Taapsee Pannu is excited to attend the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, calling it a “once in a lifetime chance.” She’s heading there to support her husband, Mathias Boe, who has been coaching Indian badminton stars Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy since 2021.
Pannu humorously remarks, “I don’t think I can participate as an athlete,” and adds, “I first met Mathias after his Olympic success in 2012. I chose not to attend the next Olympics he competed in because I get too stressed watching him play.”
Having married the Danish Olympic silver medallist earlier this year, Pannu feels this is the perfect opportunity to experience the Olympics. “With Mathias now coaching our national team and Satvik and Chirag being strong medal prospects, I’m thrilled to attend and cheer for them. And since it’s around my birthday (August 1), it’s even more special,” the 36-year-old says.
Pannu will arrive in Paris on July 29, although she’s disappointed to miss the team’s first two group matches. “I’m hopeful they’ll make it to the finals, so I’ve planned my return after the men’s doubles finals,” she shares.
For her birthday, Pannu is hoping for a memorable celebration linked to a victory. “The men’s doubles quarterfinals fall on my birthday. A win would be the ultimate birthday gift,” she says.
Aside from supporting the badminton team, Pannu is eager to celebrate sports that often don’t get as much recognition as cricket. “Many sports lack the visibility and access compared to cricket. I want to be involved in supporting those sports as an audience,” she explains.
Given her filmography, which includes sports-themed films like Soorma (2018), Saand Ki Aankh (2019), Rashmi Rocket (2021), Looop Lapeta (2022), and Shabaash Mithu (2022), Pannu also expresses her love for squash. “I enjoy playing squash a lot. Although I’m not at the level of professional players, I’d love to be their biggest supporter when squash is officially included in the Olympics,” she concludes.