Pooja Batra: ‘Virasat’ changed my life.I want to make a comeback with a similar impactful project – Exclusive | Hindi Movie News
Having journeyed from the glamor of Hollywood to the vibrant tapestry of Bollywood, Pooja Batra’s return to Indian cinema is more than just a comeback, it’s also a statement. In her exclusive interview with ETimes, the actress shares her experiences, aspirations, insights on the industry’s changing dynamics, and sheds light on her influential role and her quest for a lasting legacy. I’m guessing. excerpt…
What did you do after returning from America?
So far, I’ve just been back from the US exploring the market and having fun, and I’ve actually been enjoying my work. When I was in America, I got an offer and made a movie called “Squad.” I did that after I got back. Now, I have signed on as a judge on the show “Dancing Superstars.” I’ve always wanted to be a judge on a reality show. It is aimed at the Indian diaspora in the United States and will be filmed there. It is for all the talented Indians in the US who lack a platform. Having been involved in the show genre myself as a former Miss Girlfriend India, I know what it takes to enter these contests and how they can change your life . So I’m excited to be a part of this journey from start to finish and witness the growth.
How long does the show take?
Probably about a month and a half. It’s a different format. We plan to shoot all at once within a month. The participants will be from the United States, and the judges will also be from the United States. The other judges were Mr. Javed Jaaferi and Mr. Tushar Shetty. Some of the manufacturers are Indian and some are American. I lived in America for 22 years, so I understand the vibrancy of the local Indian community and recognize the need for shows like this. There are so many talented dancers, including people from other nationalities, waiting for the platform.
Are people from overseas really interested in the Hindi film industry?
They’ll appreciate the recognition and encouragement, but they won’t necessarily come back because they’re already working there. Authentic stuff is a part of Hollywood and even Hollywood actors are interested in Bollywood. Many Hollywood actors want to shoot in India. For example, when I met Clint Eastwood, he told me about his dream of filming in India. Such is the appeal of Bollywood that many actors like Russell Peters and Lilly Singh have appeared in Bollywood films. That’s what you see as an actor and as an artist.
What efforts are you making to get back into the industry?
I reached out to several casting directors and created awareness on social media about my return to India. Currently, most of my posts originate from India, but my travels can confuse people as to where I am. But I have made it clear that India is my main base now.
How did casting directors react to your return as an actor?
They were positive, but so far all the work I’ve produced has been through my own efforts. Nothing has come directly from India yet.
How much do you think the industry has changed?
Life is always changing, and once a change occurs, it cannot be reversed. When I was active, there were pros and cons, but things have changed for the better now. Nowadays, not only young heroines but also middle-aged women are being given more positive, intelligent and affirming roles. This is a huge improvement as it is more in line with Hollywood’s approach to female roles.
And a good comeback happened too…
I’m looking for quality work, not just a job. I would love to work with a top filmmaker like Karan Johar. They are like an institution in their own right, and I want to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact.
Are release mediums like theaters or OTT important to you?
No, I want to work on an OTT platform. I recently watched some great shows like ‘Dahaad’, ‘Made In Heaven’ and ‘Aakhri Sach’.
Did you develop any connections or seek opportunities through your husband?
Networking is not our forte. We’re not your typical actors in the whole networking scene.
What did your first job look like after winning the contest?
Miss India changed my life and so did ‘Virasat’. These projects came to me without much effort. I would like to make a comeback with a project that has a similar impact.
How difficult was it to start working in America?
So it took me about 10 years to enter this industry. It wasn’t easy. I went through the usual process of auditioning, getting a manager, and continuing to hit the pavement.
What happened to compensation?
In America, the pay is high and there is a residual allowance. I was able to earn enough money even for guest appearances without much negotiation.
Do you think it was easy or difficult for Priyanka Chopra Jonas to break into Hollywood?
I don’t think it was easy for her. If she was able to achieve her own achievements, it is a testament to her perseverance and hard work.
What do you think about when trying to get more work in India?
I don’t care about any role, but I want a project that has an impact. I want to leave something behind with my work.
What is the most difficult thing for you right now?
The hardest part is finding the right character to come back to once you’ve left off. I want projects that touch my heart and have a lasting impact.
Please tell us about Nawab Shah.
I had known Nawab for some time, but then we met again. He is a talented actor, but unfortunately he often plays the antagonist role. But he has a lot of potential.
