On October 13, Pooja Hegde celebrated her 29th birthday high above the clouds, aboard a flight to a resort. The actress shared a delightful moment with her staff, who surprised her with a cake mid-flight. “We cut the cake while still in the air,” she recalls with a smile. “The rest of the day was spent enjoying time with my family, away from work and phones.”
Key points
Pooja, who first made waves with her debut in Hrithik Roshan’s Mohenjo Daro, experienced a setback when the film didn’t meet expectations. Undeterred, she shifted her focus to South Indian cinema, where she quickly established herself with leading roles opposite major stars like Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, and Jr NTR. Now, she returns to Bollywood with a highly anticipated role in the fourth installment of Sajid Nadiadwala’s hit comic series, Housefull 4.
Reflecting on Her Bollywood Journey
When asked about her initial choice to star in Ashutosh Gowariker’s period romance Mohenjo Daro, Pooja responds candidly. “It was the right decision at the time. The film had an established actor, a successful director, and a renowned producer. You can’t always predict a film’s success, and unfortunately, it didn’t work out. But I don’t regret it,” she says. She acknowledges that coming from outside the film industry posed challenges, but believes that her latest projects, particularly Housefull 4, signal a positive shift in her career.
Housefull 4, known for its ensemble cast and comedic flair, has evolved from its previous installments. Pooja notes that this latest entry in the franchise offers a fresh take. “The female characters are not just eye candy; they’re strong, independent, and impactful. The story revolves around six principal characters in a comedy of errors,” she explains. Despite these changes, Pooja emphasizes that Akshay Kumar remains at the heart of the series. “Akshay Kumar is still the hero of the film, and his presence is central to the franchise,” she adds.
Embracing Comedy with the Best
Pooja expresses excitement about working in the comedy genre alongside Akshay Kumar, whom she regards as a master of the craft. “Akshay sir is exceptional at improvisation, and I’ve learned so much from him. Hera Pheri and Housefull are among my all-time favorites,” she shares.
In November, Pooja will embark on a new project, an “intense, romantic saga” set in 1970s Europe, opposite Prabhas. The film promises a grand scale and a compelling script. “This is one of the best scripts I’ve come across,” she enthuses. “Prabhas is one of the nicest people I know. It’s incredible that someone as kind as he is also achieved such monumental success with Baahubali. He’s relaxed and considerate, making working with him a joy.”
Behind the Scenes with Prabhas
Pooja reflects on her previous experience working with Prabhas, recalling their shared enthusiasm for cinema, nature, and food. “He loves good food and is always eager to share it. His cook prepared fantastic meals for us on set,” she remembers fondly. She contrasts her experiences on the two films, noting that while Housefull 4 requires a more spontaneous approach, her work on the Prabhas film involves deeper preparation. “The love story with Prabhas is mature and requires thorough preparation. On the other hand, comedy often benefits from less preparation, allowing for more spontaneous interactions,” she explains.
Looking Ahead
Pooja Hegde’s journey from a challenging Bollywood debut to a successful career in South Indian cinema and her return to Bollywood with exciting new projects reflects her resilience and versatility. With her upcoming roles, particularly in Housefull 4 and the untitled Prabhas film, she is poised to make a significant impact. Her ability to balance comedy with intense drama showcases her range as an actress and sets the stage for a promising future in the industry.
As Pooja continues to navigate her career, her dedication to both her craft and her personal growth remains evident. Fans and industry insiders alike eagerly await her upcoming projects, confident that they will highlight her talents and reaffirm her position in the entertainment world.
