HT Youth Forum 2017: ‘Naam’ Taapsee Pannu, she realises her ‘Pink’ power

Bollywood actor and youth icon Taapsee Pannu, 29, believes she has a role to play beyond films. She sees herself as an agent of positive change in society.

“People look up to me, so I have a responsibility. I’ve worked hard to get here. I encourage them work for the country and for women’s cause. I want to be seen as beyond an actor,” she said on the sidelines of a panel discussion at the Hindustan Times Youth Forum event in Chandigarh.

“I exploit my position to bring a positive change. That’s why I handle my social media accounts instead of letting an agency do it for me. I want to make people aware of causes I believe in and like to connect with them at a personal level,” says the actor of Pink.

She shares an example of her influence. “Recently, I suggested my alma mater add a self-defence course in the curriculum and they started a summer camp on it. I go to events related to women because I believe gender disparity is a big battle we are fighting,” she says.

On her Chandigarh connect, she says, “I’ve been visiting the city since childhood. We have relatives here so it’s good to be back.”

Any dream role? “No, I don’t keep such a goal because when I achieve it, I’ll feel empty. I just keep trying new roles.”

On censorship, the Naam Shabana actor says, “To be able to release a film on time, filmmakers end up agreeing to cuts that the Censor Board imposes. It’s sad and feels like bullying. The definition of censorship needs to change. The board’s job is to give a censor certificate. It should stick to that.”

Her message to the youth is: “With technology, you have unlimited power. Use it for positive change. If I can do it, so can you.”