It’s been a year since Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba released, and yet, Rani Kashyap still lingers in our minds, bold, unpredictable, and magnetic in a way only Taapsee Pannu could pull off. The sequel to Haseen Dillruba brought back the intoxicating blend of mystery, romance, and danger, with Taapsee embracing the femme fatale persona to perfection. With this film Taapsee Pannu became the first actress to have her own OTT franchise
Rani wasn’t just a character; she was an aura. The way she walked into a scene, draped in those now-iconic sarees, was enough to command attention. Those vibrant “Rani sarees” became a style statement in themselves, widely discussed on social media, with fans and fashion enthusiasts recreating the look. It wasn’t just about the clothes though, it was about the way Taapsee wore them, infusing each moment with an air of seduction and steel.
Her chemistry with Vikrant Massey was as electric as ever, the push-and-pull between love and deceit, trust and betrayal, kept audiences hooked. Adding Sunny Kaushal to the mix brought a fresh dynamic, creating a thrilling tension that played out beautifully on screen.
When the film dropped on OTT, it didn’t just release, it took over conversations. Trending across streaming platforms and social media, Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba proved that audiences still love a well-told, twist-filled romance-thriller. The intrigue, the heat, and the unpredictability of Rani’s choices kept viewers bingeing and debating long after the credits rolled.
Taapsee’s performance reminded us why she’s one of the most unique actors working today, unafraid to take risks, equally at home in commercial and unconventional cinema. One year on, Rani remains one of her most memorable creations, a character who blurred the lines between love and danger, leaving us wanting more.
(Contributed by Maithili Bachani)