Known for shattering stereotypes both on and off screen, Taapsee Pannu believes individuality isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the very foundation of who she is. In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, the actor-producer opens up about her fearless approach to fashion, her evolving bond with Vogue Eyewear and the unapologetic spirit driving the brand’s bold new ‘No Rules Club’ campaign.
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Taapsee Pannu continues to shine not only as a powerful performer in Indian cinema but also as an unapologetic voice for individuality and self-expression. As she returns in a new campaign for Vogue Eyewear — this time under the bold theme of the ‘No Rules Club’ — she reflects on her journey with the iconic brand and how it mirrors her own unconventional path in life and fashion. Talking about her long-standing partnership with the brand, the Haseen Dillruba star calls it “a beautiful and empowering journey.” She explains that it has evolved into something much more meaningful over time. “Over the years, it’s felt less like a brand partnership and more like a shared celebration of values — self-expression, authenticity and individuality. I’ve grown with the brand. I’ve seen how eyewear is no longer just a functional accessory but a bold fashion statement,” she says.
The new campaign, themed around the concept of the ‘No Rules Club’, resonates deeply with her personal philosophy. “‘No Rules Club’ is more than just a campaign — it’s a mindset. It aligns so deeply with how I live my life and the choices I’ve made, both professionally and personally. It’s about rejecting the limitations that society often places on us, especially as women. Whether it’s the roles I choose, the way I dress, or how I conduct myself — I’ve never felt the need to follow someone else’s rulebook. This campaign is like a rallying cry for anyone who has ever felt pressured to conform. It says: Be bold, be you, and let the world adjust.”
For the Dunki fame, the message of individuality isn’t just a marketing pitch — it’s the foundation of her career in films. She reflects on how the industry often expects a formulaic path to success, but she’s always chosen to carve her own. “Absolutely,” she nods. “My career in the film industry has been shaped by unconventional choices. I’ve never followed the formula. From doing films like Pink or Thappad, which tackled difficult and necessary conversations, to something like Haseen Dillruba that had me exploring grey shades — I’ve tried to carve a path that’s true to who I am. I’ve had to say no to many things that didn’t align with my voice, and that takes courage. So yes, celebrating individuality is not just a message, it’s how I’ve built my journey.”
When it comes to fashion, she embraces the same fearless attitude and views fashion as an ever-evolving form of self-expression that reflects her mood and personality. “‘No rules’ in fashion means exactly what it says — there’s no one right way to wear something. Some days it’s glam, other days it’s oversized hoodies and no makeup. That’s what freedom in fashion should look like,” she says.
Taapsee believes that eyewear, once considered purely functional, has transformed into an expressive accessory, especially for women in India. “Eyewear used to be seen as this purely utilitarian item — something you wore if you had to. Today, especially in India, it has become a huge fashion statement. It’s no longer just about functionality; it’s about identity. Women are using eyewear to add edge, colour, or even softness to a look. And that’s the kind of transformation brands like Vogue Eyewear have led — they’ve given glasses a personality, a vibe. Whether it’s cat-eye for drama or round frames for vintage charm, there’s something for every mood now.”
On how she would define her own fashion sensibilities today, the Thappad actress responds with conviction: “If I had to define my fashion statement in one word, it would be ‘authentic.’ I don’t believe in dressing to impress; I dress to express. I also love comfort — if something’s not comfortable, I won’t wear it, no matter how stunning it is. Fashion, for me, should feel like home.”
She sees fashion as both a reflection of her personality and a form of creative release. “It’s both, honestly. Fashion reflects my personality — bold, unfiltered, moody at times — but it’s also my creative playground. On days when I don’t want to talk much, my clothes still speak for me. Sometimes I’m channeling power, sometimes softness.”
Her partnership with the brand has, in fact, influenced her personal style. “Yes, it has!” she admits. “Working with Vogue Eyewear made me experiment more with accessories and pushed me to explore bolder choices in my styling. Before this partnership, I didn’t pay much attention to eyewear as a statement. But now, I think of it as an anchor to any look. Sometimes it’s the sunglasses that define the whole outfit. It’s given me a new perspective on how small elements like the right frame can elevate an entire vibe.”
Over the years, the Pink actress has become known as someone who doesn’t follow trends blindly — and that clarity of self comes from a place of inner strength. “That confidence comes from knowing who I am and not being afraid to own it. I’ve made peace with the fact that I can’t please everyone, and honestly, I don’t want to. I listen to my gut. I’ve had failures and missteps, sure, but I’ve learned from them without compromising my identity. That’s where confidence grows — when you know that even if you fall, it’ll be on your terms.”
Her unfiltered individuality hasn’t always been easy to maintain. “Oh yes, plenty of times!” she exclaims when asked if she’s ever been told to “tone it down.” “Whether it was about speaking my mind too much, or wearing something too experimental, I’ve heard it all. I used to get upset in the beginning, but over time I realised that toning it down to make others comfortable wasn’t worth losing parts of myself. Now, I respond with action — I double down on my choices. If anything, it pushes me to be bolder. You don’t grow by shrinking yourself.”
Living life on her own terms has certainly come with its fair share of challenges, both personally and professionally. But for Taapsee, the price has been worth paying. “It has. When you walk the path less traveled, you face resistance. But despite the setbacks, the life I’ve built is entirely mine — and that’s worth everything. The peace that comes from living authentically far outweighs any short-term losses.” In a world that often demands compromise, Taapsee Pannu stands tall — stylish, self-assured and steadfast in her belief that the only rule worth following is to be yourself. With Vogue Eyewear’s ‘No Rules Club’, she invites everyone to do the same.
In her own words, Taapsee describes herself as resilient, curious and fearless — a trio of traits that not only define her personal ethos but also mirror her unconventional rise in the film industry. She draws inspiration from “everyone who chose to make their own algorithm and stuck to it in highs and lows,” a line that feels like both a mantra and a mission statement. What keeps her going isn’t applause or accolades, but something more personal: “Growth,” she says. “I constantly want to evolve — as an actor, a person, a producer.” Her biggest strength, she confesses, is her brutal honesty — especially with herself. “I don’t sugarcoat my own reflection. If something’s off, I call it out.” But that same honesty comes at a price. “I can be too hard on myself sometimes,” she adds with striking vulnerability, proving that strength and softness can — and do — coexist.
