Actress Pooja Hegde, one of the most sought-after talents in the South Indian film industry, recently opened up about the challenges female actors face when it comes to typecasting. Known for her beauty, grace, and versatility, Hegde addressed how filmmakers often carry preconceived notions about actresses, limiting their opportunities to explore diverse roles.

“Filmmakers have a certain perception about actors, especially female actors, as we tend to get typecast easily,” she said during a recent interview. “That’s why I feel it’s important to audition and showcase your traits that haven’t been explored yet.”

Her statement sheds light on a persistent issue in the entertainment industry—where female stars are often boxed into particular roles, hindering their creative growth.

Auditions: A Powerful Tool for Breaking Stereotypes

Pooja strongly advocates for the power of auditions in reshaping an actor’s career and image. Rather than waiting for roles that may never come, she encourages actors to be proactive.

“It’s better to be in the running for a role than to be overlooked. Some of the biggest stars audition in the West, why not here?”

By normalizing auditions in the Indian film industry, Hegde believes actors can expand their artistic horizons and defy the limitations placed on them by stereotypical casting.

‘Retro’: Pooja Hegde’s Upcoming Tamil Drama with Suriya

On the work front, Pooja Hegde is currently prepping for the release of her highly anticipated Tamil film, Retro. Directed by the critically acclaimed Karthik Subbaraj, the film stars Suriya in the lead alongside Hegde. Scheduled to hit theatres on May 1, Retro promises to be a thrilling drama with a compelling storyline.

Produced by Stone Bench Creations and 2D Entertainment, the film boasts a strong technical team:

Music: Santhosh Narayanan
Cinematography: Shreyaas Krishna
Editing: Shafique Mohamed Ali

The ensemble cast includes celebrated actors such as Joju George, Jayaram, Karunakaran, Nassar, Prakash Raj, Sujith Shankar, Tarak Ponnappa, and others, making Retro one of the most awaited releases of the year.

Expanding Horizons in Bollywood: ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’

In addition to her South Indian projects, Pooja Hegde is also making waves in Bollywood. She’s set to star opposite Varun Dhawan in the romantic comedy ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’, directed by the legendary David Dhawan. This film is expected to be a charming blend of humor and romance, promising audiences an entertaining cinematic experience.

Interestingly, the film’s title is inspired by the popular song “Hai Jawani Toh Pyaar Hona Hi Tha” from David Dhawan’s 1999 hit Biwi No 1, which featured Salman Khan, Karisma Kapoor, and Sushmita Sen.

Pooja and Varun were recently spotted in Rishikesh, where they were shooting key scenes for the upcoming film.

The film's rumored star-studded cast also includes Mrunal Thakur, Kubbra Sait, Maniesh Paul, Rohit Saraf, Rajeev Khandelwal, Nitish Nirmal, and Sreeleela, building anticipation for what promises to be a vibrant, feel-good entertainer.

A Voice for Change in the Industry

Pooja Hegde’s insights strike a chord in a film industry that often leans on familiar tropes. Her emphasis on the importance of auditions in India, where actors can actively demonstrate their range rather than being passively judged by past roles, is a step toward empowering performers—especially women.

By voicing her concerns and leading by example, Pooja is not just reshaping her own career but also encouraging a more inclusive, progressive casting culture. Her stance underlines that true talent deserves space to grow, and opportunities should be based on skill—not stereotypes.

Final Thoughts: Pooja Hegde’s Mission to Redefine Female Stardom

Whether it’s through bold career choices or speaking candidly about industry issues, Pooja Hegde continues to push boundaries. With major projects like Retro and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai on the horizon, her star is only set to rise further.

But beyond the glitz, Pooja is becoming a voice for meaningful change in Indian cinema—championing equality, diversity in roles, and a stronger presence for female actors in all genres of storytelling.

Her message is clear: Don’t wait to be seen—step up, audition, and show the world what you’re truly capable of.