Pooja Hegde: A Star Shining Bright in Indian Cinema
Pooja Hegde, born on October 13, 1990, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a celebrated actress and model whose charm and talent have captivated audiences across multiple Indian film industries. From her early days in pageantry to her flourishing acting career, Pooja’s journey is one of determination, hard work, and brilliance.
Early Life and Education
Pooja hails from a Tulu-speaking Bunt family originally from Udupi, Karnataka. Raised in Mumbai, she grew up in a culturally rich environment with strong academic values instilled by her parents, Manjunath and Latha Hegde. After completing her schooling, she pursued a Master of Commerce degree at M.M.K. College in Mumbai. Pooja is a polyglot, fluent in Tulu, Hindi, English, Marathi, and Kannada, reflecting her diverse upbringing.
Beauty Pageants and Early Recognition
Pooja’s entry into the limelight began with beauty pageants. While her first attempt at Miss India 2009 saw an early exit, she returned with determination to clinch the title of second runner-up at Miss Universe India 2010. She also bagged the special title of Miss India South Glamorous Hair, signaling her potential as a rising star.
Journey in Films
Tamil Debut
Pooja made her acting debut in the Tamil superhero film “Mugamoodi” (2012). She portrayed Shakthi, a lively and endearing character who became an integral part of the story. Her performance showed promise and paved the way for her cinematic journey.
Telugu Stardom
Pooja transitioned to Telugu cinema with “Oka Laila Kosam” and “Mukunda” in 2014, showcasing her ability to adapt to diverse roles. These films earned her recognition and established her as a leading actress in the South Indian film industry.
Bollywood Breakthrough
In 2016, Pooja entered Bollywood with Ashutosh Gowariker’s historical epic “Mohenjo Daro”, starring opposite Hrithik Roshan. While the film received mixed reviews, Pooja’s performance was noted for her elegance and screen presence.
Rise to Prominence
Pooja’s career reached new heights with blockbusters like “Duvvada Jagannadham” (2017) alongside Allu Arjun and “Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava” (2018) with Jr. NTR. Her role in “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” (2020) cemented her position as a top-tier actress in Telugu cinema.
In Bollywood, Pooja appeared in successful ventures such as “Housefull 4” (2019) and “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan” (2023), further broadening her appeal to Hindi-speaking audiences.
Upcoming Projects
Pooja’s upcoming projects include an exciting romantic drama alongside Dulquer Salmaan, marking their first collaboration. She is also teaming up with Varun Dhawan in “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai”, directed by David Dhawan. These ventures are expected to add new dimensions to her career.
Beyond the Screen
Pooja Hegde is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and has a passion for fashion, travel, and photography. Her hobbies include reading, singing, and exploring new cultures, making her a multifaceted personality admired by fans. On social media, she frequently shares glimpses of her life, inspiring millions with her style and positivity.
Awards and Accolades
Pooja’s talent has been recognized with several prestigious awards. She received the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for “Mohenjo Daro” in 2017 and the SIIMA Award for Best Actress (Telugu) for “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” in 2020.
