‘WE SHOULD HEAR BOTH SIDES’
Actor Taapsee Pannu, member of CINTAA’s antiharassment cell, says it’s essential to find the truth
Taapsee Pannu, in real life, is much like the characters she portrayed in Pink (2016), Naam Shabana (2017) and Mulk — a strong-willed woman who doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion. That made her an apt choice for the newly formed anti-harassment committee in CINTAA (Cine and TV Artists Association), along with actors Renuka Shahane, Raveena Tandon and film-maker Amole Gupte. “CINTAA must’ve thought I’m capable of representing this movement and doing something to solve these cases,” shares Taapsee. Excerpts:
What will you bring to the table?
I want to first talk about the different stages at which this [sexual] harassment takes place and what can be done to curb it. Also, I’d talk about how we now try to find the truth before issuing a statement against someone.
Will it be tough to be in sync with how the veterans think?
The idea was to bring together people from different age groups and backgrounds so that everyone can gauge what can be done from all perspectives. How do you, as an actor, intend to objectively view things?
I haven’t faced harassment in my workplace but I think every girl in India has gone through an awkward moment in public where she was eve-teased or touched inappropriately.
Do you feel it’s sometimes fair to raise questions or do you think each word that a woman says needs to be believed?
Women need to be heard, and not questioned until they tell their full story. But yes, we have to hear the other side out as well to reach a conclusion.
Will your commitments to films take a back seat now?
I’m definitely not going to compromise one for the other, whether it’s work or my association with CINTAA. There has to be a middle path that’ll be worked out.
What’s your message to those who still might not be coming out to report such cases?
I know it requires strength. I can sympathise but not empathise. Many women are coming out now. I would say, derive inspiration from them and speak up. Vent it out of your system, so you feel lighter. We’ll try our best to make sure your head is held high.
This is the time when so many women are coming out. Derive inspiration from them and speak up. Vent it out of your system, so you feel lighter.
TAAPSEE PANNU, ACTOR