Pooja Gandhi: Difference between revisions

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{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Short description|Indian actress}}
 
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name      = Pooja Gandhi
| name      = Pooja Gandhi
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| caption    =  
| caption    =  
| birth_name = Sanjana Gandhi
| birth_name = Sanjana Gandhi
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1983|10|07}}<ref name="Gandhi">{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pooja-Gandhi|title=Pooja Gandhi: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday &#124; eTimes|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1983|10|07}}<ref name="Gandhi">{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pooja-Gandhi |title=Pooja Gandhi: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday &#124; eTimes |website=The Times of India}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Meerut]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India.<ref name="hg"/>
| birth_place = [[Meerut]], [[Uttar Pradesh]], India.<ref name="hg"/>
| occupation  = {{Flatlist|
| occupation  = {{Flatlist|
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*[[Janata Dal (Secular)]] {{small|(2013 – present)}}
*[[Janata Dal (Secular)]] {{small|(2013 – present)}}
*[[Badavara Shramikara Raitara Congress]] {{small|(2013)}}
*[[Badavara Shramikara Raitara Congress]] {{small|(2013)}}
* [[Karnataka Janata Paksha]]<br/>{{small|(2012–13)}}
* [[Karnataka Janata Paksha]]<br />{{small|(2012–13)}}
}}
}}
}}
}}


