Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of online trolling, the pressure of public perception and her decision to prioritise her mental well-being. In a World Mental Health Day interview, the actor reflected on how her understanding of mental health evolved over the years and why she eventually chose to step away from social media.
Rather than presenting online criticism as something that can always be overcome through confidence or self-belief, Taapsee acknowledged that repeated personal attacks can affect even those who appear strong and self-assured. Her comments also touched on the importance of recognising emotional distress, seeking professional support and learning to spend time with oneself.
Taapsee Pannu on Why Mental Health Matters
Reflecting on her earlier understanding of mental health, Taapsee said she once believed that professional support was necessary only when someone reached a severe stage of emotional distress.
“Like many of us in India I used to think mental health support is required when you go crazy but slowly grew up to understand it’s got dimensions more than that,” she said.
The actor explained that her perspective gradually changed as she recognised that mental well-being also involves finding peace in everyday life and understanding one’s emotions.
She also spoke about the pressures of working in the entertainment industry, where public opinion can influence an actor’s professional standing and personal experience.
“If you aren’t at peace you constantly feel unstable and that’s what showbiz can make you feel,” she said.
Her remarks highlight a distinction between recognising a serious mental health concern and taking care of emotional well-being before difficulties become overwhelming.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Her Perspective
Taapsee said the COVID-19 pandemic brought a significant change to her routine and forced her to spend more time with herself.
Before the pandemic, she often channelled anxiety into physical activity, work or sports. Keeping busy gave her a way to redirect her attention rather than sit with uncomfortable thoughts and emotions.
She explained that the restrictions during the pandemic removed some of those distractions and encouraged her to reconsider how she dealt with anxiety.
The experience prompted her to recognise that staying occupied was not necessarily the same as addressing what she was feeling.
For the actor, the period became an opportunity to understand the importance of looking after her mental health instead of continually shifting her attention towards work or other activities.
‘I’m Not Going to Romanticise’ Online Trolling
One of Taapsee’s strongest observations concerned the emotional consequences of online trolling and personal attacks.
“I’m not going to romanticise it with fancy lines about knowing your self worth,” she said, explaining that criticism can be difficult to ignore when an actor’s career is closely connected to public perception.
She acknowledged that the experience was particularly harsh during the earlier stages of her career and as she became more active on social media.
Taapsee also admitted that she once tried to make everyone happy, an effort she eventually recognised as exhausting and unrealistic.
“I was trying this impossible task to make everyone happy. I got burnt out and it took me years to accept the situation,” she said.
Looking back, she reflected on the time and energy she spent trying to respond to critics rather than concentrating on her work and personal development.
Although she has since gained a different perspective, the actor acknowledged that trolling can still affect her.
Her comments offer a more realistic view of dealing with online hostility: developing confidence does not necessarily mean becoming immune to criticism or hurtful remarks.
How Social Media Has Changed the Way Actors Present Themselves
Taapsee also discussed how social media has increased the visibility of public criticism and made it easier for people to comment on celebrities’ professional choices.
She observed that actors can face questions about their opportunities, careers and place in the industry from people who may not understand the work involved.
According to her, this environment can influence how celebrities present themselves online.
Rather than sharing their authentic personalities, some may feel pressured to maintain a public image that attracts approval and performs well on social platforms.
“You aren’t connecting with a human being but a brand,” she said while discussing the growing emphasis on carefully managed celebrity personas.
Her observations point to a wider tension in the entertainment industry: social media can help actors connect directly with audiences, but the same platforms can expose them to relentless scrutiny and comparisons.
The pressure to remain visible, respond to criticism and maintain an appealing public image can make it difficult to separate personal identity from professional reputation.
Why Taapsee Pannu Chose to Step Away From Social Media
Taapsee said she eventually decided to disconnect from social media because she did not want to compromise her sense of authenticity.
She described the decision as a choice between remaining inactive online and continuing to face an environment that was affecting her mental well-being.
For the actor, stepping away became a way to establish a boundary rather than continually adjusting her behaviour to meet other people’s expectations.
Her experience also challenges the assumption that celebrities must remain constantly accessible to their followers. Maintaining an online presence may be part of a public career, but it does not mean that every individual must participate in every digital conversation.
Taking a break from social platforms can be one way of reducing exposure to online conflict, although the right approach varies from person to person.
Taapsee Pannu Opens Up About Seeking Therapy
The actor also spoke about her experience with therapy and welcomed the fact that conversations around professional mental health support have become more open.
She explained that the characters she portrays can be emotionally demanding. In the past, she would travel somewhere to disconnect from work and create distance from the roles she played.
The pandemic changed that routine, leaving her with fewer opportunities to step away from her work and familiar surroundings.
“I became more vulnerable and sensitive thats when I took some therapy sessions to learn the art of dealing with myself without running away,” she said.
Her comments underline the importance of recognising when familiar coping strategies are no longer enough and considering other forms of support.
Therapy can provide people with a space to explore emotions, understand recurring patterns and develop ways to manage difficult experiences. Seeking professional help is a personal decision, and people can benefit from support for many different reasons, not only during a crisis.
A Wider Conversation About Celebrity Mental Health
Taapsee Pannu’s reflections bring attention to the human impact of online hostility and the pressures that can accompany a career in the public eye.
Her message is not that criticism can simply be ignored or that self-confidence removes every emotional challenge. Instead, her experience illustrates the importance of recognising personal limits, making deliberate choices about social media and seeking support when needed.
As conversations about mental health continue to become more visible, her comments also reinforce the value of treating public figures as people rather than reducing them to the personas audiences encounter online.
