Taapsee Pannu, who recently celebrated her 37th birthday on August 1st, has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood with her unconventional choices and powerful performances. From her early days in Telugu and Tamil cinema to becoming a prominent face in Hindi films, Pannu has consistently taken on roles that challenge societal norms and showcase her versatility as an actor. As she continues to evolve, it's worth revisiting some of her most memorable performances, including her recent role in "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba".
Pannu's journey in the film industry began with her debut in the 2010 Telugu film "Jhummandi Naadam". She quickly gained recognition in South Indian cinema, before making her Bollywood debut in 2013 with David Dhawan's comedy "Chashme Baddoor". However, it was her roles in films like "Baby" (2015) that marked a turning point in her career, showcasing her potential for impactful performances.
One of Pannu's most critically acclaimed roles came in Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury's "Pink" (2016). The film tackled important social issues and featured Pannu as one of the lead characters, delivering a powerful performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike. "Pink" not only won the National Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues but also solidified Pannu's position as a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood.
In 2017, Pannu starred in the spin-off of "Baby," titled "Naam Shabana," where she played the lead role. This film further highlighted her ability to carry a film on her own shoulders and deliver a compelling performance in action-oriented roles. The same year, she also appeared in films like "Judwaa 2" and "The Ghazi Attack," showcasing her versatility across different genres.
Taapsee continued to impress with her performance in Anubhav Sinha's "Mulk" (2018), a social drama that addressed religious discrimination. She followed this up with Anurag Kashyap's "Manmarziyaan" (2018), a romantic drama where she played a free-spirited woman, earning praise for her portrayal of a complex character. In 2019, Pannu starred in "Badla," a thriller where she reunited with Amitabh Bachchan, delivering yet another gripping performance.
In 2019, Taapsee portrayed Prakashi Tomar, a septuagenarian sharpshooter, in the biopic "Saand Ki Aankh". Her performance won her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress. Then, in Anubhav Sinha's "Thappad" (2020), Taapsee played a woman navigating divorce, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
In recent years, Pannu has explored roles in streaming releases, including "Haseen Dillruba" (2021), where she played a complex and alluring character. While the film received mixed reviews, Pannu's performance was generally praised for its boldness and sensuality. She recently reprised her role in the sequel, "Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba" (2024). Taapsee expressed feeling comfortable returning to a character already loved by the audience.
Beyond her acting career, Pannu is also an entrepreneur, co-owning an event management company and a badminton franchise. Her journey from a software engineer to a leading actress is a testament to her determination and willingness to take risks. As she continues to evolve as an actor and explore new avenues, Taapsee Pannu remains an inspiration to many, proving that with talent and hard work, anything is possible.