Pooja Hegde began her career in the entertainment industry as a participant in beauty pageants, eventually transitioning into a prominent acting career across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film industries. Since her 2012 screen debut, she has established herself as a notable presence in South Indian cinema, balancing roles in high-grossing commercial projects with various award-winning performances.
Early Life and Pageantry
Born in Mumbai on 13 October 1990 to parents Manjunath and Latha Hegde, she was raised in a Tulu-speaking family. She attended Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School before graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Smt. M. M. K. College of Commerce & Economics. Her introduction to the public eye occurred through pageantry; she competed in Miss India 2009 and earned the title of second runner-up in the Miss Universe India 2010 competition. She also held the title of Miss India South Glamorous Hair 2010.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Initial Film Appearances
Hegde entered the film industry with the Tamil superhero production Mugamoodi in 2012. Her transition to Telugu cinema followed in 2014 with the romantic comedy Oka Laila Kosam, where she played the lead character Nandana, and the drama Mukunda. By 2016, she made her Bollywood debut in the period film Mohenjo Daro, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. In 2017, she appeared in the commercially successful Telugu action comedy DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham, which grossed over 1.5 billion rupees.
Career Progression and Commercial Success
Throughout 2018 and 2019, Hegde maintained a consistent output in Telugu cinema, appearing in films such as Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, Maharshi, and Gaddalakonda Ganesh. Her performance as Aravinda in the 2018 blockbuster Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava was noted for its departure from traditional roles. She returned to Hindi cinema in 2019 with the ensemble comedy Housefull 4. Later, she achieved further commercial recognition with the films Ala Vaikunthapurramloo and Most Eligible Bachelor. After a period of mixed critical reception, she experienced renewed success with the 2025 release Retro.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 October 1990, Mumbai
- Education: Smt. M. M. K. College of Commerce & Economics
- Film Debut: Mugamoodi (2012)
- Languages spoken: Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Tulu
- Religion: Hinduism
- Notable Works: Ala Vaikunthapurramloo, Most Eligible Bachelor
- Citizenship: India
Questions readers ask
What is Pooja Hegde's educational background?
She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Smt. M. M. K. College of Commerce & Economics.
In which languages does she work?
She primarily works in films produced in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi.
