At a time when conversations around representation and respect on film sets are growing louder, Taapsee Pannu has shared some uncomfortable truths from her early years in the industry.
The actor, who has worked across Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam cinema, recently spoke candidly about the awkward and often embarrassing situations female actors can face on South Indian film sets — especially during song sequences.
And her comments have once again sparked discussion around how women are visually framed on screen.
“Wear a Padded Bra” — The Set Reality
During a YouTube podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, Taapsee was asked about a long-standing trend in regional cinema — the visual focus on certain body parts during songs.
She acknowledged that while South Indian films have often highlighted the navel in song sequences, Hindi cinema has historically leaned more toward cleavage-focused framing. But what she revealed next was more telling.
According to Taapsee, there have been instances where actresses were asked to wear padded bras to enhance their appearance on screen. The awkwardness, she explained, wasn’t just about the request — it was about how the message would be communicated.
On many sets, she noted, there are very few women present. So when such a direction comes from a male filmmaker, it often gets passed down through layers — from director to assistant director, then to styling or hair teams, before finally reaching the actress.
By then, the moment has already turned uncomfortable.
She described how, during a song shoot, an actress might have to step away mid-sequence while everyone watches, waiting to see if there’s a visible “difference.” And if the change isn’t noticeable, the process repeats.
For Taapsee, the embarrassment lies not just in the request — but in the spectacle of it.
The Larger Industry Pattern
Taapsee pointed out that such visual emphasis stems from a belief that highlighting certain body parts enhances fantasy and commercial appeal. It’s a mindset rooted in decades-old cinematic traditions, where glamour was often equated with exaggerated framing.
While the industry has evolved in many ways, conversations like this reveal that some practices linger behind the scenes.
Importantly, Taapsee didn’t single out individuals. Instead, she shed light on a systemic pattern — one that many actresses may have experienced but rarely speak about publicly.
Back on Screen With ‘Assi’
Amid these revelations, Taapsee is currently back in theatres with Assi, directed by Anubhav Sinha.
The courtroom drama follows Parima, played by Kani Kusruti, a married woman in Delhi who survives a brutal sexual assault. The film explores the investigation and the legal battle that follows, with Taapsee portraying the lawyer fighting the case.
The ensemble cast also includes Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Manoj Pahwa, Seema Pahwa, Kumud Mishra, Revathy, Naseeruddin Shah, and Supriya Pathak. The film is produced by T-Series along with Benaras Mediaworks.
Given the subject matter of Assi, Taapsee’s off-screen comments about objectification and on-screen framing feel particularly relevant.
A Career Built on Challenging Roles
Over the years, Taapsee has carved out a reputation for choosing performance-driven scripts rather than glamour-centric roles. From thrillers to courtroom dramas, she has steadily built a filmography that often puts women’s voices at the center.
Her willingness to address uncomfortable industry realities only reinforces that image.
Final Words
Taapsee Pannu’s latest remarks aren’t just about costume changes or camera angles. They’re about dignity, agency, and how female bodies are perceived in mainstream cinema.
As the industry continues to evolve, voices like hers help push the conversation forward — reminding everyone that what happens behind the scenes matters just as much as what appears on screen.
And perhaps, slowly but surely, those awkward moments she described will become a thing of the past.
