Pooja Hegde’s old remarks about South Indian cinema have sparked fresh controversy following the release of Tera Ho Jaun, the latest song from Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur. The issue traces back to statements the actress made years ago, which fans have now revived.
Pooja Hegde’s Old Remarks
During the release of Ala Vaikunthapuramuloo, Pooja Hegde had remarked that South Indian films often show an “obsession with the navel and midriffs.” The statement didn’t sit well with netizens, who trolled her heavily at the time. Later, she clarified that her words were twisted out of context, saying:
“You may distort the words but can’t take away my love for South Indian cinema.”
Despite the backlash, she has continued working in South Indian projects, including a recent film with Suriya.
The Current Backlash
Now, after appearing in glamorous outfits and swimwear in Tera Ho Jaun, netizens are trolling Pooja again. Social media users are pointing out that Bollywood too showcases heroines glamorously, often in even more revealing costumes. Some even recalled her old interview where she said Bollywood writes better roles for her, questioning how exposing in a song is “better” than South cinema. The debate has reignited discussions about double standards in the film industry.
Divided Opinions
A section of fans argue that Pooja’s earlier comment was specifically about camera angles in Telugu and Tamil films, which often highlight the midriff, unlike Bollywood where the shots are more general. Others, however, feel that Bollywood is no different, as it has long popularized bikini scenes, intimate sequences, and revealing outfits in mainstream cinema.
The Buzz
Whether misunderstood or not, Pooja Hegde’s old remarks have resurfaced, sparking heated debates online. One thing is clear: both the South and Bollywood industries have their own styles of portraying glamour, but audiences continue to scrutinize how actresses are showcased on screen according to their beliefs or opinions.