Pooja Hegde Cover Story - Being a Pan-Indian Star and What Keeps her Going
She is the definition of beauty. Her ethereal beauty captivates you and drives you to pay attention to her. She has had success in both South and hindi movies. She hasn't stuck to one industry but has learned to live out of a suitcase, flying in and out of Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other cities across the world. When you ask her how she manages it all, she laughs and says it's all mental. And that if your dreams do not keep you awake, you are not dreaming correctly. She doesn't want to be recognized as a PYT, but she works hard to understand her job and perform it correctly.
Would you say it was far more difficult to make inroads in hindi cinema, considering you have had a great run in the South indian industry?
When I first began out in the film industry, I didn't think of it as either hindi or South Indian. I just picked positions that I thought would be a good fit for my career at the moment. I'm glad I did because the South crowd welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of their own. language was never my main priority; it was always about finding the perfect screenplay and job. I must acknowledge, however, that entering into the industry without the support of a film family or a well-connected mentor can be more difficult. In such cases, a film's success may make or ruin your career.
You have been in the film industry for almost a decade now. Which was that one moment where you felt like, “Oh, I have made it”?
I don't recall a certain moment when I felt like I'd made it. My fans' adoration, I suppose, is the most important moment for me. In those moments, I believe I did something right in winning the hearts of so many people. The adoration of the audience is what drives us as performers, and those small moments are what we live for. So far, it's been a magnificent rollercoaster journey with exhilarating times and troughs. But each step has been a valuable learning experience. As an actress, I'm still developing, and I feel that the best is yet to come.
Have you ever reflected on your journey?
Yes, I've paused to reflect on my path. With my unwavering work ethic, I frequently find myself going from one assignment to the next, keeping myself busy. When I do take a moment to reflect on my work, it's a sobering revelation. Not bad for a shy, introverted girl with stage fear and no film business contacts. I didn't have a godfather to help me along the road, but it appears the world had other intentions. There's still a long path ahead of me, with a list of eminent directors I'd like to work with, characters I'd like to play, and much to prove.
Have you ever felt demotivated in your career?
Yes, there have been times in my career when I felt uninspired. I'm simply human, and such feelings are very natural. When such sensations come, I give myself a short period of time, ranging from 10 minutes to several hours, to notice and process them. However, I don't give myself the luxury of wallowing in self-pity or obsessing over my circumstances. I came from a strong-willed and warrior-like family. My parents, in particular, have served as role models for me. They instilled in me the principles of dedication, perseverance, and, most significantly, appreciation. A grateful heart is an endless source of inspiration.
How do you tackle failures and how have you managed to stay positive despite all your ups and downs?
I remind myself of the reasons I do what I do. I have a true love and enthusiasm for my work and for filmmaking in general, which keeps me motivated no matter where I am in my career. I also tell myself that ups and downs are a part of life; nothing lasts forever, so it's crucial to appreciate every data-facet of it.
People talk about pan-Indian stars. And you are one of the few actresses who works in both worlds. How do you manage to balance your career in both hindi and the South industries?
It's a really fulfilling feeling to know folks from all over the nation, and occasionally all over the world. I suppose I made the proper decisions. In terms of balance, sleep a little less and work a little harder. I'm continuously learning new languages, memorizing lines expressing myself in multiple languages, and adjusting to new work cultures and situations! But, most importantly, study the culture and women of India, as well as what makes them who they are, in order to play them more authentically.
You’d be seen next in a romantic thriller called Deva, along with shahid Kapoor. What makes deva a promising project?
Deva is a promising project since it provides a unique and intriguing tale as well as a powerful character for me to play. This is my first work with shahid Kapoor, and the film blends action, drama, and entertainment to keep the audience interested and delighted. In this film, my admirers will perceive me in a new light. The project's personnel is also quite talented, which adds to the excitement. I can't wait for it to come out.