In this episode we are in conversation with Tanushree Das — actor and social advocate who blends art and activism in powerful ways. Known for her compelling role in Sector 36, the crime thriller starring Vikrant Massey, Tanushree has also carved a unique space in theatre and performance art. From working behind the camera as an assistant director to building her voice as an actor, she reflects on what it takes to survive and thrive in Bollywood and Indian theatre as an outsider.

Why This Episode Matters:

Behind the glamour of cinema lies an ecosystem shaped by power, privilege, and invisible hierarchies. Tanushree Das speaks about breaking into the industry without a film family legacy, challenging the gendered expectations placed on women actors, and calling out the entrenched class and caste barriers that determine who gets opportunities. Her story is about reclaiming agency, demanding fairness, and using art as a force for change.

Bollywood, Theatre & Activism: What You’ll Learn:

• How Tanushree Das’s journey in acting shaped her storytelling.
• Insights into class, gender, and nepotism in Bollywood.
• The hidden pressures on women to “perform” beauty standards.
• Why Tanushree rejects unpaid and underpaid work and demands fair value.
• The role of theatre and activism in empowering marginalized voices.
• What it takes to build a support system in the Indian creative industry.

Chapters:

01:02 – Introduction
03:54 – Navigating the Film Industry
06:41 – Confronting Social Hierarchies
10:08 – Finding Mentorship
12:49 – The Pressure of Appearance
16:02 – Sector 36
18:44 – Women in Films
21:42 – Struggle for Assertiveness
24:33 – Evolving Feminism 
27:43 – Unlearning Societal Expectations
28:46 – Struggle for Recognition
32:56 – Navigating Nepotism
36:41 – Redefining Success
42:37 – Cultural Insights
48:01 – Supportive Ecosystem for Artists

Connect with Us

Mohua Chinappa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohua-chinappa/

The Mohua Show: https://www.themohuashow.com/

Connect with the Guest

Tanushree Das: https://www.instagram.com/tanuuushree_das/?hl=en 

References:

Vikrant Massey, Sector 36, Aditya Nimbalkar, Kavish Sinha

Follow Us

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More Episodes Like This:

Kalki Koechlin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmp7xLrGTgo&t=1s 

Anvita Sudarshan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTg4Tvxpj-k 

For any other queries EMAIL

hello@themohuashow.com

Disclaimer

The views expressed by our guests are their own. We do not endorse and are not responsible for any views expressed by our guests on our podcast and its associated platforms.

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