Taapsee Pannu Reflects on Bollywood Journey and Preity Zinta’s Influence

From South Cinema Debut to Bollywood Stardom: The Inspirational Path of Taapsee Pannu

Taapsee Pannu began her acting career in 2010 with the Telugu film *Jhummandi Naadam*. By 2013, she transitioned into Bollywood with *Chashme Baddoor*, a comedy directed by David Dhawan, featuring Ali Zafar, Divyenndu, and Siddharth. Since then, Pannu has starred in a diverse array of films across multiple genres.

In a candid conversation on Shikhar Dhawan’s talk show *Dhawan Karenge*, Pannu opened up about her cinematic journey. The *Dunki* star revealed that actress Preity Zinta was a significant inspiration for her to pursue her dreams. When she entered Bollywood, many noticed a resemblance to the *Dil Se* actress, prompting Pannu to intentionally emulate Zinta’s look.

“Many thought that I was a new version of Preity Zinta. That was the reason I got offers in Bollywood,” Pannu shared on the show. “She has a very positive energy, and you know it better than me because you must have interacted with her more. I have only seen her on TV or the big screen.”

The *Thappad* actress continued, “I think Preity Zinta is known for being lively and intelligent. I felt like I had to live up to that reputation for which they brought me into the industry… because of her name. So, I always put in some effort to be like her.”

Taapsee Pannu has since built an impressive filmography with notable movies such as *Pink*, *Badla*, *Thappad*, *Naam Shabana*, *Baby*, *Ghazi*, *Mission Mangal*, and *Saand Ki Aankh*. Most recently, she appeared in Rajkumar Hirani’s *Dunki* alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Looking ahead, Pannu has three upcoming films: *Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan?*, *Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba*, and *Khel Khel Mein*. *Phir Aayi Haseen Dillruba* is the anticipated sequel to her 2021 Netflix hit *Haseen Dillruba*.