'''Pooja Gandhi''' (born '''Sanjana Gandhi''' in 1983)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/sanjana-rechristened-as-pooja-gandhi-tamil-news-30419.html|title=Sanjana rechristened as Pooja Gandhi|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=10 April 2007}}</ref> is an Indian actress and producer who mainly works in [[Kannada]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] language films.<ref>https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/veerappan-mutthulakshmi-pooja-gandhi-kannada-film-tamil-film-193623-2014-05-20</ref><ref name="Ze">https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/8-outstanding-films-to-celebrate-sandalwood-actress-pooja-gandhis-36th-birthday</ref> Gandhi after starring in the commercially successful 2006 film ''[[Mungaru Male]]'', became one of the most popular and highest paid actresses in [[Kannada cinema]] and also the recipient of several awards, including an honarary [[Doctorate]].<ref name="indi"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gandhi-plays-herself-in-8216minugu8217-news-kannada-kkfsDlfggbfsi.html|title=Gandhi is one of the highest paid actresses|work=www.sify.com|access-date=2 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402220400/http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gandhi-plays-herself-in-8216minugu8217-news-kannada-kkfsDlfggbfsi.html|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150701/entertainment-sandalwood/article/raining-troubles-male-girl|title=Raining troubles for male girl|work=www.deccanchronicle.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/bs-yeddyurappa-ropes-in-kannada-filmstars-add-to-kjps-muscle-india-today/1/238586.html|title=Yeddyurappa ropes in Kannada filmstars to add to KJP's populist appeal|agency=indiatoday}}</ref> Gandhi is popularly referred as ''Male Hudugi'' (Rain Girl) in the media and [[Kannada film industry]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gadhi-joins-janata-dal-news-news-mbsrPrcggbhsi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020194152/http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gadhi-joins-janata-dal-news-news-mbsrPrcggbhsi.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-10-20|title=Pooja Gandhi known to her fans as 'Male Hudugi' (Rain Girl)|agency=www.sify.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chitraloka.com/abhinetri/more.html|title=Pooja Gandhi who is always referred as the 'Male Hudugi' (Rain Girl) of the Kannada film industry|work=www.chitraloka.com}}</ref> Gandhi has acted in over 50 films in a decade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/sriramulu-yeddyurappa-pooja-gandhi-bsr-congress/1/252420.html|title=Sriramulu steals star power from Yeddyurappa as Pooja Gandhi joins BSR Congress|agency=indiatoday}}</ref><ref name="to">{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/tv/news/kannada/Bigg-Boss-Pooja-Gandhi-Master-Anand-enter-finale/articleshow/50634834.cms|title=Bigg Boss: Pooja Gandhi, Master Anand enter finale|agency=timesofindia}}</ref> The ''[[Times Of India|Banglore Times]]'' placed her in the list of "25 Most Desirable Women of 2012".<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Bangalore-Times-Top-25-Most-Desirable-Women-2012/articleshow/20138687.cms</ref><ref>https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/celebs/celeb-themes/bangalore-times-most-desirable-women-2012/pooja-gandhi/articleshow/20136149.cms</ref>
'''Pooja Gandhi''' (born '''Sanjana Gandhi''' in 1983)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/sanjana-rechristened-as-pooja-gandhi-tamil-news-30419.html |title=Sanjana rechristened as Pooja Gandhi |publisher=Indiaglitz |date=10 April 2007}}</ref> is an Indian actress, who mainly works in [[Kannada]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] language films.<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/veerappan-mutthulakshmi-pooja-gandhi-kannada-film-tamil-film-193623-2014-05-20 |title=Veerappan's wife Mutthulakshmi to narrate her hubby's tale on celluloid}}</ref><ref name="Ze">{{Cite web |url=https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/8-outstanding-films-to-celebrate-sandalwood-actress-pooja-gandhis-36th-birthday |title=8 Outstanding Films to Celebrate Sandalwood Actress Pooja Gandhi's 36th Birthday - Zee5 News |date=7 October 2019}}</ref> Pooja Gandhi after starring in the commercially successful 2006 film ''[[Mungaru Male]]'', became one of the most popular and highest paid actresses in [[Kannada cinema]] and also the recipient of several awards, including an honorary [[Doctorate]].<ref name="indi"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gandhi-plays-herself-in-8216minugu8217-news-kannada-kkfsDlfggbfsi.html |title=Gandhi is one of the highest paid actresses |work=sify.com |access-date=2 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402220400/http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gandhi-plays-herself-in-8216minugu8217-news-kannada-kkfsDlfggbfsi.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150701/entertainment-sandalwood/article/raining-troubles-male-girl |title=Raining troubles for male girl |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/bs-yeddyurappa-ropes-in-kannada-filmstars-add-to-kjps-muscle-india-today/1/238586.html |title=Yeddyurappa ropes in Kannada filmstars to add to KJP's populist appeal |work=India Today}}</ref> Gandhi is popularly referred as ''Male Hudugi'' (Rain Girl) in the media and [[Kannada film industry]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gadhi-joins-janata-dal-news-news-mbsrPrcggbhsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171020194152/http://www.sify.com/movies/pooja-gadhi-joins-janata-dal-news-news-mbsrPrcggbhsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2017 |title=Pooja Gandhi known to her fans as 'Male Hudugi' (Rain Girl) |agency=www.sify.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/abhinetri/more.html |title=Pooja Gandhi who is always referred as the 'Male Hudugi' (Rain Girl) of the Kannada film industry |work=chitraloka.com}}</ref> Gandhi has acted in over five languages and 50 films in a decade.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.indiatoday.in/story/sriramulu-yeddyurappa-pooja-gandhi-bsr-congress/1/252420.html |title=Sriramulu steals star power from Yeddyurappa as Pooja Gandhi joins BSR Congress |work=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kannada-actress-pooja-gandhi-runs-away-posh-bengaluru-hotel-without-paying-bills-794180 |title=Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi runs away from posh Bengaluru hotel without paying bills |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=19 March 2019}}</ref><ref name="to">{{cite web |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/tv/news/kannada/Bigg-Boss-Pooja-Gandhi-Master-Anand-enter-finale/articleshow/50634834.cms |title=Bigg Boss: Pooja Gandhi, Master Anand enter finale |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name="indiatoday.in"/> The ''[[Times Of India|Banglore Times]]'' placed her in the list of "25 Most Desirable Women of 2012".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Bangalore-Times-Top-25-Most-Desirable-Women-2012/articleshow/20138687.cms |title=Bangalore Times Top 25 Most Desirable Women 2012 - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/celebs/celeb-themes/bangalore-times-most-desirable-women-2012/pooja-gandhi/articleshow/20136149.cms |title=Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women 2012 Pics &#124; Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women 2012 Personal Photos - ETimes Photogallery}}</ref>


