Women's Equality - Is Still Far Away
Outlook Money|March 2024
Taapsee Pannu opens up to Outlook Money about her journey, shares her views on women's financial independence and what makes her tick
Nidhi Sinha
Women's Equality - Is Still Far Away

One of the things that kept playing in my mind on my way to Juhu's High Tide Apartment in Mumbai to meet actor-producer Taapsee Pannu was the strong character she played in her 2020 movie Thappad. That is only one of the women-oriented films in Pannu's filmography, which includes Pink (2016), Saand Ki Aankh (2019), Badla (2019) and Rashmi Rocket (2021), among others. And then there was Dunki, which I watched only recently, where she is one among a gang of friends looking to immigrate to London in the quest of better financial prospects. In this movie, too, Pannu, holds her own when she refuses to go back to India with her boyfriend in a high-strung drama.

The fact that many films, at least in some part, mirror social realities, I wondered how much of what films show can translate into reality. In Thappad, Amrita Sabharwal, played by Taapsee, is shocked out of her wits when her husband slaps her at a party. Over the next few days, she goes through a mix of emotionsfrom loss of self-respect to a sense of betrayal to the need of finding herself, independent of anyone else. Soon after she walks out of the marriage which she had been devoted to until then.

The movie is a powerful statement on domestic abuse, which is rampant in the society but is scarcely taken seriously. But Amrita finds scant support the mother and mother-in-law tell her to forget the incident, her brother shares the view and the husband is least bothered.

The only support Amrita finds is in her father. But can an average Indian homemaker who is not financially independent take such a stand and walk out of a marriage, especially when families often withdraw their support in such situations? "No, they cannot, and I feel they should not," says Taapsee, during an interview with Outlook Money.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OUTLOOK MONEYView all
Gold ETFs And FoFs
Outlook Money

Gold ETFs And FoFs

While Indians love to invest in physical gold, even mutual funds offer the option, but in paper format.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
PLANNING TO BUY CHILD INSURANCE? THINK TWICE
Outlook Money

PLANNING TO BUY CHILD INSURANCE? THINK TWICE

Child insurance plans combine insurance and investment but often offer low returns due to high costs, making a combination of a term insurance cover and mutual fund a better option for securing your child’s higher education needs

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
How Do You Define Happiness?
Outlook Money

How Do You Define Happiness?

Money does buy happiness, but after a while, the appeal fades. We talk about our relationship with money, but, maybe, it’s time to revisit our relationship with happiness

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Avoid Crypto As It Is Highly Volatile
Outlook Money

Avoid Crypto As It Is Highly Volatile

I am 22 years old and have recently started working. I want to invest a small portion of money in cryptocurrency. How should I go about it? Does it require a huge capital investment?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Invest Right, Don't Speculate
Outlook Money

Invest Right, Don't Speculate

The lure of high returns and quick gains from equity tips, cryptocurencies, and equity F&O can be enticing. But remember, return of capital is more important than return on capital

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
The Wedding & Budget: Is Minimalist Trend The Right Knot For You?
Outlook Money

The Wedding & Budget: Is Minimalist Trend The Right Knot For You?

Indian weddings are known for their pomp and grandeur, but minimalist weddings are also in vogue now. Dia Mirza was one such celebrity who went for a minimalist wedding. If you also want to keep things minimal on your big day, here’s how to do it

time-read
9 mins  |
November 2024
Here's How To Buy An ETF?
Outlook Money

Here's How To Buy An ETF?

Mutual funds are the preferred choice for retail investors. However, they come at a cost and fund management risk, apart from other risks. A smarter alternative is to invest through ETFs.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
How Passive Funds Help Diversify
Outlook Money

How Passive Funds Help Diversify

Passive funds provide a simple way to invest in broad markets as well as in specific themes and sectors, making them ideal for an investor's satellite portfolio

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
The Rise Of Passive Funds
Outlook Money

The Rise Of Passive Funds

The popularity of passive funds among retail investors has risen post Covid, and fund houses are out with many variations of ETFs and index funds. Does this category present a new opportunity for investors?

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
Tax Reforms: What's In Store?
Outlook Money

Tax Reforms: What's In Store?

The government is working on reforming the existing Income-tax Act, 1961. The impending reforms have raised many questions in the minds of taxpayers. Will the old regime and deductions be done away with? Will it really simplify your life? What's the need for these reforms? We try to answer these and other questions regarding tax reforms

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2024