Shah Rukh Khan’s co-star was once told not to date: ‘Was told people will not….’

Taapsee Pannu has consistently built a reputation as someone who voices her thoughts without hesitation. Unafraid to challenge conventions, the actor has often shared candid views about the film industry and its unwritten rules. In a recent interaction with Zoom, the Pink star opened up about the advice she received when she was just starting out, revealing how senior figures in the industry attempted to shape her personal and professional choices.

Early Career Advice and Industry Myths

During her conversation with Zoom, the Dunki star reflected on whether she unquestioningly accepted the guidance offered to her at the beginning of her journey. She admitted that she initially trusted everything she was told, largely because the advice came from experienced veterans. According to her, she was repeatedly reminded that female actors supposedly had a limited career span of five to six years. She was also told that working exclusively opposite already established male stars was essential, regardless of the age difference or the depth of her role. The message she received was clear: appearing alongside top heroes was believed to be the only route to becoming an A-list actor.

Restrictions on Personal Life and Roles

Taapsee further revealed that the advice extended beyond film choices and deeply into her personal life. She was cautioned against entering romantic relationships, as dating was said to diminish her appeal in the eyes of the audience. The prevailing belief, she was told, was that a heroine remained aspirational only if she appeared single and unattached. Additionally, she was warned to avoid playing morally complex or negative characters, as such roles could label her as a vamp and permanently damage her prospects as a leading lady.


"I was told to not have any affairs or any relationships while becoming a heroine. Because once you start dating someone, people will not look at you in the same aspirational light.." she said.

Choosing Her Own Path

After following these norms for some time, Taapsee eventually began questioning their validity. She shared that she reached a point where she stopped conforming to expectations that did not align with her instincts. Over the years, she realized that there was no fixed formula for success or glamour, and that rigid ideas about appearance, roles, and desirability were deeply flawed. She acknowledged that this broader acceptance of diversity and individuality is a relatively recent shift, and that earlier generations of actors were rarely encouraged to think differently.

Upcoming and Recent Projects

On the work front, Taapsee Pannu was most recently seen in Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba, which debuted on Netflix in 2024. She currently has multiple projects lined up, including the revenge drama Gandhari, slated for release on Netflix this year, as well as the much-anticipated Haseen Dillruba 3.