Working in films was nothing short of a dream for Poonam Dhillon. She began her film career at a very young age. Her very first film was a Yash Chopra production-a project featuring several major stars who, at the mere sight of them, would leave Poonam Dhillon feeling intimidated.
Let’s take a look at her cinematic journey.
Born in Chandigarh on April 18, 1962, Poonam never imagined that she would work in films; however, at the urging of her friends, she participated in the ‘Miss Young India’ beauty pageant in Delhi-and did so without informing her parents. She had no idea that she was going to win. After winning, she was so terrified that she didn’t know how to break the news to her parents. Moreover, her photograph was scheduled to appear in the newspaper the very next day. Mustering her courage, the actress finally told her family, but she did not face any severe reprimand.
Even after winning the Miss Young India beauty pageant, Poonam was not ready to work in films; however, she received an offer for Shashi Kapoor’s film Train to Pakistan, which she turned down.
Following Poonam’s rejection, that film never materialised; however, a few years later, Yash Chopra approached the actress for the film Trishul. The actress declined the offer, knowing that her parents would not give their consent; yet, as the film was scheduled to be shot in Delhi, she-keeping this in mind-decided to stage a rebellion at home.
Staying at her maternal grandmother’s home in Delhi, Poonam completed the filming of the movie Trishul. The actress’s experience on the set of her debut film was quite daunting. She was new to Hindi cinema and lacked any prior experience in delivering dialogues. Consequently, she would deliver her lines on set with great trepidation; however, the film’s director, Yash Chopra, constantly encouraged and boosted her morale.
Dhillon herself revealed that Shashi Kapoor once slapped her hard on the set; since she lacked acting experience, the slap was delivered with considerable force to make the scene appear realistic. He had promised that for every slap she received, she would get a kiss in return. However, the shot was completed in a single take.