Interview of Actress Pooja Jangid
Prasun Kulshrestha : Tell us about your childhood dream and ambition?
Pooja Jangid: I have always been really bubbly and notorious since my childhood, I was talkative and I loved to dance as well. In my childhood I always dreamed of doing something different and unique, I wanted to form my own identity, I never wanted a boring life. I wanted to learn everything and then gradually I matured. I had no fix goal in my childhood, at times I wanted to become a doctor, a choreographer or an IPS officer. But then I realized I wanted to become an actress-model and I wanted to enter the industry.
Prasun Kulshrestha: Your journey started through a fashion show in Jaipur in 2016, how did it happen? How did you get the project and what was your experience?
Pooja Jangid: I had no idea how to enter the industry, I had no contacts or links. Then I saw one advertisement linked to the fashion show auditions in Jaipur then I decided to give it a shot. I gave the audition and then I received a call after a month that I was selected in the top 10. In the question-answer round I had won I judges heart and from there my journey started.
Prasun Kulshrestha: After this fashion show you also did I a web series, how did you get the offer for your 1st web series? how did you prepare yourself? What were the reactions?
Pooja Jangid: After I won Miss Jaipur I did a lot of fashion shows and I tried acting as well. I got a small role and then I tried it. For the first time I acted in front of the camera and I learnt how the acting field works and I was very happy and it was the starting of my journey. Then I did a web series ‘Life set hain’ and it was a challenging role. Then I did 2-3 more web series in which I played negative roles. All my roles have been versatile.
Prasun Kulshrestha: We have got to know that you are a professional belly dancer, how tough is this dance form? And how do you use it?
Pooja Jangid: In my childhood I had a dream of becoming of a choreographer but I had no idea about belly dancing. In my childhood I used to perform on small stages and platforms. Then I started dancing but I used to dance like boys and I never enjoyed girly dances, then my mom recommended me to do belly dance and then in 10th standard I started belly dancing. I used to look in the mirror and always tried to do the moves and practice at 2 am in the night. Then I did a lot dance shows and gave a lot of performances as well.
Prasun Kulshrestha What are the challenges and hurdles that you face in this industry? And how do you face them?
Pooja Jangid: Coming from your hometown to Mumbai is like starting from square one. No matter how talented you are you have to struggle in the city of Mumbai. When you come to Mumbai you have to make contacts as we don’t have any background. You have to use your mind in identifying the type of people you have to meet and interact. Then I started from photoshoots and I started sharing dance and acting videos in the production house and I made links. You should never lose confidence and hope.
Prasun kulshrestha: How is your family and relatives supporting your career in the industry?
Pooja Jangid: Initially only my mom was supporting me and no one else in the family was supportive of my choice. None of my relatives were supportive of me going outside Jaipur and becoming independent. All they wanted me to do was get married and settle down. Then my mom took me to Jaipur after we gave excuses to the family and then I convinced my mom by telling her if they didn’t let me take up this profession, I will never be able to be happy. Then she lied to my father and let me live away. After my dad got to know he was very upset but then I convinced him and he gave me 2 months to do something in Mumbai. When my dad saw my work, he was fine with my work and he trusted me. Now I have everybody’s support in the family but not of my relatives.
Prasun kulshrestha: What is your message for our magazine readers and viewers?
Pooja Jangid: You should always follow the dream you have seen for yourself. Focus on your dream. There will be a lot obstacles in your path but you have to avoid them. After you fulfill your dream you will be the happiest and you will have family and friends as well. You should keep your confidence and don’t leave your dream or family. Keep loving!
– By Prasun Kulshrestha