By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Jan 31 (IANS): After her brief role in "Baby" as Akshay Kumar's accomplice in Nepal who beats the hell out of Sushant Singh, Taapsee Pannu has got the kind of attention that her debut film "Chashme Baddoor" didn't. She is now gearing up for an image change with her next film "Agra Ka Daabra".
The chirpy and vivacious actress said: "Contrary to the kickass image in 'Chashme Baddoor' and 'Baby', I play an extremely demure softspoken 'simti si sehmi si nazaaqat se bhari' (subdued and delicate) Muslim girl in 'Agra Ka Daabra'."
"Agra Ka Daabra" is directed by Shoojit Sircar, and also features Ayushmann Khurrana.
"My co-star Ayushmann Khurrana is already saying good things about me. I guess I am lucky," Taapsee said.
Talking about "Baby", she said: "Most people have loved the film. Even those who haven't liked the film that much have been extremely responsive to my performance."
Playing an undercover agent on a dangerous mission, Tapsee had to pull out all the stops in her hand-to-hand combat with Sushant Singh.
"I did the entire lengthy fight on my own without a body double," Taapsee said, and added: "It has taken a toll on me. My old leg joint injury has resurfaced. But that happened later.
"During the fight I was thrown around all over the room. There were times when one or the other of my limbs wouldn't move. I had to take painkillers and go ahead with the stunt."
The end result was worth it.
She gives credit to her action director and co-star Akshay Kumar for the sequence.
"We had two gentlemen on board to train. My co-star Akshay Kumar was such a big help. Being a disciple of martial arts himself, he guided me through the sequence. Of course the fact that I've always been a sporty outdoor type helped me to get the scene right," she said.
Taapsee says she has been lucky with her colleagues and co-stars.
"Whether it was the 'Baby' director and hero Neeraj Pandey sir and Akshay Kumar sir, or my director Amit Roy and co-star Amit Sadh in my new film 'Runningshadi.com', they have been my best promoters. They've always said good things about me."