Pooja Hegde, her much-talked-about comeback to Telugu cinema has hit a roadblock, with reports suggesting that she is no longer part of Dulquer Salmaan’s upcoming film directed by Ravi Nelakudi. The project, backed by producer Sudhakar Cherukuri, was believed to be her big chance to re-establish herself in Tollywood after a long gap. However, actress Shruti Haasan has now confirmed her inclusion in the film, leaving fans wondering if Pooja has been replaced or if the story demands two leading ladies.
The romantic drama with Dulquer, which also promises action and emotional depth, was expected to give Pooja Hegde a fresh start in Telugu cinema. Having bagged the film after nearly three years without a proper Telugu project, her fans believed this would revive her career. With Shruti Haasan stepping in, those hopes have been shaken, sparking disappointment among her supporters who feel Pooja is running out of opportunities in the South.
Pooja’s career graph has seen several ups and downs. After debuting in Telugu with Oka Laila Kosam and Mukunda, she initially struggled to make a mark. Her fortunes changed with DJ alongside Allu Arjun, which opened the floodgates to big-star projects in Tollywood. For a few years, she was one of the most sought-after actresses, pairing with top heroes. However, recent setbacks in Telugu and Hindi films, coupled with limited offers in Tamil, have stalled her momentum.
Earlier this year, she grabbed attention with a special number in Rajinikanth’s Coolie, but it wasn’t enough to put her back in the league of top contenders. With Dulquer’s film now seemingly slipping away, industry talk suggests Pooja has only a slim chance left to regain ground in Telugu cinema.
For her fans, the question remains: will Pooja bounce back with a solid Telugu project, or is her Tollywood chapter nearing an end?
