In the bustling city of New Delhi, Pooja Hegde’s influence on the cinematic landscape continues to grow. Known for her formidable presence across the Indian film industry, Hegde is not just a prominent figure in front of the camera, but also a discerning artist when it comes to choosing her roles. Behind the scenes, she has recently committed to three major projects with one of Telugu cinema’s most prestigious production companies. While her star keeps rising, it’s worth reflecting on some significant movies she has consciously decided to pass on. Here’s an exploration of five high-profile films that could have seen Hegde in the credits but ultimately missed the opportunity.
The action-drama spectacle “Guntur Kaaram” (2024), helmed by renowned director Trivikram Srinivas, featured the magnetic Mahesh Babu and boasted a distinguished ensemble cast. Despite its promise, the film’s performance at the box office was underwhelming, paired with a lukewarm reception from critics.
She made a memorable mark in the Telugu blockbuster “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo,” opposite Allu Arjun, yet Hegde opted out of its Hindi adaptation, “Shehzada” (2023). Directed by Rohit Dhawan and fronted by Kartik Aaryan alongside Kriti Sanon, the film sought to replicate the original’s success but fell short, not living up to the high bar set by its predecessor.
Another project that came calling was “Eagle” (2024), a Telugu action thriller from the mind of director Karthik Gattamneni. Ravi Teja took on the lead, supported by Kavya Thapar, Anupama Parameswaran, and Navdeep. Despite its stellar cast, the film couldn’t leave a notable impact on audiences nor make a significant dent at the box office.
The Hindi action thriller “Bloody Daddy,” ushered into being by director Ali Abbas Zafar, featured Shahid Kapoor. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the dynamic pairing of Kapoor with Hegde, but unfortunately for this particular venture, she felt the role lacked depth and chose to part ways. This decision, however, fuels anticipation for their collaboration in another upcoming film, “Deva.”
Lastly, the historical action thriller “Operation Valentine,” marked the directorial debut of Shakti Pratap Singh Hada. A distinguished project shot in both Telugu and Hindi, it starred Varun Tej, Manushi Chhillar, Navdeep, and Mir Sarwar. The film, rich in storyline and potential, failed to kindle Hegde’s interest, leading her to decline the role of the female lead.
Pooja Hegde’s careful navigation through the film industry highlights the importance she places on content and the depth of her characters. Through the roles she declined, perhaps a perspective comes into view of the career she aims to build—one of meaningful impact and selective storytelling.
In the volatile and often unpredictable world of cinema, actors often juggle between the allure of big projects and the artistic fulfillment they seek. Pooja Hegde, navigating this terrain with intentionality and a clear vision for her career, keeps her fans on their toes, eager to see where her discerning choices will lead her next. Despite being tied to several prominent projects, the films she turned down are a testament to her commitment to the craft and her patience for the right role.
Her ability to say no, a power not wielded lightly in the competitive film industry, stands as a testament to her independent vision and dedication to the roles she embodies. While these five films represent paths not taken, they also reflect the dynamic journey of an actor pledged to her professional and personal artistic tenets.
As Pooja Hegde continues to carve her indelible mark on Indian cinema, eyes will undoubtedly be trained on the horizon, looking out for her next big screen spectacle that matches the caliber of her talent and the measure of her aspirations.
