An Outlier on the Road

BOLLYWOOD ACTOR TAAPSEE PANNU ENTERED THE INDUSTRY AS AN OUTSIDER, AND WITH A STELLAR SERIES OF PERFORMANCES, MADE IT HER OWN PLAYGROUND. THE COVER STAR SPEAKS TO AUTHOR AND OUR A-LIST MEMBER SIDDHARTH DHANVANT SHANGHVI ABOUT WHY TRAVEL IS LIFE-CHANGING AND WHERE SHE PLANS TO GO NEXT.

“Id love to chat with ’ Taapsee

I told the editor of this magazine, who was to feature the actor of Pink and Thappad on Travel + Leisure India & South Asia’s September cover. A few days prior, Kangana Ranaut had lashed out at other young female actors who now successfully do what was once expected from her: essay strong roles for women, call out misogyny, and make equal room for other female leads. In response to Ranaut’s accusations, Pannu responded much like the characters she has portrayed: reasonable, bright, restrained yet clear. She wasn’t putting up with pressure tactics from either men or women. As a stellar A-grade actor, Pannu is a textbook study in elegance. “That’s why I want to speak with Taapsee. She’s a fine actor, and I admire her grace.”