Taapsee Pannu isn’t shy about her admiration for Vidya Balan, calling her a true ‘hero’ who redefined possibilities for actresses. This praise comes at a time when female representation in cinema is under the spotlight, and Taapsee attributes her sustained success to Vidya’s influence.
Starting out, Taapsee grappled with industry realities, but Vidya’s hits changed everything. ‘Movies like ‘Kahaani’ and ‘The Dirty Picture’ built my faith in long-term viability,’ she shared. They showcased women not as sidekicks but as the story’s core.
Vidya’s career is a testament to versatility: fierce journalists in ‘No One Killed Jessica,’ radio jockeys in ‘Tumhari Sulu,’ forest officers in ‘Sherni.’ Each role reinforced that compelling content and performance drive box-office wins.
Their joint venture in ‘Mission Mangal’ brought this inspiration full circle. The film, drawing from India’s Mars mission, featured them as pivotal scientists, celebrating collective female prowess. Through this nod, Taapsee underscores a vital truth—pioneers like Vidya pave the way for others to thrive.