in films like ‘Pink’, ‘Thappad’, and ‘Shabaash Mithu’, Taapsee Pannu has established herself as one of Bollywood’s most compelling actresses. Her ability to engage with critical issues through her roles reflects her broader commitment to addressing societal concerns, even when navigating the tricky landscape of public opinion and political discourse.
