‘Me, The Change’ is The Quint’s campaign for the first-time women voter who has an achievement to her name, however big or small. As part of the campaign, The Quint is accepting nominations for these young women achievers and showcasing their stories. If you know someone who fits the bill, let us know by emailing to methechange@thequint.com.
Watch Taapsee Pannu felicitate ten feisty first-time women voters from across India on 17 January, 2019 LIVE only on The Quint and Quint Hindi. To be a part of the event, scan the code below or fill this form to request for an invite.
“Believe in yourself” Cliché? Yes! But that is actor Taapsee Pannu’s mantra for success.
An engineering graduate with no inclination towards acting, she made her debut with the 2010 Telugu film Jhummandi Naadam directed by Raghavendra Rao (who also launched Sridevi). After a few blockbuster films down South, all her films tanked at the box office and she was labelled as ‘bad luck’. Directors stopped casting her because they thought the film would not make money. But that didn’t undermine her confidence. She didn’t give up and went on to prove that she is not just talented but also a ‘bankable’ actor.
I started modelling only to get some extra pocket money. After I completed my engineering, I failed the CAT exam. I was getting a few Tamil and Telugu film offers and I just accepted those, for some fun and to experiment. Everything went off well in the South and soon I got a chance in Bollywood and I came to Mumbai. So, basically, I made the most of every opportunity that came my way and I’m glad I did that because if I hadn’t taken those risks, my life wouldn’t be what it is. I didn’t know anybody from the industry, I had no Godfather, so I knew that it won’t be easy. But, that’s the fun of it, when you take up the challenges life throws at you and come out as a winner.
Taapsee Pannu
Her struggles and her rise to where she is now will inspire you to do things differently. Just like it inspired the ten incredible girls who are a part of The Quint’s Me, the Change campaign. Read and watch their stories here.
Camera: Sanjoy Deb
Edit: Ashish Maccune and Veeru Krishan Mohan
Camera Assistant: Gautam Sharma
Producer: Divya Talwar
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