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Taapsee Pannu Reflects on Her Father’s Ordeal During the 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots


In a candid conversation, acclaimed Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu opened up about a chapter in her family’s history that has left a lasting impression on her, despite her not being born at the time. Speaking to ANI, Taapsee shared the harrowing experiences her father endured during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots—a dark period that forever changed the lives of many in the Sikh community. While her family was relatively fortunate not to have suffered irreversible losses, the memories of those days remain etched in their collective consciousness.

Taapsee Pannu, known for her roles in films like ‘Pink’, ‘Thappad’, and ‘Rashmi Rocket’, has always been vocal about her journey in the film industry, often stressing that she didn’t have the privilege of an easy start. She grew up in a middle-class family, where financial constraints were a part of daily life. Recalling her father’s experiences during the 1984 riots, Taapsee highlighted that although her parents married in 1986, her father witnessed some of the violence that erupted in Delhi in the aftermath of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

“My parents got married in ’86. So this was before that. And thankfully, they were in a much better situation compared to a lot of others who went through horrific ordeals. My mom was in Delhi too, but she was in the Yamuna Paar area and did not witness the riots firsthand. My dad, however, was in Shakti Nagar and saw the violence up close—they burnt his car and there were moments of intense fear. But we were among the fortunate ones who didn’t lose everything,” Taapsee explained.

Despite these terrifying experiences, Taapsee mentioned that her parents rarely talked about the riots in a manner that implied lasting trauma. “They never really brought it up in a way that suggested it had left a deep scar. Even when they spoke about it, it was as if they were recounting an unpleasant memory rather than a life-altering event,” she said.

Turning the spotlight on her own upbringing, Taapsee revealed that financial prudence was a necessity in her household. Money was always tight, and her parents closely monitored their expenses. “I didn’t even get pocket money. Every penny spent was accounted for.

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. If I had to purchase new clothes, it was limited to once or twice a year—mostly around my birthday or during Diwali. This led to moments of frustration as a child; I would sometimes throw tantrums, but my mom stood firm on the rules,” Taapsee recalled.

These tight financial constraints shaped Taapsee’s outlook on money and motivated her to strive for financial independence. “I always thought to myself, there will come a day when I won’t have to look at price tags. I didn’t want to keep asking for money; I wanted to spend my own hard-earned money. I’ve worked extremely hard for it and I want to enjoy it. I’ve always been honest in saying that I don’t want to die rich. I want to live a rich life with the money I’ve earned,” she emphasized.

Over the years, Taapsee has carved a niche for herself in Bollywood, known for her powerful and socially impactful performances. From her debut in ‘Chashme Baddoor’ to receiving widespread acclaim for her roles in ‘Pink’ and ‘Thappad’, her journey has been a testament to her resilience and determination. Taapsee’s portrayal of strong, independent women onscreen mirrors her own life’s narrative, filled with challenges and triumphs.

Looking back on her career and personal experiences, Taapsee reflects on the lessons learned and the values instilled in her by her family. “We weren’t wealthy in material terms, but my parents instilled in me the value of hard work and integrity. These are lessons that have stayed with me and continue to guide me,” she shared.

As Taapsee Pannu continues to make waves in the film industry, her reflections on her family’s past and her own upbringing provide a stark reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of staying grounded despite fame and success.

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