Snehashish royTaapsee Pannu has opened up about her widely discussed equation with actor-politician Kangana Ranaut, addressing the long-standing perception of a rivalry between the two. Speaking during a recent podcast appearance while promoting her upcoming film Assi, Taapsee dismissed the idea that there was ever a real “fight” between them and suggested that others may have gained from the narrative built around their alleged feud.
The actor clarified that she never actively engaged in any conflict with Kangana despite being portrayed as her rival for years. She said that while people often describe the situation as a clash, she personally never felt it was a two-sided battle. According to Taapsee, a feud implies mutual participation, something she believes never happened in this case. She pointed out that she has refrained from making public statements against Kangana and questioned whether any direct criticism from her side could be found.
The tension between the two actors dates back several years when Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel publicly referred to Taapsee as a “cheap copy,” a comment that sparked widespread media coverage and fueled speculation of a rivalry. However, despite the public discourse and fan-driven comparisons, neither actor directly confronted the other in public exchanges, leaving much of the narrative shaped by external commentary rather than personal statements.
Reflecting on the situation, Taapsee acknowledged that narratives surrounding feuds can sometimes benefit people or systems beyond the individuals involved. When asked whether the perceived rivalry may have worked in favour of industry insiders or star kids by diverting attention toward conflicts among outsiders, she suggested that “someone or the other must have benefited in some way,” though she refrained from naming specific beneficiaries.
Both Taapsee and Kangana entered the Hindi film industry without established industry backing, often described as self-made actors who built their careers through performance-driven roles. This shared background has frequently placed them in conversations about outsider narratives and debates around nepotism within Bollywood. Taapsee’s latest remarks appear to position her as someone seeking closure rather than conflict, as she indicated that she remains open to a cordial relationship moving forward.
During the same interaction, Taapsee reiterated that personal differences should not overshadow professional achievements and expressed that she harbours no animosity. Her focus, she said, remains on her work rather than public controversies. She also highlighted that prolonged public narratives around rivalry can sometimes overshadow artistic contributions and distract from meaningful discussions about cinema.
The actor is currently promoting Assi, a courtroom drama directed by Anubhav Sinha, which has received attention for its subject matter and performances. Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut continues to balance her acting career with political commitments, following her recent film projects and ongoing involvement in public discourse.
