Pooja Hegde Speaks Out on Boundary Breaches in the Film Industry
Actor Pooja Hegde has reignited an important conversation about personal boundaries and workplace safety in the cinema industry after revealing an unsettling incident from earlier in her career. Speaking candidly, Hegde said that while working on a major pan-Indian film a few years ago, a male co-star entered her caravan without permission — an act she described as unacceptable and intrusive.
“In the cinema industry, sometimes we face situations where even stars enter our caravan without permission or consent,” Hegde said. Recalling the incident, she added that she reacted instinctively by slapping the individual. According to the actor, the fallout was immediate and lasting: the unnamed star never wished to work with her again.
Although Hegde did not disclose the identity of the actor or the film, her remarks have drawn widespread attention, particularly for highlighting the power dynamics that often exist on film sets. Caravans are considered private spaces for actors, especially women, and unauthorised entry is widely regarded as a serious breach of professional etiquette.
Hegde’s account echoes similar concerns raised by several actors across Indian cinema in recent years. From Bollywood to regional industries, actresses have increasingly spoken about the lack of respect for consent, privacy and personal space on sets. During and after the #MeToo movement, multiple women in the industry described uncomfortable encounters ranging from unsolicited visits to inappropriate comments and advances, often by influential figures.
Actors such as Taapsee Pannu, Radhika Apte and Sai Pallavi have previously stressed the importance of setting firm boundaries at work, with some admitting that doing so has, at times, come at a professional cost. Industry insiders acknowledge that women who speak up or push back are sometimes labelled “difficult”, a perception that can affect casting decisions.
Hegde’s statement has been viewed by many as a reminder that stardom should not excuse unprofessional behaviour. Social media reactions have largely supported the actor, praising her for standing her ground and calling for clearer protocols on film sets. Some commentators have urged production houses to enforce stricter rules regarding access to caravans and to ensure that complaints can be raised without fear of retaliation.
While the film industry has made visible strides in recent years, including the introduction of internal complaints committees and codes of conduct, incidents such as the one described by Hegde suggest that implementation remains uneven.
By sharing her experience, Pooja Hegde has added her voice to a growing chorus demanding safer, more respectful working environments to avoid boundary breaches further. Her account underscores a simple but crucial message: consent and professionalism are non-negotiable, regardless of status or stardom.
