“I Still Have to Live in This Country”: Taapsee Pannu’s Viral Comment on PM Modi

Known for being one of Bollywood’s most outspoken and politically aware actors, Taapsee Pannu has set social media on fire with her latest interview. During the promotional tour for her upcoming hard-hitting drama Assi, Taapsee was put on the spot with a “this or that” political question that has since gone viral.

When asked by TV9 to choose her favorite politician between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi, Taapsee chose the PM, but it was her witty, double-edged reasoning that grabbed the headlines.

The Viral Quote

With her signature dry humor, Taapsee responded to the choice by saying:

“Mujhe abhi bhi iss desh mein rehna hai” (I still have to live in this country).

The clip immediately sparked a massive debate online, with netizens interpreting the comment in two very different ways:

• The “Safety” Interpretation: Some viewed it as a witty “troll” or a sarcastic jab at the current political climate where dissent is often met with backlash.
• The “Stability” Interpretation: Others argued she was implying that the country’s growth and stability under the current leadership make it the preferred place to live.

Favorite Female Politician

The rapid-fire round didn’t stop there. When asked to pick a favorite among Mamata Banerjee, Smriti Irani, Mayawati, and Priyanka Gandhi, Taapsee’s first instinct was the late Sushma Swaraj. However, when pressed to choose from the living options provided, she picked Smriti Irani.

Focus on Assi: A Reality Check for 2026

While the political comments are trending, Taapsee is primarily focused on the release of Assi, directed by Anubhav Sinha, scheduled to hit theaters this Friday, February 20, 2026.

• The Plot: The film is a disturbing, realistic exploration of women’s safety in modern India.
• Early Reviews: Critics who attended the press screening have called it “hard-hitting” and “essential viewing.” The Free Press Journal awarded it 3.5 stars, noting that the film serves as a “reality check that hits hard” rather than a typical entertainer.
• The “Extinct” Genre: Taapsee recently voiced concerns that unconventional, socially relevant films like Assi are becoming an “extinct species” due to the shifting preferences of OTT platforms and theaters.

Quick Facts: Assi (2026)