Sasti copy is out: Kangana Ranaut slams Taapsee Pannu over 'upbringing' remark

Actor Taapsee Pannu has spoken about her long-running public feud with actor-politician Kangana Ranaut, saying she has never met Kangana either before or after their exchanges became part of the Bollywood nepotism debate in 2019 and 2020. The remarks drew a sharp response from Kangana, who accused Taapsee of insulting her upbringing.Reacting on Instagram Stories after Taapsee's comments surfaced online, Kangana wrote, "One Sasti copy is out and about with her upcoming B grade film but as usual only headline point with the media is Kangana Ranaut, but today she crossed all limits shamelessly ridiculing my upbringing / parents, I think all parents do their best and I never bring any parents in to any argument, but today I also want to ask her parents why they couldn’t birth someone original like my parents did? Why a cheap Sasti copy? Feel sorry for your efforts (sic)." (Credit: Instagram/kanganaranaut) In an interview with India Today, Taapsee was asked whether she and Kangana had made amends. She said, "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 at and decide who comes from where."Taapsee and Kangana first became part of a public controversy in 2019 after Kangana's sister, Rangoli Chandel, accused Taapsee of copying Kangana and called her a "sasti (cheap) copy." The remarks came after Taapsee praised the trailer of Judgementall Hai Kya without specifically naming Kangana. The episode led to a series of exchanges at the time, with Taapsee responding to the comparisons and saying she had no intention of getting into a mudslinging match. The friction resurfaced in 2020 during the debate around nepotism and the treatment of outsiders in the Hindi film industry.During that phase, Kangana referred to Taapsee and Swara Bhasker as "B-grade" actors and "needy outsiders." Taapsee responded by saying outsiders should not be pitted against each other and that the larger issue was the need for a better system in the industry. She has also maintained that she never personally fought with Kangana. In the same interview, Taapsee also spoke about the possibility of entering politics. She said, "I am too honest and vulnerable for this. Also, I want to do a few more films. I am not at all considering joining and I don’t have the DNA for that." She added that her interest in political issues comes from speaking as an educated citizen, not from a political standpoint.On the work front, Taapsee will next be seen in Gandhari, a revenge drama set to premiere on Netflix on September 3.Meanwhile, Ranaut was last seen on the big screen in Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata (2026), helmed by director and writer Manoj Tapadia.Up next, the actor reunites with Thalaivii (2021) director AL Vijay for an upcoming pan-India psychological thriller, featuring her Tanu Weds Manu film series co-actor R Madhavan.- EndsPublished By: Anurag BohraPublished On: Aug 23, 2026 00:23 IST