Pooja Hegde, known for her commanding screen presence and stellar acting prowess, has become one of the most sought-after Indian actresses, driven by talent, resilience, and a constant pursuit of reinvention. From being an outsider to making a name for herself in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil film industries, she has embraced every challenge head-on, balancing commercial blockbusters with diverse roles that push her limits. In a candid and thought-provoking conversation on the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, now available to stream on Filmfare’s YouTube channel, Pooja offers a rare glimpse into her personal and professional journey. Hosted by Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, the talk show brings fans closer to the most celebrated names in film and OTT industries, with a live audience making the experience even more raw and immersive.
During the exclusive chat with Jitesh Pillai, Pooja opened up about the courage it takes to embrace authenticity and the importance of mental well-being in an industry that constantly demands more. She also reflected on the strength it takes to break the glass ceiling, the role of therapy in her journey of self-growth, and why true success lies in owning one’s individuality.
Sharing her perspective on nepotism in the industry, she remarked, “Opportunities aren’t the same for everyone. While some actors collaborate with renowned filmmakers early in their careers, others like me have to hustle for every role. Even now, some directors don’t respond to my messages, while a star kid could easily secure a meeting. But I’m not ashamed of my journey."
She also spoke on the evolving conversation around gender equality in the film industry, saying, "Equality isn’t about taking away from anyone; it’s about ensuring that credit and respect are shared fairly. Every role in a film, from the biggest star to the newest actor, is part of the story that unfolds on screen. When we celebrate the collective effort, we create an environment where both creativity and respect can thrive."
Shedding light on her definition of success and expressing her views on staying true to oneself, she said, “Success is not about fitting into a mould; it's about breaking free and embracing your authenticity. True growth begins when you stop seeking validation and start celebrating what makes you different. The courage to stand out, take risks, and own your journey often becomes the spark that ignites greatness. After all, legacies are not built by following footsteps but by leaving your own."
Opening up about mental health and the importance of embracing emotions, Pooja highlighted, "Healing doesn't mean avoiding sadness or difficult days. It means allowing yourself to feel every emotion, to cry when you need to, and then to gather the strength to move forward. Trusting the universe, the people who support you, and yourself is what turns pain into resilience. Every tear shed is a reminder that you're human, and every step forward is a testament to your strength."
