Biography
Pooja Hegde is an Indian actress and model who works predominantly in Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil films. Born on 13 October 1990 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, she grew up in a Mangalorean family. A former beauty pageant contestant, she was crowned second runner-up at the Miss Universe India 2010 competition. Pooja made her film debut with the Tamil movie Mugamoodi (2012) and later gained recognition in Telugu cinema with hits like Oka Laila Kosam and Mukunda. Her graceful screen presence, charming personality, and versatility quickly made her one of the leading actresses in South Indian cinema as well as Bollywood.

Career Life
Pooja Hegde began her acting career with Mugamoodi (2012) but gained recognition with Telugu films like Oka Laila Kosam (2014) and Mukunda (2014). She rose to prominence with blockbusters such as DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham, Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and Radhe Shyam. In Bollywood, she starred opposite Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro (2016), followed by roles in Housefull 4 and Cirkus. Known for her glamorous yet grounded roles, Pooja has built a strong reputation in both South Indian cinema and Hindi films, making her one of the most bankable and admired actresses in contemporary Indian cinema.

Personal Life
Pooja Hegde was born into a Tulu-speaking family in Mumbai to parents Manjunath Hegde and Latha Hegde. She studied at M.M.K. College, Mumbai, and actively participated in cultural events during her academic years. Alongside academics, she pursued modeling and beauty pageants, where she earned recognition at Miss Universe India 2010. Fluent in multiple languages including Tulu, Hindi, English, and Marathi, Pooja maintains a close bond with her family and often shares glimpses of her personal life on social media. She is known for her fitness, love for travel, dance, and fashion, embodying a mix of elegance and modern lifestyle.