Having a Gandhi surname might be an advantage for politicians but not for cinema actors, especially heroines. Pooja Gandhi alias Sanjana Gandhi from Punjab, who became famous overnight with the success of her maiden flick ‘Mungaaru Maley’ in 2006, had to undergo embarrassed moments when an anchor at a cultural function referred Pooja as the niece of the Congress chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
Pooja was in a dilemma whether to be proud or repent for having the Gandhi surname. While a few among the audience admired Pooja for having a powerful lady Sonia Gandhi as a relative, others had a hearty laugh with the goof up of the anchor.
“I was shocked when the anchor announced that I am a relative of Sonia Gandhi,” says Pooja.
Though it is not clear whether Pooja has an ambition to test her luck in the Karnataka politics, the bubbly actress is busy with social activities. Pooja’s USP is associating herself with such people — sex workers, HIV positive people — who are neglected by the society. “My heart bleeds whenever I come across such people who have none to come to their rescue. Thousands of such people lead miserable life in Bijapur, Koppal and Bagalkot districts. I am associating with an NGO that works for these people. I want to do something for their welfare,” says Pooja.
There are a few people in Gandhinagar, the hub of Kannada cinema activities, who opine that Pooja involves herself in social activities since she is not being offered enough movies. They say that only a few films out of 30 she acted in succeeded in keeping the cash registers ringing.
“Yes, it is true that I need a success at the box office. I am expecting my film ‘Paagal’ to become a huge hit at the box office,” the actress says with confidence.
Recently, rumour mills were busy speculating Pooja’s marriage. They say that Pooja’s parents are busy in scouting for a suitable bridegroom for her. “My parents are insisting that I marry as early as possible but I want to postpone it at least for three years. I am looking for a suitable boy from Karnataka, especially from Bangalore,” signs off Pooja with a smile.