What is your fitness secret?
I practice yoga regularly and enjoy exercise.
Please give a message to people in the industry.
I want to work with new people in the industry. I’m excited and anticipating what’s to come.
What did you do after returning from America?
So far, I’ve just been back from the US exploring the market and having fun, and I’ve actually been enjoying my work. When I was in America, I got an offer and made a movie called “Squad.” I did that after I got back. Now, I have signed on as a judge on the show “Dancing Superstars.” I’ve always wanted to be a judge on a reality show. It is aimed at the Indian diaspora in the United States and will be filmed there. It is for all the talented Indians in the US who lack a platform. Having been involved in the show genre myself as a former Miss Girlfriend India, I know what it takes to enter these contests and how they can change your life . So I’m excited to be a part of this journey from start to finish and witness the growth.
How long does the show take?
Probably about a month and a half. It’s a different format. We plan to shoot all at once within a month. The participants will be from the United States, and the judges will also be from the United States. The other judges were Mr. Javed Jaaferi and Mr. Tushar Shetty. Some of the manufacturers are Indian and some are American. I lived in America for 22 years, so I understand the vibrancy of the local Indian community and recognize the need for shows like this. There are so many talented dancers, including people from other nationalities, waiting for the platform.
Are people from overseas really interested in the Hindi film industry?
They’ll appreciate the recognition and encouragement, but they won’t necessarily come back because they’re already working there. Authentic stuff is a part of Hollywood and even Hollywood actors are interested in Bollywood. Many Hollywood actors want to shoot in India. For example, when I met Clint Eastwood, he told me about his dream of filming in India. Such is the appeal of Bollywood that many actors like Russell Peters and Lilly Singh have appeared in Bollywood films. That’s what you see as an actor and as an artist.
Expanding
What efforts are you making to get back into the industry?
I reached out to several casting directors and created awareness on social media about my return to India. Currently, most of my posts originate from India, but my travels can confuse people as to where I am. But I have made it clear that India is my main base now.
How did casting directors react to your return as an actor?
They were positive, but so far all the work I’ve produced has been through my own efforts. Nothing has come directly from India yet.
How much do you think the industry has changed?
Life is always changing, and once a change occurs, it cannot be reversed. When I was active, there were pros and cons, but things have changed for the better now. Nowadays, not only young heroines but also middle-aged women are being given more positive, intelligent and affirming roles. This is a huge improvement as it is more in line with Hollywood’s approach to female roles.
And a good comeback happened too…
I’m looking for quality work, not just a job. I would love to work with a top filmmaker like Karan Johar. They are like an institution in their own right, and I want to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact.
Are release mediums like theaters or OTT important to you?
No, I want to work on an OTT platform. I recently watched some great shows like ‘Dahaad’, ‘Made In Heaven’ and ‘Aakhri Sach’.
Did you develop any connections or seek opportunities through your husband?
Networking is not our forte. We’re not your typical actors in the whole networking scene.
What did your first job look like after winning the contest?
Miss India changed my life and so did ‘Virasat’. These projects came to me without much effort. I would like to make a comeback with a project that has a similar impact.
How difficult was it to start working in America?
So it took me about 10 years to enter this industry. It wasn’t easy. I went through the usual process of auditioning, getting a manager, and continuing to hit the pavement.
What happened to compensation?
In America, the pay is high and there is a residual allowance. I was able to earn enough money even for guest appearances without much negotiation.
Do you think it was easy or difficult for Priyanka Chopra Jonas to break into Hollywood?
I don’t think it was easy for her. If she was able to achieve her own achievements, it is a testament to her perseverance and hard work.
What do you think about when trying to get more work in India?
I don’t care about any role, but I want a project that has an impact. I want to leave something behind with my work.
What is the most difficult thing for you right now?
The hardest part is finding the right character to come back to once you’ve left off. I want projects that touch my heart and have a lasting impact.
Please tell us about Nawab Shah.
I had known Nawab for some time, but then we met again. He is a talented actor, but unfortunately he often plays the antagonist role. But he has a lot of potential.
What is your fitness secret?
I practice yoga regularly and enjoy exercise.
Please give a message to people in the industry.
I want to work with new people in the industry. I’m excited and anticipating what’s to come.
(Tag translation) Virasat
