Mumbai: Pan-Indian actress Sheena Chohan shared a meaningful conversation with actress Taapsee Pannu at the recent Women in Film India gathering, where the two connected over the evolving space for women and the growing importance of authentic, women-led narratives in Indian cinema.
Known for gravitating towards strong, layered and emotionally complex characters, Sheena Chohan expressed her admiration for the space Taapsee Pannu has created for stories centred on real, vulnerable and unapologetically honest women.
“I really admire the way Taapsee has created space for women-led stories. These are stories about real women—vulnerable, honest, complex women—and I feel these are the stories that need to be told,” Sheena shared.
Sheena Chohan Praises Taapsee Pannu’s Authenticity
For Chohan, her admiration for Pannu extends beyond her choice of film roles. She also appreciates the actor’s willingness to express her opinions openly and stand by her convictions.
“I told her that I admire how she speaks her mind and is not afraid to stand by what she believes in. There is something very real about her, and I really respect that,” Sheena said.
Pannu’s response resonated strongly with Chohan, reinforcing the importance of women using their voices and supporting meaningful change within the industry.
“We really need to step up and speak up,” Pannu told her.
Women-Led Stories Are Changing Indian Cinema
For Sheena Chohan, the conversation represented a larger shift taking place across the Indian entertainment industry. Women are increasingly taking charge not only as actors but also as filmmakers, producers, writers and storytellers.
The conversation around representation is therefore evolving beyond simply demanding visibility. It is increasingly about creating opportunities and telling stories that reflect the diverse, complex and often underrepresented experiences of women.
The Women in Film India gathering brought together several influential voices from the entertainment industry, including Guneet Monga Kapoor, Kanika Dhillon and Rabia Chopra, creating an environment for candid conversations, collaboration and camaraderie.
For Sheena, however, her exchange with Taapsee Pannu emerged as one of the memorable moments of the evening.
“I believe we are stronger together. When women genuinely support, celebrate and create space for one another, it elevates the entire industry. It allows us to be more courageous about the stories we tell and the kind of cinema we want to create,” Chohan said.
Women in Film India’s Larger Vision
The sentiment reflects the broader vision of Women in Film India, which works towards greater equity, access and opportunity for women and gender-diverse individuals across India’s film industries.
For Chohan, the evening was ultimately about more than a formal industry gathering. It represented the power of genuine connections between women who share a common interest in cinema, representation and creating space for stories that deserve to be heard.
The interaction between Sheena Chohan and Taapsee Pannu also highlights a growing conversation within Indian cinema: women supporting women can help create an environment where filmmakers and performers feel more empowered to explore unconventional, emotionally honest and character-driven narratives.
Perhaps, as Chohan’s comments suggest, meaningful change begins when women in cinema move beyond competing for limited opportunities and instead work towards creating more space for one another.
Sheena Chohan’s Upcoming Projects
Sheena Chohan has also been involved in conversations around women’s rights and equality. She recently spoke at the United Nations in New York, raising awareness around women’s rights, equal respect and equality.
The actress is now gearing up for her upcoming pan-India release Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam, in which she plays an IPS officer opposite JD Chakravarthy. The film is scheduled to release across five languages.
Chohan will also be seen in Bhaayava and Justice, taking on distinct leading roles as a she-devil and a ghost, respectively.
With a growing focus on character-driven roles and stories with strong female perspectives, Sheena Chohan continues to explore diverse opportunities across Indian cinema.
Her conversation with Taapsee Pannu at Women in Film India offered another glimpse into the changing industry landscape—one where authentic women’s stories, stronger representation and collective support are increasingly becoming part of the larger cinematic conversation.