Gandhi made her film debut in 2002 with the Hindi film ''[[Dushmani (film)|Dushmani]]''.<ref name="Dushman">https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/bollywood-news/when-raj-babbar-and-mithun-chakroborty-twinned-in-kurta-pyjamas.html</ref> Since then, she has played lead roles in commercially successful films such as ''[[Mungaru Male]]'' (2006), ''[[Milana (film)|Milana]]'' (2007), ''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]'' (2007), ''[[Taj Mahal (2008 film)|Taj Mahal]]'' (2008), ''[[Budhivanta]]'' (2008), ''[[Anu (film)|Anu]]'' (2009), ''[[Gokula (film)|Gokula]]'' (2009), ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]'' (2012), ''[[Dandupalya 2]]'' (2017) and  ''[[Dandupalya 3]]'' (2018).<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/top-five-sandalwood-superhit-sequel-movies/photostory/67178489.cms</ref> Following the success of a series of films, she established herself as one of the leading actresses of [[Kannada cinema]].<ref>https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/kannada-cinema/article/no-makeup-looks-of-kannada-actresses-that-will-leave-you-shell-shocked/749721</ref><ref>https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/apr/21/srinivas-raju-pooja-gandhi-team-up-for-a-mystery-thriller-24091.html</ref>
Gandhi made her acting debut in 2001 with the Hindi film ''[[Khatron Ke Khiladi (2001 film)|Khatron Ke Khiladi]]'' opposite [[Raj Babbar]].<ref name="Kh"/> Since then, she has played lead roles in commercially successful films such as ''[[Mungaru Male]]'' (2006), ''[[Milana (film)|Milana]]'' (2007), ''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]'' (2007), ''[[Taj Mahal (2008 film)|Taj Mahal]]'' (2008), ''[[Budhivanta]]'' (2008), ''[[Anu (film)|Anu]]'' (2009), ''[[Gokula (film)|Gokula]]'' (2009), ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]'' (2012), ''[[Dandupalya 2]]'' (2017) and  ''[[Dandupalya 3]]'' (2018).<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/top-five-sandalwood-superhit-sequel-movies/photostory/67178489.cms |title=Top five Sandalwood superhit sequel movies |website=[[The Times of India]] |date=20 December 2018}}</ref> Following the success of a series of films, she established herself as one of the leading actresses of [[Kannada cinema]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.zoomtventertainment.com/kannada-cinema/article/no-makeup-looks-of-kannada-actresses-that-will-leave-you-shell-shocked/749721 |title=No makeup looks of Kannada actresses that will make your eyes pop}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/apr/21/srinivas-raju-pooja-gandhi-team-up-for-a-mystery-thriller-24091.html |title=Srinivas Raju, Pooja Gandhi team up for a mystery thriller}}</ref>


In 2016, Gandhi received an honorary [[doctorate]] award by the Governing Council of Confederation of International Accreditation Commission - CIAC in affiliation with [[KEISIE Graduate School of International Education|KEISIE International University - South Korea]], for her contribution to Kannada film industry.<ref name="indi">{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/nov/11/she-is-dr-pooja-gandhi-now-1537535.amp|title=She is Dr Pooja Gandhi now|agency=newindianexpress}}</ref>
In 2016, Gandhi received an honorary [[doctorate]] award by the Governing Council of Confederation of International Accreditation Commission - CIAC in affiliation with [[KEISIE Graduate School of International Education|KEISIE International University - South Korea]], for her contribution to Kannada film industry.<ref name="indi">{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/nov/11/she-is-dr-pooja-gandhi-now-1537535.amp |title=She is Dr Pooja Gandhi now |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://newskarnataka.com/south-cinema/sandalwood/pooja-gandhi-conferred-with-honorary-doctorate/ |title=Pooja Gandhi conferred with honorary doctorate |date=15 November 2016}}</ref>


