“She’s Not Polite”: Kanika Dhillon Highlights Taapsee Pannu’s Zero-Tolerance Policy Toward Male Ego
In an industry often defined by complex power dynamics and subtle hierarchies, actress Taapsee Pannu has carved a reputation for being unapologetically herself. During a recent candid discussion at an event organized by WIF India and Kathha Pictures, acclaimed writer Kanika Dhillon offered a fascinating glimpse into her long-standing professional and personal bond with the Dunki star, shedding light on Pannu’s refreshingly blunt approach to navigating the male-dominated corridors of Bollywood.
A Bold Approach to Empowerment
The conversation, which featured Dhillon, Pannu, and producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, focused on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema and the rise of female-led collaborations. When the topic of gender bias surfaced, Dhillon didn’t mince words about her collaborator’s personality.
“Thankfully, I have somebody with me who has zero tolerance for male ego,” Dhillon said with a laugh. “There’s a lot to admire and learn from each other because of that.”
The “Manmarziyaan” Anecdote
Dhillon shared an illuminating story from the sets of the 2018 hit Manmarziyaan, illustrating how Pannu refuses to dim her light—or her patience—for anyone.
Recounting a dinner outing with co-star Vicky Kaushal, Dhillon described the constant interruptions they faced. “Vicky Kaushal and I looked at each other and said, ‘Here comes another man. Who knows what’s going to happen now?'” she recalled. According to Dhillon, Pannu’s reaction to these interruptions was far from the industry standard of polite compliance. “At the end of it, she would be so tired that she would ask, ‘Why are you disturbing?’ She is so in-your-face… She’s not polite!”
Pannu, who joined in on the laughter, received a backhanded compliment from the writer: “When somebody crosses a line, she’ll call a spade a spade. But now, I truly admire it.”
Pannu jokingly admitted that their dynamic has evolved over time, noting that Dhillon now acts as a buffer. “Now, she calls me beforehand and tells me, ‘Taapsee, don’t say that. I know you might feel like saying it, but don’t say it. Just forget it!'”
A Decade of Hustle
The bond between the two women is forged in the fires of persistent hard work. With Gandhari marking their sixth collaborative project, Dhillon emphasized that their success was never handed to them.
“All these films were not given to either of us on a platter. We hustled to make it happen,” Dhillon explained. She further noted that their journey required them to act as strategists in a room full of fragile sensibilities. “Understanding the male ego on a set, and navigating the entire equation around it, is a very big hurdle that you have to cross.”
Looking Ahead
As they continue to break barriers and challenge conventions, the duo is preparing for their next venture. Taapsee Pannu is set to headline Gandhari, a project helmed by director Devashish Makhija. The film is highly anticipated and is scheduled to make its global premiere on Netflix on September 3, 2026.
By prioritizing their vision over traditional industry protocols, Pannu and Dhillon continue to prove that being “unpolite” might just be the most effective strategy for changing the narrative.
