Taapsee Pannu Calls Out Bollywood’s Toxic PR Culture, Says Fake Hype Hurts Real Talent

Actor Taapsee Pannu has opened up about what she sees as a growing problem within Bollywood, calling the industry’s public relations culture increasingly aggressive, unhealthy, and emotionally draining. In candid conversations, the actor explained that this shift has played a key role in her decision to slow down professionally and focus on personal growth rather than chasing manufactured visibility.

Reflecting on the changing dynamics of the Hindi film industry, the Thappad star said PR has moved far beyond being a simple promotional tool. Speaking to Times Now, Taapsee pointed out that publicity strategies are now often driven by competition and insecurity rather than genuine appreciation of work. “I have realised that this PR game has gone to some other level,” she said. “You are paying either to push yourself... or you are also paying to push someone else down.”

Taapsee expressed concern over how normalised negative PR has become, questioning when professional success started being measured by the downfall of others. According to her, this culture thrives on creating false narratives, planting stories, and subtly targeting peers to gain an edge. She described the environment as exhausting and said it takes the focus away from meaningful creative work.




Clarifying her stance, Taapsee stressed that she is not against publicity or visibility. Instead, her issue lies with the misuse of PR as a weapon. She believes success should stem from honest performances and consistent effort, not from campaigns built on negativity or exaggeration.

The actor also spoke about the financial burden of maintaining a carefully curated public image in today’s industry. She revealed that she has consciously chosen not to spend money on social media promotions or planted praise. “I don’t have the resources to plant articles about myself or to pay INR 50,000 to a social media account just to have them write flattering things about me,” she stated, adding that she would rather spend her earnings on her family and travelling.

Taapsee pointed out a growing disconnect between how actors present themselves online and the actual work they deliver on screen. She observed that many are focused on sustaining a sense of relevance through constant PR-driven visibility, even when it does not align with their film choices or performances. This, she said, creates a façade that audiences eventually see through.

Looking inward, Taapsee admitted that stepping back from a packed work schedule over the last two years has helped her gain perspective. She recalled that earlier in her career, she struggled with self-doubt and was often harsh on herself, particularly about her appearance and fashion choices. With time, however, she said she has learned to trust her instincts rather than chasing approval or following industry formulas.

Today, Taapsee says she relies more on her gut feeling than on trends dictated by PR narratives. On the professional front, she was last seen in Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba alongside Sunny Kaushal and is set to appear next in Devashish Makhija’s Gandhari. For now, she seems content letting her work speak louder than hype, even if it means moving at her own pace.