Taapsee Pannu has opened up about the pressure surrounding box-office numbers and commercial success in Bollywood. The actor said she is comfortable not having several Rs 100-crore films to her credit. She believes the long-term value of her work matters more than immediate box-office results. In a conversation with IANS, Taapsee Pannu explained why she prioritizes her filmography when making career decisions.
Taapsee Pannu chooses filmography over numbers
For Taapsee Pannu, a film’s box-office performance does not necessarily determine its lasting impact. She pointed out that several well-regarded movies have taken years to receive their due recognition. “There are a lot of good films that don’t run in the box office. And then after 10 years, we bring them in the best films of the decades. Then we give them cult status. Then they are worshipped. Then their reference points are made. I mean, I have seen a lot like this in my career,” Taapsee said. The actor said this perspective has influenced the projects she accepts. She has consciously chosen the quality of her body of work instead of pursuing short-term commercial rewards. “So, it is a conscious choice that I have made of choosing my filmography over temporary reward. Because this filmography is going to stay. Time will change. Today, there are films like this. Tomorrow, there will be films like that. Earlier, there were other kinds of films. But my filmography won’t change. It will stay the same,” she said.
Taapsee Pannu wants films that age well
Taapsee Pannu said she wants to look back at her work years later and still feel that she made the right choice. The actor considers that kind of satisfaction more important than an immediate box-office achievement. “So, I want films like this in my filmography. Even after 20 years, if I watch it, I will feel that yes, this was a good film,” she said. However, she acknowledged that taking this approach can come with criticism. Actors can be judged harshly when their films do not deliver commercially, even if those projects eventually find an audience. “Obviously, you have to pay the reward for this. You are told that your filmography is a flop. And then you have to wait for 10 years for it to get cult status. Then you can give big interviews. And in the same year, no one is asking about the other hit films that have been made. So, it is such a weird cycle. As an actor, you go through it,” she said.
The choice between hits and memories
Taapsee Pannu believes actors need to examine their reasons for signing a particular project. She said the decision ultimately comes down to whether one wants immediate success or a film that remains memorable. “So, you have to be very sure. Why do you want to make this film? Do you want it to become a big hit? Or do you want the people who watch this film to remember it? Not just now, but even after 10 years. So, I think I chose this second option,” she said.
Taapsee Pannu is fine without 100-crore hits
The actor also addressed the importance attached to 100-crore films and larger box-office milestones. Taapsee Pannu admitted that she has not had many films reach that figure. “And I think it’s fine. I am okay being someone who has probably not had 1000 crore, 5000 crore films. 100 crore films also for that matter. I have not really had many in my career. I am fine with that,” Taapsee said. She added that she would rather be associated with memorable characters than commercial records. “I would rather be someone who is remembered for the kind of roles I have done. I think that’s a little more significant for me,” she said.
‘Gandhari’ brings another intense role
In ‘Gandhari’, Taapsee Pannu plays a mother whose daughter is abducted. The character then embarks on a determined search to find her child. The project gives Taapsee Pannu another emotionally intense role. ‘Gandhari’ is scheduled to premiere on September 3.