The sparkling Pooja Hegde is on Bollywood's glittering edge

Our May 2023 digital cover Pooja Hegde has just had an extremely exciting and fruitful release called Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. As most movie buffs and publications would call this Pooja’s breakthrough in Bollywood — let’s get to know her a bit better, as she lets us into her experienced world of South films and a visionary mindset. She doesn’t seem to fret and fuss about the gram, and her cool-girl calm oozes out even on social media.

Born in October of 1990, Mumbai, she started her career in the entertainment industry as a model and was soon crowned 2nd runner-up at the Miss Universe India 2010 pageant. Pooja made her acting debut in 2012 with the Tamil film ‘Mugamoodi’ and went on to make her Bollywood debut with the film ‘Mohenjo Daro’ in 2016. Though the movie did not do well at the box office, Pooja’s performance was appreciated by critics and audiences alike.

In the years since, Pooja has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry, delivering powerful performances in films such as ‘Duvvada Jagannadham,’ ‘Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava,’ and ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.’ Her ability to bring depth and nuance to her roles has made her a sought-after actress in the industry, making her win numerous awards and accolades.

Despite her starry (starting) success, Pooja remains grounded and down-to-earth, known for her warm and friendly personality both on and off-screen. Her fans admire her not just for her talent but also for her natural beauty and relatability. With her talent, charm, and dedication to her craft, Pooja Hegde can continue making waves in cinema for years to come.

Masala: What was it like working with Salman Khan in your latest film? Did he live up to your assumed expectations?

Pooja Hegde: I have to say that I had an amazing time working with Salman Khan in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan! It was one of the most fun sets that I have been a part of & the whole shooting experience was a vibe. He takes care of the whole team like family and that’s a rare quality these days.

Masala: Where do you aspire to see yourself in the next 5 years, and what does your ideal lifestyle look like?

Pooja Hegde: Living my best life as an actor and entrepreneur. Making films for women. Telling more stories from people from different walks of life. That’s the dream

Masala: “Radhe Shyam” was a romantic drama set in the 1970s. What was it like working on a period film, and how did you approach immersing yourself in that time period?

Pooja Hegde: I think I’ve been lucky enough to do several period films in my career. It’s always fun to do films that belong to the era where you weren’t born. You always get to revisit the time and its culture, the costumes of the era, and sometimes the language spoken in the era. As an actor, I always find it very fascinating

Masala: You have worked in both Hindi and Telugu films. How does your approach to acting differ between these industries, and what have you learned from your experiences in each one?

Pooja Hegde: My biggest takeaway from the industries is the discipline and the passion one has for the job. My approach towards work always remains the same and I have learned a lot throughout the years I’m still learning and it will never stop. I have become a better person after working in the industry and with people who are equally passionate about the job as me. Whatever language I act in, it’s important for me to understand the culture of the place and the mannerisms and behavioural patterns, and the upbringing of a girl living in that culture.

Masala: How did you approach your first major role in a Bollywood film, who reached out to who?

Pooja Hegde: I worked on an Ad with Ranbir Kapoor and after that, Ashutosh Gowariker, the director of Mohenjadaro saw me in it and called me for an audition. It was a special audition. I still remember the first day of my look test I was nervous but as soon as the camera was rolling I was teleported into a different world and I get the same feeling even today as I step in front of the camera.

Masala: You have worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry, including Ranveer Singh, Allu Arjun, and now Salman Khan. What have you learned from working with these actors, and how have they influenced your approach to your craft?

Pooja Hegde: What I’ve realized is that there is no substitute for hard work. You can only make it big in the industry if you put your head down and work with all your heart. That’s the key to a lot of the superstars surviving for so long.

Masala: You have also worked in the modeling industry before transitioning to acting. How did your experiences in modeling help prepare you for your acting career, and what advice would you give to aspiring actors who are just starting out?

Pooja Hegde: I would say everything happens for a reason. My experience as a model, helped me overcome my fear of being on a stage. It taught me poise and improved my physical stature. My advice to aspiring actors is to believe in your craft and yourself. Never ever lose hope, the universe always falls in love with a stubborn heart.

Masala: Finally, what can your fans expect to see from Pooja Hegde in the future? Are there any upcoming projects that you’re particularly excited about or roles that you’re hoping to play?

Pooja Hegde: I have a couple of interesting projects this year which will be announced soon and my fans will get to see me in a never-before-seen avatar and in three different languages. Currently, I’m shooting for SSMB28 with Mahesh Babu and it’s been directed by Trivikram Srinivas, I’m excited to work with both of them again.

Masala: Which one is your comfort zone – South cinema or Bollywood?

Pooja Hegde: I would say both are my comfort and safe zones. I’m a person who enjoys her work and both industries are like my extended family.

Masala: Who is one female and male co-star you hope you can be paired with?

Pooja Hegde: I would love to work with Madhuri Dixit and Ranbir Kapoor.