Kamal Ghorui
The public feud between Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu has stretched over several years, beginning around 2019 with sharp social media exchanges and personal remarks. From being called a “sasti (cheap) copy” by Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel to being labelled a “B-grade actress” and “she-man,” the back-and-forth became a prominent talking point amid the nepotism debate.In a recent interview, Taapsee revisited the controversy, insisting she never initiated a fight and expressing openness to moving forward.
‘I never clashed’
Addressing the alleged feud, Taapsee told Shubhankar Mishra, “I don’t know when I ever fought. A fight happens when two people clash. I never clashed. You tell me — have I ever said even a single line against her?”Responding to the “cheap copy” remark, she said, “Her sister called me a ‘cheap copy.’ She said that since I don’t earn as much money here, that makes me cheap. If she is such a brilliant actress, I have no problem being called her copy. You can take out any statement of mine — I haven’t said anything against her.”When it was pointed out that when two strong women are perceived to be rivals, the narrative rarely shifts to collaboration and how powerful it would be if they came together, Taapsee said that Kangana is her senior and that she is open to friendship despite their long-standing feud. She added that she cannot guarantee what Kangana might say to her, but from her side, she is clear.
On nepotism and who benefited
When asked whether their feud indirectly benefited star kids during the nepotism debate, Taapsee responded, “I don’t know about them, but someone or the other must have benefited in some way. Like I said, from my side, there was never any fight. But I do feel that someone must have gained from it.” She further added that the industry’s divisions are not limited to insiders versus outsiders. According to her, even outsiders often fail to support each other despite speaking about the challenges they face. She noted that people frequently “cry about being outsiders” but still end up fighting amongst themselves instead of standing united.
