The Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu feud is back in the spotlight after Taapsee addressed their past controversy in a recent interview, prompting a strong response from Kangana on Instagram. The two actresses became involved in a public exchange in 2019, with the issue resurfacing again in 2020 during the debate around nepotism and outsiders in the Hindi film industry.

Speaking to India Today, Taapsee was asked whether she and Kangana had made amends. She said that she had never met Kangana, either before or after the controversy, while also referring to the differences in their views and ways of expressing themselves.

“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."

After Taapsee's comments surfaced online, Kangana responded through her Instagram Stories. Referring to Taapsee as a “sasti copy”, Kangana objected to the mention of upbringing and parents in the discussion.

“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."

How did the Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu feud begin?

The public controversy between the two dates back to 2019. Kangana's sister Rangoli Chandel had called Taapsee a “sasti copy” after Taapsee praised the trailer of Judgementall Hai Kya without specifically mentioning Kangana.

The remarks led to a series of exchanges around comparisons between the two actresses. Taapsee later responded to the situation and said she did not intend to get involved in a mudslinging match.

The issue resurfaced in 2020 amid the wider conversation around nepotism and the treatment of outsiders in Bollywood. During the debate, Kangana referred to Taapsee and Swara Bhasker as “B-grade actresses” and “needy outsiders”.

Taapsee responded by saying that outsiders should not be made to fight among themselves and spoke about the need for changes within the industry. Despite the public exchanges over the years, Taapsee has maintained that she never personally had a face-to-face fight with Kangana.

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In the same interview, Taapsee was also asked 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."

Taapsee will next be seen in Gandhari, a revenge drama scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 3.

The latest exchange has now brought the Kangana Ranaut and Taapsee Pannu controversy, which began in 2019, back into public discussion.