She joined the [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] party in 2012 by taking the membership of the party.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www1.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2012/pooja-gandhi-joins-politics-jds-190112.html|title=Pooja Gandhi takes a plunge into politics, formally joins JD(S)|publisher=Filmibeat|date=19 January 2012}}</ref> She soon hopped onto KJP party and later to the [[BSR Congress]] party and contested the Karnataka assembly elections from [[Raichur]] constituency.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-to-fight-elections/articleshow/19187768.cms|title=Pooja Gandhi to fight elections|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> However, she was defeated in the elections and did not win any seat from the constituency.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-loses-election/articleshow/19949567.cms|title=Pooja Gandhi loses election|work=The Times of India}}</ref>
She joined the [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] party in 2012 by taking the membership of the party.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www1.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2012/pooja-gandhi-joins-politics-jds-190112.html |title=Pooja Gandhi takes a plunge into politics, formally joins JD(S) |publisher=Filmibeat |date=19 January 2012}}</ref> She soon hopped onto KJP party and later to the [[BSR Congress]] party and contested the Karnataka assembly elections from [[Raichur]] constituency.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-to-fight-elections/articleshow/19187768.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi to fight elections |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> However, she was defeated in the elections and did not win any seat from the constituency.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-loses-election/articleshow/19949567.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi loses election |work=The Times of India}}</ref>


==Early years and personal life==
==Early years and personal life==
Gandhi was born in [[Meerut]]<ref name="time"/> and brought up in [[Dehli]]<ref name="hg"/> into a traditional [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] family. Her father, Pawan Gandhi, is a businessman and her mother, Jyothi Gandhi, is a housewife. She studied at Sophia Convent and Dewan Public School in Meerut, [[Uttar Pradesh]]. She has two younger sisters – Radhika Gandhi, who is also an actress in Kannada films, and Suhani Gandhi, a tennis player.<ref name="time">{{cite news|title=Mischievous to spiritual with movies in between|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/bangalore/28355191_1_pooja-gandhi-meerut-sridevi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104101420/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/bangalore/28355191_1_pooja-gandhi-meerut-sridevi|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2012|access-date=10 January 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=10 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="www.mypoojagandhi.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mypoojagandhi.com/about.html |title=mypoojagandhi.com |publisher=mypoojagandhi.com |access-date=7 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107231605/http://www.mypoojagandhi.com/about.html |archive-date=7 January 2012}}</ref> Gandhi started her career as a [[Model (person)|model]] by acting in advertisements and television series with ''Awaz'' (a remake of ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' in [[Hindi]] language) and a serial ''[[Zameen Se Aassman Tak]]'', directed by [[Aruna Irani]].<ref name="hg">https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Life-on-a-high/article16514579.ece</ref>
Gandhi was born in [[Meerut]]<ref name="time"/> and brought up in [[Delhi]]<ref name="hg"/> into a traditional [[Punjabi people|Punjabi]] family. Her father, Pawan Gandhi, is a businessman and her mother, Jyothi Gandhi, is a housewife. She studied at Sophia Convent and Dewan Public School in Meerut, [[Uttar Pradesh]]. She has two younger sisters – Radhika Gandhi, who is also an actress in Kannada films, and Suhani Gandhi, a tennis player.<ref name="time">{{cite news |title=Mischievous to spiritual with movies in between |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/bangalore/28355191_1_pooja-gandhi-meerut-sridevi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104101420/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-10/bangalore/28355191_1_pooja-gandhi-meerut-sridevi |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2012 |access-date=10 January 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=10 January 2011}}</ref><ref name="www.mypoojagandhi.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.mypoojagandhi.com/about.html |title=mypoojagandhi.com |publisher=mypoojagandhi.com |access-date=7 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107231605/http://www.mypoojagandhi.com/about.html |archive-date=7 January 2012}}</ref> Gandhi started her career as a [[Model (person)|model]] by acting in advertisements and television series with ''Awaz'' (a remake of ''[[Lost (TV series)|Lost]]'' in [[Hindi]] language) and a serial ''[[Zameen Se Aassman Tak]]'', directed by [[Aruna Irani]].<ref name="hg">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Life-on-a-high/article16514579.ece |title=Life on a high |newspaper=The Hindu |date=5 March 2010}}</ref>


