Pooja Hegde has spoken frankly about her frustrations with Bollywood, claiming that the industry has failed to recognise her acting talent and often typecasts her as nothing more than a glamour figure.
In a rare candid statement, the Mumbai-born actress revealed that Hindi filmmakers and writers tend to see her only through a superficial lens, ignoring the range she has displayed in South Indian cinema. Pooja Hegde urged those in Bollywood to watch her performances in Telugu and Tamil films to understand her true potential, insisting she is capable of far more than song appearances or ornamental roles.
Her comments mark a departure from her previously positive stance towards the Hindi film industry. For years, Pooja maintained a diplomatic tone, even when her Bollywood career failed to match the success she enjoyed in the South. With only four or five Hindi films to her name — none of them major hits — she admitted that she has yet to receive a script or character that truly challenges her.
“I don’t know why the North doesn’t trust me the way the South does,” she said, questioning the lack of substantial offers from Bollywood.
Pooja’s career began in Kollywood before she made a strong mark in Tollywood, becoming one of the most sought-after actresses in Telugu cinema. At the peak of her success, she deliberately shifted focus to Bollywood in hopes of making it big, but the gamble did not pay off as expected. Now, even her return to Telugu films has been slow, though recent opportunities in the Tamil industry have kept her busy.
The actress will soon be seen as Monika in Kooli, releasing in just a few hours, which marks her latest attempt to balance careers across multiple film industries. Her remarks may spark conversations about how Bollywood perceives talent, especially among actors who have already proven themselves elsewhere.
