Pooja Hegde Brings Glam to Every Look

In an industry where many actresses transition from South Indian cinema to Bollywood—often distancing themselves from their roots—Pooja Hegde is setting a refreshingly different example. Her recent comments have stood out for their honesty and grace. While some stars have claimed that South cinema only used them for their looks, Pooja has gone on record to credit the South for giving her career both direction and depth.

Though she officially debuted in Bollywood with Mohenjo Daro, it was the South—especially Telugu and Tamil films—that truly embraced her. Projects like Aravinda Sametha and Radhe Shyam offered her emotionally rich and layered roles. She’s candid in saying that Hindi films rarely gave her characters with that kind of substance. In Bollywood, aside from her debut, she often found herself cast just for glamour rather than for performance-driven roles.

Interestingly, even as she was carving her niche in South Indian cinema, Pooja became a sought-after name in the fashion world. Her photoshoots for top magazines and brands showcased a different side of her—elegant, experimental, and confident. Whether it was gracing the cover of Femina or doing high-fashion spreads in couture ensembles, her presence in front of the camera was undeniable. But Pooja has made it clear that she wants more than just a stunning frame—she wants roles with meaning.

That’s why her excitement around her latest Tamil film, Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, feels so genuine. She described the role as challenging and creatively fulfilling—one that pushed her as an actress and gave her room to explore. According to her, the South often strikes a better balance between performance and glamour, and that’s where she wants to focus going forward.

What stands out about Pooja Hegde is not just her talent, but her gratitude. Instead of turning away from the industry that shaped her, she’s choosing to celebrate it. And in doing so, she’s earning admiration not just from fans, but from peers who see that success and sincerity don’t have to be at odds.

Photos Courtesy: Instagram