Gandhi got engaged in November 2012 with realter Anand Gowda but ended the relationship the following month.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/299672/actor-pooja-gandhi-breaks-up.html |title=Actor Pooja Gandhi breaks up with fiance|date=19 December 2012|access-date=30 October 2015}}</ref><ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-Anand-Gowda-call-off-engagement/articleshow/17680288.cms</ref>
Gandhi got engaged in November 2012 with industrialist Anand Gowda but ended the relationship the following month.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/299672/actor-pooja-gandhi-breaks-up.html |title=Actor Pooja Gandhi breaks up with fiance |date=19 December 2012 |access-date=30 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-Anand-Gowda-call-off-engagement/articleshow/17680288.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi-Anand Gowda call off engagement - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


===Debut (2003)===
===Debut (2001)===
[[File:Sanjana Gandhi.jpeg|thumb|150px|right|Gandhi during shooting of Tamil film ''[[Kokki]]'' in 2006]]
[[File:Sanjana Gandhi.jpeg|thumb|150px|right|Gandhi during shooting of Tamil film ''[[Kokki]]'' in 2006]]
Gandhi started her career by acting in TV [[soap opera|soaps]], starting with [[Zameen Se Aassman Tak]] directed by [[Aruna Irani]].<ref name=time/> She made her debut at the age of 19 in the [[Bengali language|Bengali]] film ''Tomake Salam'', released in 2003. She moved to the South Indian film industry with the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] film ''[[Kokki (film)|Kokki]]'' (2006). The film earned moderate reviews and had a successful run at the box office.<ref name="www.mypoojagandhi.com"/>
Gandhi started her career by acting in TV [[soap opera|soaps]], starting with [[Zameen Se Aassman Tak]] directed by [[Aruna Irani]].<ref name=time/> She made her acting debut at the age of 18 in the [[Hindi language|Hindi]] film ''[[Khatron Ke Khiladi (2001 film)|Khatron Ke Khiladi]]'' released in 2001. Later appeared in [[Bengali language|Bengali]] film ''Tomake Salam'' in 2003, she moved to the South Indian film industry with the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] film ''[[Kokki (film)|Kokki]]'' (2006). The film earned moderate reviews and had a successful run at the box office.<ref name="www.mypoojagandhi.com"/>


