Swastika Mukherjee has spoken in support of Taapsee Pannu’s decision to push back when paparazzi photographers get too close, saying celebrities should not be expected to be photographed every time they step outside. The actor also praised Taapsee’s grounded personality and recalled how warmly she behaved on the sets of Netflix’s Gandhari.
Taapsee Pannu has frequently been discussed on social media for her candid reactions to paparazzi. While some clips of the actor confronting photographers have attracted criticism, actor Swastika Mukherjee believes there are situations in which celebrities are justified in setting boundaries.
Swastika, who worked with Taapsee in the Netflix film Gandhari, recently spoke about her experience of working with the actor and addressed the growing paparazzi culture during an exclusive conversation with SheZindagi.
Swastika Mukherjee supports Taapsee Pannu’s reaction to paparazzi
Speaking about videos in which Taapsee appears to object when photographers or people with mobile phones come too close to her, Swastika said she understood the actor’s reaction.
“I really liked her personality. I’ve seen so many of her reels on social media. And when she doesn’t like people shoving their mobile phones at her, she snaps back – rightly so. It needs to be done, given where this paparazzi culture has gone,” Swastika told SheZindagi.
The actor also connected the issue to her own experiences in Kolkata. She explained that filming schedules can be physically exhausting, particularly when performers have back-to-back shoots, and that arriving at a set does not necessarily mean they are ready to be photographed.
“I’ve had similar experiences in Kolkata. Sometimes we have back-to-back shoots, and it’s hectic. I’ve reached the set at 7 AM and I don’t want to be photographed then. My eyes are swollen, I look groggy, and yet people are already standing with their phones,” she said.
Swastika added that she sometimes remains inside her car and asks a member of her team to handle the situation.
“Just because I belong to a certain fraternity doesn’t mean I’m ready to be photographed 24/7,” she said.
Swastika Mukherjee calls Taapsee Pannu ‘really chill’
While discussing Taapsee as a co-star, Swastika had plenty of praise for the actor’s approach to work.
“I think she’s really chill. You know, she’s cool and doesn’t come with that Bollywood baggage,” she said.
Swastika particularly appreciated the fact that Taapsee did not appear to rely on a large entourage while working on the film. She jokingly compared the elaborate teams sometimes seen around actors to having several people look after a single hairstyle.
“I’ve not seen a full entourage following her everywhere,” Swastika said, adding that she had seen situations where multiple people were involved in hair and grooming duties.
“I’ve never understood it – it’s just one head and one kind of hair. Why do you need three people attending to three strands?” she quipped.
For Swastika, Taapsee’s approach also reflected a willingness to be present on set rather than remain isolated in her vanity van.
Taapsee and Swastika ate together during Gandhari shoot
Swastika said she enjoys being on set because of the atmosphere and the opportunity to interact with the wider team, including assistant directors and co-actors.
“I like being on set because you can absorb the energy. You can talk to the ADs, to co-actors, even if you’re not called on set. The energy is so immersive. And yes, I think it’s the best part of the shoot,” she said.
According to Swastika, Taapsee shared a similar attitude during their time working on Gandhari. She recalled seeing the actor sitting in the tent between shoots and spending time with the people around her.
“I’ve seen Taapsee sitting in the tent too. On all the shoot days I worked with her, we always ate together with whoever was around,” Swastika recalled.
Their conversations reportedly went beyond the film itself. Swastika said they spoke about Taapsee’s parents, holidays, her approach to choosing projects and her thoughts about the character and the film.
Swastika recalls Taapsee’s warm first meeting
Swastika also remembered meeting Taapsee for the first time during her look test at Katha Pictures’ office. The two actors were on different floors, but Taapsee reportedly made the effort to come down and introduce herself.
“She said, ‘Hello, Swastika, I’ve followed your work. I really love what you do. I love the way you portray your characters.’ There was no reason for her to do that,” Swastika recalled.
The gesture left a strong impression on her, particularly because she had expected to meet Taapsee later herself.
“I thought I’d go and say hi once my work was over, but she walked down a floor to meet me. You hardly see people who’ve made such a name in the industry actually come down and say, ‘I love your work, I’ve been a fan.’ I was very happy. I thought, ‘Oh wow,’” she said.
Swastika further described Taapsee as polite and respectful towards people around her.
“Just because I’m the lead Bollywood actor in a film doesn’t mean I don’t need to greet people. That happens too. But Taapsee is genuinely keen,” she added.
Taapsee Pannu and Swastika Mukherjee share screen space in Gandhari
Taapsee and Swastika recently worked together on Gandhari, a Netflix film that brought the two actors together. Their collaboration has also given Swastika an opportunity to observe Taapsee away from the social media clips that often shape public perceptions of celebrities.
Swastika’s comments offer a different perspective on the actor, focusing on her conduct on set and her interactions with colleagues rather than the short paparazzi videos that frequently circulate online.
Her remarks also highlight a broader conversation surrounding celebrity privacy. Public figures may attract considerable attention because of their profession, but that does not necessarily mean they are comfortable being filmed at every moment, particularly when arriving at work or dealing with demanding schedules.
At the same time, paparazzi photography remains an established part of entertainment culture, making the question of where public interest ends and personal boundaries begin increasingly relevant.
For Swastika, Taapsee’s willingness to speak up when those boundaries are crossed is understandable.
