New Year 2020: Called out the dropping of actresses sans notice

Taapsee Pannu, actress

I did it [went public about not being informed by the makers about being dropped from Pati Patni Aur Woh] so that hereon, people are wary of doing it again. The episode made me wonder what level of stardom does a female actor need to reach to stay away from an experience like this one.

After you've done credible work, you expect respect. I understand that multiple actors are considered for roles, but [I had] one-on-one meetings with the makers, heard a full-fledged narration and discussed matters with them at length. After this, if I'm not informed about being replaced and hear [of it] from the press, it's disheartening. It could have been handled better by the makers.

They met me afterwards, but clarification was too little, too late. I wish they had called me before, and not after I spoke up. My aim was not to target one producer or film, but the larger problem. Thank God, I had a strong line-up of movies so that no one could say, she is making an issue because she doesn't have work. That is often said when an actress speaks up. I chose to use my voice and power to create a more responsible workspace. I hope I was able to give courage to more women to take a stand.

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