===Initial success and fame in Kannada (2006–08)===
===Initial success and fame in Kannada (2006–08)===
[[File:Pooja Gandhi during Mungarumale Shooting.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Gandhi during shooting of ''[[Mungaru Male]]'' film in 2006]]
[[File:Pooja Gandhi during Mungarumale Shooting.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Gandhi during shooting of ''[[Mungaru Male]]'' film in 2006]]
Gandhi debut in the [[Kannada film industry]] was with ''[[Mungaru Male]]'',<ref>{{cite web|author=Super Admin |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/pooja-gandhi-bollywood-290709.html |title=Pooja Gandhi debuting in Bollywood movie |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=7 August 2012}}</ref> The film was the first in India for any language to be screened for continuously one year in a multiplex,<ref name="record">{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/35125.html|title= 'Mungaru Male' National record|work=Correspondent|publisher=IndiaGlitz|access-date=2007-12-08}}</ref> and ultimately ran over 865-days<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/I-broke-down-in-front-of-Ganesh/2016/09/03/article3609524.ece|title='Mungaru Male' the first film to Celebrate 865-days in Karnataka|publisher=newindianexpress}}</ref> in [[Karnataka]].<ref>
Gandhi debut in the [[Kannada film industry]] was with ''[[Mungaru Male]]'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Super Admin |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/top-stories/2009/pooja-gandhi-bollywood-290709.html |title=Pooja Gandhi debuting in Bollywood movie |publisher=Entertainment.oneindia.in |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=7 August 2012}}</ref> The film was the first in India for any language to be screened for continuously one year in a multiplex,<ref name="record">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/kannada/article/35125.html |title='Mungaru Male' National record |work=Correspondent |publisher=IndiaGlitz |access-date=8 December 2007}}</ref> and ultimately ran over 865-days<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/I-broke-down-in-front-of-Ganesh/2016/09/03/article3609524.ece |title='Mungaru Male' the first film to Celebrate 865-days in Karnataka |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> in [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/Premer-Kahini/303194/ |title=Premer Kahini |publisher=screenindia.com |access-date=4 November 2008}}</ref><ref name="movies.indiatimes.com">[http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/Regional/Kannada/Imran-Ranbir-in-Mungaru-Male-Bolly-remake/articleshow/4785521.cms Imran, Ranbir in 'Mungaru Male' Bolly remake] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130126112340/http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/Regional/Kannada/Imran-Ranbir-in-Mungaru-Male-Bolly-remake/articleshow/4785521.cms |date=26 January 2013 }}. Movies.indiatimes.com (1 January 1970). Retrieved 15 February 2016.</ref> And it was collected over ₹75 crore in its lifetime theatrical run at [[India]]n box office. It went to become highest grossing South Indian film during its time of release.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ganesh-bal-the-outsider-on-the-inside-1678970 |title=Ganesh Bal: The outsider on the inside |newspaper=Daily News & Analysis}}</ref> Gandhi has received applause for her character in the film as Nandini. ''Indicine.com's'' critic states that "Sanjana makes a confident debut".<ref>{{cite web |title=Mungaru Male – Movie Review |url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/kannada/mungaru-male-movie-review/ |work=indicine.com}}</ref> She then acted in the movie ''[[Milana (film)|Milana]]'' with [[Puneeth Rajkumar]], upon theatrical release on 14 September 2007, the film saw commercial success and completed a 500-day run in theatres. Later the film was dubbed into [[Malayalam]] as ''[[Milana (film)|Ishtam Enikkishtam]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prithvi 50 days Raam 25 weeks! |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/prithvi-50-days-raam-25-weeks--kannada-news-57715.html |publisher=indiaglitz.com |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826144541/http://www.indiaglitz.com/prithvi-50-days-raam-25-weeks--kannada-news-57715.html |archive-date=26 August 2016 |date=11 June 2010}}</ref> In the same year Gandhi acted in ''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]'' film with her ''[[Mungaru male]]'' co-star [[Ganesh (actor)|Ganesh]], it was the financial hit at the box office by completing 100-days. It
{{cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/news/Premer-Kahini/303194/|title=Premer Kahini - ScreenIndia.Com|publisher=www.screenindia.com
marked as the second consecutive hit of the Ganesh and Gandhi pair after ''Mungaru Male''.<ref name="kr">Ganesh starrer completes one year https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2008/ganesh-krishna-gaalipata-080108.html</ref> The ''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]'' marked her hat-trick 100-days film in her career in [[kannada film industry]].<ref name="kr"/>
|access-date=2008-11-04}}</ref><ref name="movies.indiatimes.com">[http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/Regional/Kannada/Imran-Ranbir-in-Mungaru-Male-Bolly-remake/articleshow/4785521.cms Imran, Ranbir in 'Mungaru Male' Bolly remake] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130126112340/http://movies.indiatimes.com/News-Gossip/Regional/Kannada/Imran-Ranbir-in-Mungaru-Male-Bolly-remake/articleshow/4785521.cms |date=26 January 2013 }}. Movies.indiatimes.com (1970-01-01). Retrieved on 2016-02-15.</ref> And it was collected over ₹75 crore in its lifetime theatrical run at [[India]]n box office. It went to become highest grossing South Indian film during its time of release.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ganesh-bal-the-outsider-on-the-inside-1678970 |title=Ganesh Bal: The outsider on the inside |newspaper=Daily News & Analysis}}</ref> Gandhi has received applause for her character in the film as Nandini. ''Indicine.com's'' critic states that "Sanjana makes a confident debut".<ref>{{cite web|title=Mungaru Male – Movie Review|url=http://www.indicine.com/movies/kannada/mungaru-male-movie-review/|work=www.indicine.com}}</ref> She then acted in the movie ''[[Milana (film)|Milana]]'' with [[Puneeth Rajkumar]], upon theatrical release on 14 September 2007, the film saw commercial success and completed a 500-day run in theatres. Later the film was dubbed into [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] as ''[[Milana (film)|Ishtam Enikkishtam]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prithvi 50 days Raam 25 weeks!|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/prithvi-50-days-raam-25-weeks--kannada-news-57715.html|publisher=indiaglitz.com|access-date=24 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826144541/http://www.indiaglitz.com/prithvi-50-days-raam-25-weeks--kannada-news-57715.html|archive-date=26 August 2016|date=11 June 2010}}</ref> In the same year Gandhi acted in ''[[Krishna]]'' film with her ''[[Mungaru male]]'' co-star [[Ganesh (actor)|Ganesh]], it was the financial hit at the box office by completing 100-days. It
marked as the second consecutive hit of the Ganesh and Gandhi pair after ''Mungaru Male''.<ref>Ganesh starrer completes one year https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2008/ganesh-krishna-gaalipata-080108.html</ref>


