Taapsee Pannu Discusses Navel Focus in South Indian Cinema

Actress Taapsee Pannu, known for her recent role in the courtroom drama ‘Assi,’ shared her insights on the South Indian cinema’s notable fixation with the navel, comparing it to Hindi films. In a conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, she delved into the uncomfortable dynamics on set, the culture surrounding item songs, and the double standards prevalent in the Indian film industry. When questioned about the emphasis on the navel in Bhojpuri and South Indian films, Taapsee remarked, “I am also trying to grasp this. While item songs in Hindi cinema do touch on it, the focus isn’t as pronounced as in South Cinema, which tends to lean more towards cleavage.” She further elaborated on the peculiarities actresses face, revealing that many are often advised to wear padded bras. Taapsee described the convoluted communication process on set, where instructions filter down from the director to the assistant director, then to the styling team, and finally reach the actress. This can lead to awkward moments, particularly during shoots. “Imagine the embarrassment when, during a song shoot, someone gets up and leaves, and all the men are aware of what’s going on. It creates a tense atmosphere,” she noted. Taapsee Pannu’s journey in cinema is noteworthy; she began her career in South Indian films before making her mark in Bollywood with ‘Baby’ in 2015, alongside Akshay Kumar. Her breakthrough role came in the acclaimed 2016 film ‘Pink,’ featuring Amitabh Bachchan, which shifted perceptions of her in Hindi cinema. Most recently, she starred in Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Assi,’ released on February 20, 2026, marking her second collaboration with the director after ‘Thappad’ in 2020.