Taapsee Pannu-Kangana Ranaut feud explained: Why two actors who have never met keep making headlines

Taapsee Pannu and Kangana Ranaut's feud has once again returned to the spotlight after the two actors got into another heated exchange on social media. The latest episode began after Taapsee, who is promoting her upcoming Netflix film Gandhari, was asked about her differences with Kangana.

To which the actor revealed that the two have never crossed paths. "I haven’t met her. I didn’t meet her before when these so-called issues started. I haven’t met her now as well. My opinion on her is reflective of my upbringing and my way of talking, my way of perceiving things and hers… she stands by hers. So, I think that’s enough for everybody to look and decide who comes from where,” Taapsee told India Today.

Kangana later shared Instagram Stories in which she used the term “sasti copy” for Taapsee. She also appeared to interpret her remarks as criticism of her upbringing and parents. However, the Stories were subsequently deleted.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut calls out Taapsee Pannu over 'upbringing' remark

Responding to the fresh controversy, Taapsee later posted a cryptic Instagram Story that read: “Hence proved.” Although she did not name Kangana or specify the context, the timing led many to believe it was an apparent response to the exchange. But how did the conflict between the two begin? Let's find out.

What triggered the first controversy

The feud dates back to 2019, when Taapsee shared her reaction to the trailer of Kangana’s film Judgementall Hai Kya. She praised the trailer and called it “cool”, but did not specifically mention Kangana in her post.

Kangana’s sister Rangoli Chandel, who was also managing her at the time, publicly accused Taapsee of not acknowledging Kangana. Rangoli also described Taapsee as a “sasti copy” of Kangana.

Gandhari actor later addressed comparisons with Kangana, joking that being called a “Queen” could once again result in people accusing her of copying the actor.

Also Read: Taapsee Pannu breaks silence on long-standing feud with Kangana Ranaut, 'I never clashed'

The nepotism debate

The controversy intensified in 2020, when Bollywood was flooded with heated discussions about nepotism, following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

Kangana was among the most vocal voices in the debate and, during one of her interviews, referred to Taapsee and Swara Bhasker as “B-grade actresses” and “needy outsiders”.

At the time, Taapsee took a different stand. She questioned why actors who had faced similar struggles in the industry should be pitted against one another.

The disagreement also continued to surface at different points through social media exchanges, including in 2021, when Kangana once again used the “sasti” label while reacting to Taapsee’s comments on Income Tax raids involving people from the film industry.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut defends her controversial remark against Naseeruddin Shah: 'He is obsessed with his love for Pakistan'

Why Taapsee never considered it a fight

Speaking to YouTuber Shubhankar Mishra earlier this year, she said, "I don’t know if I ever fought. A fight happens when two people clash. I never clashed. You tell me — have I ever said even a single line against her? Her sister called me a ‘cheap copy.’ She said that since I don’t earn as much money as her, that makes me cheap. If she is such a brilliant actress, I have no problem being called her copy. You can take out any statement of mine – I haven’t said anything against her."

Taapsee has also indicated that she would not be opposed to being friends with Kangana.

After the latest exchange, Taapsee reiterated that the “sasti copy” remark does not offend her. She told HTCity, “I've always maintained I don't get offended by these sasti copy remarks. I've always said I'm happy she thinks I'm a copy, and that she's a phenomenal actress and I'm not.”

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut reacts after 15-year-old apologises for remarks against PM Narendra Modi

Addressing the interpretation of her recent remarks, Taapsee said, "What I said was, 'how one speaks is reflective of one's upbringing.' It's up to that person to assume whether I said something bad about the upbringing or something good."

She further added, “If you believe I am demeaning your upbringing, it means you believe you made demeaning comments. I did not say that!”

Taapsee then added, “But then, I also think one needs proper education and upbringing to understand what I said.”