EXCLUSIVE! Pooja Bhamrah on nepotism: Star kids have their own set of challenges and privileges

With the release of ‘

The Zoya Factor

’

Pooja Bhamrah

is now two-films old, but somehow still a fairly new face in Bollywood. The beautiful actress was first seen on the silver screen with Anil Kapoor in ‘Fanney Khan where she played a cameo.

A year later, the actress worked with not one, but two Kapoors, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Sanjay Kapoor in ‘The Zoya Factor’ along with South star Dulquer Salmaan. Pooja’s role in the film may not be a central one, but is extremely essential to take the story ahead in the film.

In an exclusive conversation with ETimes, we spoke with Pooja to find out about her role in the film, working with Sonam and Anil Kapoor, nepotism and why you should be watching ‘The Zoya Factor’ if you haven’t already!


Here are some excerpts from the candid conversation:


Tell us about your role in ‘The Zoya Factor’?

My character’s name is Sonali. It's quite a mischievous character. She is a sports journalist but she's always on the lookout for ‘masala’ and what's happening. She will go to any length to make sure she is first to get exclusive news. She sort of creates a conflict in the film. And because of her, the world of ‘The Zoya Factor’ gets topsy turvy.


What made you pick the role, despite it not being a central one?
It was because of the grey shade of the character and the way I could play it. She's doing what she's doing because she has a good enough justification or reason behind it. Her career depends on it. I think people who believe ‘everything is fair in love and war’ would relate to it.


How was your experience of working with Anil, Sanjay and Sonam Kapoor?

One thing that I observed in all of them is their happy-go-lucky personalities. You could call them ‘Khush-mijaaz’. Sanjay is definitely a good actor. Sonam is also very lively. The energy of the set comes from her. Sab khulke haste hain. Khule dil wale hain. So that’s what is common in the Kapoor khaandaan.


What’s your take on luck and superstitions?

I used to believe in a few superstitions in school. I would cross my fingers every time I saw a speed post van and make a wish. And sometimes they used to come true. The wishes used to be very silly, something like, ‘I hope my exams go well.’ Or ‘I hope I get good grades’.



Do you have a lucky charm that you carry with yourself?

I don’t. But my kada (religious bracelet) is something that I never take off. I don’t really know if it is lucky, but it is a part of me.


What genre of movies would you like to be a part of?
If I had a choice, I would love to be a part of women-centric movies or films that completely defy the norms of society. Thankfully we have a lot of such content being made. But right now, I am game for anything.


Tell us what is your opinion about nepotism in the industry.

I can only speak from what I have seen which is nothing because I'm new. But nepotism does exist, like in every industry. Star kids have their own set of challenges and privileges. But somebody like me will have to wait in line to give an audition.


How do you deal with social media bullying?
I'm not really active on social media. But I do get comments which are not appropriate. I go ahead and I delete those. There is a phrase that goes, ‘If you start noticing every dog that barks at you, you will not reach your destination.’


From the current lot of actors, who would you like to work with or opposite to in the future?

I would love to work with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. It is one of my dreams to also work with Priyanka Chopra.


What is the USP of ‘The Zoya Factor’?

It’s the perfect mix of comedy and drama. The masses would be able to connect to the superstitions bit, and the comedy will lighten everyone’s mood.