In 2008, she starred in the financially successful<ref name="auto"/> [[Kannada language]] film ''[[Taj Mahal (2008 film)|Taj Mahal]]'' with [[Ajay Rao]], which ran over 200 days in couple of centers of [[Karnataka]].<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url =http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2009/sivaji-taj-mahal-remake-040309.html|title=Sivaji to both act and produce a film}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url =http://www.indiaglitz.com/taj-mahal-the-winner--kannada-news-43087| title= 'Taj Mahal' the winner!|publisher=IndiaGlitz|date=2008-11-08}}</ref> She was nominated for a [[Filmfare Best Actress Award]], while [[Sify]]'s critic wrote that "Pooja Gandhi looks pretty and has done a good job.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sify.com/movies/taj-mahal-review-kannada-pclwGuibgfiha.html|title=Taj Mahal|website=Sify}}</ref> ''[[rediff.com]]'' editor Vijaysarathy claims that "Pooja Gandhi looks stunning  and has worked hard to give a strong performance".<ref>https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/25sst.htm</ref> Her next movie was ''[[Budhivanta]]'' alongside [[Upendra (actor)|Upendra]]. It became the highest grossing Kannada film of 2008 and completed 100-days in main centres of [[Karnataka]].<ref name="Sify.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819162326/http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-08-19 |title=2008– Top 5 films at the box-office |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=2012-09-30}}</ref><ref>[https://www.sify.com/movies/2008--top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-movies-jdwmUxcjhcisi.html sify.com]</ref>
In 2008, she starred in the financially successful<ref name="auto"/> [[Kannada language]] film ''[[Taj Mahal (2008 film)|Taj Mahal]]'' with [[Ajay Rao]], which ran over 200 days in couple of centers of [[Karnataka]].<ref name="auto1">{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2009/sivaji-taj-mahal-remake-040309.html |title=Sivaji to both act and produce a film |date=4 March 2009}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/taj-mahal-the-winner--kannada-news-43087 |title='Taj Mahal' the winner! |publisher=IndiaGlitz |date=8 November 2008}}</ref> She was nominated for a [[Filmfare Best Actress Award]], while [[Sify]]'s critic wrote that "Pooja Gandhi looks pretty and has done a good job.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/taj-mahal-review-kannada-pclwGuibgfiha.html |title=Taj Mahal |website=Sify}}</ref> ''[[rediff.com]]'' editor Vijaysarathy claims that "Pooja Gandhi looks stunning  and has worked hard to give a strong performance".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/25sst.htm |title=Review: Taj Mahal}}</ref> Her next movie was ''[[Budhivanta]]'' alongside [[Upendra (actor)|Upendra]]. It became the highest grossing Kannada film of 2008 and completed 100-days in main centres of [[Karnataka]].<ref name="Sify.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819162326/http://www.sify.com/movies/2008-Top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-kannada-jdwmUxcjhci.html?html=5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 August 2015 |title=2008– Top 5 films at the box-office |publisher=Sify.com |access-date=30 September 2012}}</ref><ref>[https://www.sify.com/movies/2008--top-5-films-at-the-box-office-imagegallery-movies-jdwmUxcjhcisi.html sify.com]</ref>


