ROBERT DOWNEY JR HAS IMPECCABLE COMIC TIMING: TAAP SEE
Actor Taapsee Pannu says in a film’s script, a fine balance is needed between narrative and comedy
Taapsee Pannu is an actor who is known for her intense portrayal of characters. Be it Pink (2016), Baby (2015) or the recent Badla, Taapsee has a command over strong and serious characters, but what she yearns for now is a good comedy script.
Busy promoting her upcoming film Saand Ki Aankh, where Taapsee plays an octogenarian shooter, the actor says, “I love watching comedies and I’m looking forward to doing one. I don’t know how many people can really write a good comedy. The films that I’ve taken up might not be the conventional comedy genre, but there will be a lot of light-hearted moments and humour in it. No matter what kind of comedy, you need to have certain out of the box concept. If I ever get a new age concept, and if comedy is the medium in the story, then I don’t mind. In fact, I am looking out for one,”
The 32-year-old shares that she’s a fan of smart comedies, and adds that Andaz Apna Apna (1994) tops her list. “That kind of mistaken identity concept was new then. Or even something like Vicky Donor (2012); you can take one concept which is not funny, but present it in a funny way. You should not make it so comical that it becomes frivolous. At the same time, you should not make it so serious that it becomes preachy. There needs to be a fine balance between the narrative and comedy,” says Taapsee, who was part of the comedy Judwaa 2 (2017).
She adds that among the Indian actors, Irrfan has an impeccable comic style, and, “In Hollywood, it has to be Robert Downey Jr. He is the God of timing!”
Ask if her approach to her craft has changed over the years, and she says that it’s the sense of security that changes. “You find your space and you know where you fit in. You know your reality, and what you need to work on. When I started off, I had no idea if I could act. Now, I know my limitations and what I’m good at, and how much I can push myself. When I started off, I didn’t have the confidence in my craft, so it was really difficult for me to understand. I would take anything which was attached with big names, because I was not secure myself. Slowly, I realised it might be an approach to make everything on your own, without having a Godfather or someone backing you all the time. It might be a slow and taxing ride, but whatever my level may be, no one can shake it because I built it, and that gives me a sense of security,” Taapsee concludes.
When I started off, I didn’t have the confidence in my craft. I’d take anything which was attached with big names because I wasn’t secure myself. TAAPSEE PANNU ACTOR