
Actress Pooja Hegde, known for her stellar presence across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, recently shared her thoughts on the value of auditions and the stereotypes female actors often face in the industry. In an interview with Bombay Times, the actress opened up about how filmmakers often have fixed perceptions, especially when it comes to women in film.
“Filmmakers have a certain perception about actors, especially female actors, as we tend to get typecast easily,” Pooja said. “That’s why I feel it’s important to audition and showcase your traits that haven’t been explored yet. It’s better to be in the running for a role than to be overlooked. Some of the biggest stars audition in the West, why not here?”
Pooja, who enjoys a massive fan base in the South Indian film industry, has consistently made her mark with strong performances across regional and Hindi films. She debuted in Bollywood with Mohenjo Daro opposite Hrithik Roshan in 2016 and has since starred in Housefull 4, Radhe Shyam, and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.
Emphasizing the significance of auditions, she said actors should never hesitate to put themselves out there and demonstrate their range beyond the roles they’re typically offered.
On the work front, Pooja is currently gearing up for her upcoming Tamil film Retro, where she stars alongside Suriya. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, the film is scheduled for a grand release on May 1, 2025.
She will also appear in the romantic comedy Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, opposite Varun Dhawan, directed by David Dhawan. While the film’s release date is yet to be announced, the project has already generated buzz.
Most recently, Pooja was seen in Deva alongside Shahid Kapoor, although the film had a lukewarm response at the box office. Despite occasional setbacks, the actress continues to embrace challenges and looks forward to breaking more boundaries in her cinematic journey.
Sources By Agencies