Actress Pooja Hegde has spoken candidly about the darker side of the entertainment industry, shedding light on issues like paid trolling, gender discrimination, and internal politics.
In an interview with Filmfare, she revealed how the glamour of showbiz often conceals a troubling reality.
Pooja shared that organized campaigns are run to defame actors, with significant amounts of money spent on negative publicity. Shockingly, even members of her own team were approached to participate.
“We found out that lakhs were being spent on this. They even offered us the same rate to troll others,” she said, adding that such tactics reflect a desire to bring down successful individuals.
“If they want to pull you down, it means you’re ahead of them,” she noted.
She also addressed how social media has amplified trolling, turning it into a powerful tool for manipulating public perception. Like many actors, Pooja has experienced the brunt of such targeted abuse.
Beyond online hate, Pooja highlighted the persistent discrimination faced by women in the industry.
From being excluded from promotional material despite playing pivotal roles, to facing unequal treatment on sets — she didn’t hold back.
“Male actors get their vanity vans close to the set, while we, dressed in heavy lehengas, have to walk long distances,” she pointed out.
She also emphasized how nepotism and behind-the-scenes politics often dictate career opportunities and visibility in the industry.
“It happens everywhere — sometimes openly, sometimes subtly,” she said, referring to systemic inequalities that continue to hinder professional growth for many.
Pooja Hegde’s honest remarks call attention to the need for greater transparency, fairness, and inclusivity in the film world.
As she urges the industry to rethink its norms, her voice adds to the growing demand for ethical reform and equal respect for all.
