Success in the film industry isn’t a straight line paved with hard work, according to Taapsee Pannu, the actor-producer who has carved a distinct path in Indian cinema. Speaking at the ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 summit on Friday, the 37-year-old star dismantled the rosy notion that dedication alone can conquer Bollywood’s unpredictable terrain.
“It’s this idealistic belief that if you just work hard, everything will fall into place—but that’s not how it works here,” Pannu said, her voice carrying the weight of experience. “The film industry isn’t always fair. If you walk in expecting justice, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.”
Addressing a room of aspiring actors and industry watchers, she urged newcomers to shed their egos and brace for criticism. “You’ll hear a lot—some of it harsh—so get used to it,” she said. “It’s not unique to Bollywood, and I’m not playing the victim. It’s just reality.” Her advice? Always have a fallback. “I had my Plan B ready. I’d done engineering, had a job lined up, and even considered an MBA. Options kept me grounded.”
Pannu, an “outsider” who rose without industry lineage, emphasized that talent alone doesn’t dictate an actor’s fate—audience tastes do. “Our standing hinges on what people want to see,” she explained. “If they flock to hero-driven films and skip ours, how can we break through? The industry doesn’t shut us out; it’s the audience that shapes the game.”
Beyond her candid take on cinema, Pannu offered a glimpse into her personal life, a rare detour for the famously private star. Married to badminton player Mathias Boe since 2023, she laughed off the idea of a grand announcement. “I didn’t send out a press release,” she said. “I met him at a domestic league match—me in the stands, him on the court. We’ve known each other for over a decade now, and I’ve never hidden that.”
Boe isn’t a cricketer or tycoon, she noted, which might explain the muted public buzz. “Whenever anyone asked, I spoke about him openly. My marriage is solid—maybe too steady for some people’s taste.” Reflecting on her cautious approach to tying the knot, Pannu revealed it came nine years after Boe’s proposal. “I’d seen too many relationships crumble, and with a career full of highs and lows, I couldn’t handle that at home. It took years of testing the waters before I said yes.”
For Pannu, stability isn’t just a personal anchor—it’s a counterweight to an industry she describes as a rollercoaster. Her words at the summit weren’t a lament but a roadmap, blending pragmatism with resilience for those daring to chase the spotlight. In a world where fairness is elusive, she insists, the savvy keep their options open.