Bringing The Heat!

In real life, Taapsee Pannu casually balances being cool and sexy with enviable ease and, onscreen, she’s a vivacious actress who’s unlike anyone we’ve seen. We catch up with our girl at the movies again.

- Meher Bajwa

You’ve already had five films this year and have a packed schedule ahead. You’re one hard-working person, aren’t you?

I’m just making sure my audience doesn’t miss me much and that they get used to watching me onscreen! Trust me, there’s no other way people will feel my presence. I’ve realised that. The easy way isn’t helping me. I have to work doubly hard to get noticed.

More power to you. What’s next?

There are two more films I’m starting and hopefully finishing this year. One is called Mulkh—it’s a social thriller directed by Anubhav Sinha with an ensemble cast including Rishi Kapoor, Neena Gupta, Rajat Kapoor and Ashutosh Rana. It’s going to be pretty hardhitting. Then, we’ve got a biopic on the ex-captain of the Indian hockey team, Sandeep Singh, who is also an Arjuna awardee. It’s actually a love story-cum-sports film where both the girl and the guy are hockey players.

Nice! Promotions have become an integral part of the filmmaking process. It’s rigorous and we know you put a lot of energy into your appearances. Do you ever get tired?

Not at all! It’s been so long since I’ve danced and I think I was missing that in my life. So, I compensated for that not only in the films, but in the promotions, too. Dancing has been my first love and acting was a coincidence that happened along the way. Also, I don’t do things that I don’t enjoy. My sister tells me I have no filter—neither on my face or my tongue. So, whatever is there in my heart and on my mind starts reflecting on my face. When you see me enjoying myself and not losing energy, it’s because I genuinely am.

And it’s contagious! Now, we already know you love vacationing, so where are you off to next?