Months after the much-anticipated release of ‘Dunki’, Bollywood’s versatile actress Taapsee Pannu looked back fondly at her time filming the movie, which starred her opposite none other than the king of romance, Shah Rukh Khan. Known for her powerful performances and choice of diverse roles, Pannu added another milestone to her career with ‘Dunki’, directed by the celebrated filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani.
The actress opened up about an extraordinary day on the sets that turned out to be her birthday. Taapsee, a testament to her unwavering work ethic, chose not to pause shooting for a birthday celebration, instead embracing the serendipity of filming a quintessential Shah Rukh Khan love scene on her special day.
“It is a classic Shah Rukh Khan love story scene. I was just glad to be a part of it and not let it down,” Pannu expressed. The actor’s delight was palpable as she shared, “That day we shot that scene it was my birthday. I kept saying this is my birthday gift—this is the best birthday gift ever.” She captured the moment as a cherished memory, exclaiming, “I get to do a classic Shah Rukh Khan romantic sequence on my birthday. I will remember it for the rest of my life; what better birthday than to run and hug him on record in a 48-frame round trolley.”
Yet, before she could immerse herself in the romance of ‘Dunki’, Taapsee was faced with a challenging preparation for her role. She humorously recounted the condition set forth upon her casting: “The first thing I was told when I signed the film was that I will have to prepare for ‘Dunki’. They appreciated my language skills but pointed out I would have to learn wrestling.” Taapsee, having previously trained intensively for sports films such as ‘Rashmi Rocket’, ‘Soorma’, ‘Shabaash Mithu’, and ‘Saand Ki Aankh’, was no stranger to physically demanding roles and embraced the challenge with her trademark determination.
‘Dunki’ has sparked conversations with its narrative, touching on the sensitive topic of illegal immigration and the lengths to which people go to seek a better life away from their homeland. The film became a talking point for its poignant storytelling and the strong performances that brought the characters to life.
Beyond the shores of ‘Dunki’, Taapsee Pannu is set to make waves with her upcoming projects. Audiences will soon see her in ‘Phir Aayi Hasseen Dilruba’, penned and co-produced by Kanika Dhillon. Moreover, the actress is preparing for her role in the film ‘Khil Khil’, as she continues to add to her impressive repertoire of diverse and challenging roles.
Taapsee Pannu’s dedication to her craft and her laudable achievements in ‘Dunki’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan has solidified her position among the leading actors in the industry. She has continually pushed boundaries and portrayed characters that resonate with audiences, earning her both critical acclaim and the adoration of fans. Pannu’s memorable birthday on the sets of ‘Dunki’ stands as a testament to her passion for storytelling and her commitment to her art, ensuring her performances are not just seen, but felt and remembered.
