Taapsee Pannu: “It was not a sudden decision at all. I had been advised to turn producer for some time now”, tells the actress talking about her production house
Taapsee Pannu, one of the most gifted actors in Hindi cinema, who was most recently seen in Haseen Dillruba, stunned everyone by becoming a producer this week. Outsiders Films is the brainchild of the talented and gorgeous actress, who has developed her own niche in Indian cinema during the course of her ten-year career. Subhash K Jha interviewed her about her intention to pursue a career as a producer.
“It was not a sudden decision at all. I had been advised to turn producer for some time now. But I wasn’t sure. I knew being an actor I wouldn’t have the mindspace to divert into being a full-time producer and wanted to make sure that I was psychologically prepared to have full control over the films I was producing,” Taapsee told SpotboyE.
“I wanted a partner who had the expertise to handle the financial-practical side of production while I took care of the creative side. That’s when I got my friend Pranjal Khandhdiya on board. I worked with him as an actor when he was part of Sony Pictures. I could see his level of efficiency and professionalism,” she added.
Taapsee reveals that it was Pranjal who suggested this partnership. She said, “I think I’d have been insane to refuse it. With him by my side I know I could totally rely on him to handle the production while I could focus on my acting and the creative aspects of production.”
“I don’t think I needed to turn producer to create opportunities for myself as an actor. I don’t think I lacked opportunities before I turned producer. But yes, one of my targets as a producer is to create opportunities for other actors like me who who come in from the outside and take years to find opportunities. It took me a decade to establish myself. This (the production house) would help some actors to get a platform, so they can make headway quicker than me. The idea is to tell good stories and provide opportunities to other actors.”
While explaining her motivations as a producer, the Haseen Dillruba actress said “A lot of actors turn co-producers to take a cut in the box office profits. I am not doing that. I am only producing the films where I will have full control, and where me and Pranjal would be able to make the kind of films we believe in.”
“But I am not allowed to divulge any information on it right now,” she signed off.
