Pooja told reporters “I`ve just finished a Telugu film with Junior NTR. It`s called ‘Shakti`. It is one of the biggest budget Telugu films, and I play anEgyptian princess with supernatural powers in it.” The film will be “high on sci-fi and special effects”. The film has Ileana D’Cruz as the lead lady and has other Bollywood stars such as Jackie Shroff, Sonu Mood and Manjari Phadnis. She shared her feelings with reporters…
It’s been almost 20 years since you did your last movie. What made you take up a Telugu movie now?
After my divorce I decided not to do films. The reason was simple. All the roles offered to me were similar. I took up many television offers and started writing for newspapers. When I got this role in the movie Shakthi, it was too difficult to resist. I was intrigued, fascinated and at the same time felt that the role was intense and dramatic. I am playing an Egyptian princess and Sonu Sood is my husband. I have never played such a character before.
You do not speak Telugu. Was language a barrier?
Well, it did become a barrier, but then you need a very good director to make you understand the situation. The director of the film helped me tremendously to get into the right situations.
How different is the work in South when compared to Bollywood?
Way back when I was in Bollywood, things were not as organised. We would have two or three shifts of shooting. Things are very organised and professional down South. But I am hoping Bollywood has become disciplined with time.
You have been part of many reality shows. Your recent stint was with Maa Exchange. What’s your take on reality shows?
Reality shows are something through which you get to know your true potential and also it gives one a chance to connect with the audience. Before doing Nach Baliye and Jhalak, I did not realise my potential as a dancer. Then I did Katron Ke Khiladi, which tested my mental strength and physical endurance through the stunts I had to perform. When Maa Exchange happened, people saw my life. There was no glam quotient. There was a situation where another lady was talking ill about me and my daughter stood up for me. It is sad that my daughter had to face that situation but at the same time you also learn that there are people with such negativities. It is a huge learning experience.
Is it all staged?
There are two sides to it. There are some that are scripted and others that are not, but have situations that provoke the protagonist. In such situations the production does tell you to react in a particular way but it is up to you whether or not to react. As far as my experience goes I have reacted as per my choice.
You were about to get engaged. What happened then?
Yes, I was about to get engaged, but then the boy’s parents did not seem to agree to our relationship. I do feel bad about it and was upset for a really long time, but I guess you need to move on. But whatever happened between us were all good memories.
Has your perspective towards relationships changed post divorce and the relationships you have been through?
Yes it has. I don’t want to be in a string of relationships. I do not want my children to see me with different men. Though I would not deny the fact that I have been in relationships in the past, I am now looking forward to settling down in life and with someone who will take care of my kids.
Aliya (your daughter) has been getting many offers to host shows. Would you encourage her?
I am against that right now. I think she needs to focus on her studies. I am open to product advertising because you finish shooting in one day. She is very keen on doing shows. I think I will let her do them only when I think the time is right.
Would you be willing to work in a Kannada movie?
I work because I want to work and not because I have to work. If there is some role, it has to be juicy and over-the-top. If there is something like that I will go ahead with it.
