For Taapsee Pannu, ‘Rashmi Rocket’ was physically and emotionally challenging

Actor Taapsee Pannu, who plays the lead role in sports drama ‘Rashmi Rocket’, says that her role in Akarsh Khurana directorial is the most challenging one she has ever played.

“It has been challenging both physically and emotionally,” she told Bollywood Hungama.

Also Read: ‘Rashmi Rocket’ a dramatised account of women athletes’ struggles, says director

Set in Kutch, Gujarat, “Rashmi Rocket” stars Taapsee Pannu in the title role of a gifted athlete who faces discrimination for not being conventionally “feminine”. The film questions the age-old and harmful gender verification test women athletes are subjected to.

A still from her upcoming film shows Taapsee, with her back to the camera, showed off enviably ripped muscles. 

In the trailer too, she can be seen as a National-level player who is tagged ‘mardaana’ for she is ‘not conventionally feminine’. Her achievements, medals, fame, all snatched away in a matter of seconds when she’s accused of lying about her gender and competing in women’s games. This was followed by ban on her. Then, a ban. Then, a case. Mudslinging, public opinion made and broken, and the customary Bollywoodised crescendo of tears, drama and the promise to rise back up. And a lingering memory of Dutee Chand from 2014.

Also Read: Taapsee Pannu responds to tweet that said she has ‘mard ki body’

When asked that after so many years of independence, what is the one thing that she lacks as an individual and as an artist? Taapsee immediately said, “First of all we have a problem of identity because if you are female or an actor then you are supposed to fit in a packet. And if you go outside that then there are whole police standing out telling you that you can’t do this.”

She further added that, “The freedom of being who you are is not really there, not just in our country but outside also.”

Produced by RSVP and Mango People Media, the film is heading for a digital premiere on ZEE5 on October 15.