Pooja Hegde has firmly established herself as a pan-India star, having acted in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films. While Pooja Hegde is currently juggling projects in Bollywood and Kollywood, it was Tollywood that first catapulted her to stardom with several blockbusters alongside top heroes.
However, her market in Telugu cinema slowed down in recent years, and she shifted focus to opportunities in other industries. Now, industry talk suggests she might be making a comeback to Tollywood, even as she remains busy in Tamil and Hindi films. In Kollywood, she’s involved in notable projects, while in Bollywood she’s preparing to entertain audiences with a lively “Monica” song in her upcoming film Coolie.
In a recent interview, Pooja Hegde made candid remarks on Bollywood, that have since gone viral. She revealed that Bollywood never truly offered her meaningful roles, often casting her only in glamorous parts. “Most of the characters I was given there were forgettable,” she admitted, contrasting that with her South film career where she received “well-written, impactful roles.”
She particularly praised her recent retro film with Tamil superstar Suriya, in which she played Rukmini, a character crafted by director Karthik Subbaraj. According to Pooja, the role showcased her range and ability to perform beyond glamour, leaving her eager for more such opportunities.
Her comments have drawn attention because many actresses who transition from South to Bollywood tend to downplay their work in Southern industries. In contrast, Pooja openly acknowledged that some of her most rewarding experiences came from South Indian cinema. This rare perspective has earned her praise from fans, who appreciate her gratitude towards the industry that shaped her career.
With her calendar full across multiple languages, Pooja Hegde seems determined to balance commercial appeal with performance-driven roles — a mix that might just see her regain strong footing in Tollywood while continuing her pan-India journey.