===Series of commercial failures (2009–2011)===
===Series of commercial failures (2009–2011)===
Gandhi went on to act in more than dozen of films in several languages including [[Kannada film industry]], most of them went on to become commercially un-successful at the box office.<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/jul/11/i-delivered-hits-and-flops-but-ive-no-regrets-pooja-gandhi-1626909.html</ref>
Gandhi went on to act in more than dozen of films in several languages including [[Kannada film industry]], most of them went on to become commercially un-successful at the box office.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/jul/11/i-delivered-hits-and-flops-but-ive-no-regrets-pooja-gandhi-1626909.html |title=I delivered hits and flops, but I've no regrets: Pooja Gandhi}}</ref>


In 2010, Gandhi made her [[Telugu language|Telugu]] debut through the ''Mukkanti'' film opposite [[Taraka Ratna|Nandamuri Taraka Ratna]], along with [[Shamna Kasim|Poorna]]. Which went on to become a financial failure at the box office.<ref name="Mukkanti"/>
In 2010, Gandhi made her [[Telugu language|Telugu]] debut through the ''Mukkanti'' film opposite [[Taraka Ratna|Nandamuri Taraka Ratna]], along with [[Shamna Kasim|Poorna]]. Which went on to become a financial failure at the box office.<ref name="Mukkanti"/>
   
   
In 2011, she acted her second film in [[Hindi]] with ''[[I Am (2010 Indian film)|I Am]]'', together with [[Juhi Chawla]]. 'I Am' received mainly positive reviews from critics and audience upon the  theatrical release. ''The Times of India'' called it "an important and intelligent film"<ref>{{cite news|last=Malani|first=Gaurav|title=I AM: Movie Review|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-29/news-interviews/29486775_1_manisha-koirala-ancestral-property-purab-kohli|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105091208/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-29/news-interviews/29486775_1_manisha-koirala-ancestral-property-purab-kohli|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 November 2012|access-date=2 May 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 April 2011}}</ref> and ''The Film Street Journal'' named it "a must watch".<ref>{{cite news|title=Review Of I Am|url=http://www.thefilmstreetjournal.com/2011/04/review-of-i-am/|access-date=2 May 2011|newspaper=Film Street Journal|date=29 April 2011}}</ref>
In 2011, she acted her second film in [[Hindi]] with ''[[I Am (2010 Indian film)|I Am]]'', together with [[Juhi Chawla]]. 'I Am' received mainly positive reviews from critics and audience upon the  theatrical release. ''The Times of India'' called it "an important and intelligent film"<ref>{{cite news |last=Malani |first=Gaurav |title=I AM: Movie Review |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-29/news-interviews/29486775_1_manisha-koirala-ancestral-property-purab-kohli |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105091208/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-29/news-interviews/29486775_1_manisha-koirala-ancestral-property-purab-kohli |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2012 |access-date=2 May 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 April 2011}}</ref> and ''The Film Street Journal'' named it "a must watch".<ref>{{cite news |title=Review Of I Am |url=http://www.thefilmstreetjournal.com/2011/04/review-of-i-am/ |access-date=2 May 2011 |newspaper=Film Street Journal |date=29 April 2011}}</ref>
In 2012 'I Am' won the [[National Film Awards (India)|National Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Best Hindi Film]] and [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics|Best Lyrics]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Vidya Balan wins National Award for 'The Dirty Picture'|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-07/news-interviews/31131831_1_lyrics-award-chillar-party-nitesh-tiwari |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430015945/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-07/news-interviews/31131831_1_lyrics-award-chillar-party-nitesh-tiwari |url-status=dead |work=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=2013-04-30 }}</ref>
In 2012 'I Am' won the [[National Film Awards (India)|National Award]] for [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi|Best Hindi Film]] and [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics|Best Lyrics]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Vidya Balan wins National Award for 'The Dirty Picture' |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-07/news-interviews/31131831_1_lyrics-award-chillar-party-nitesh-tiwari |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430015945/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-07/news-interviews/31131831_1_lyrics-award-chillar-party-nitesh-tiwari |url-status=dead |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=30 April 2013}}</ref>


===Critical acclaim and box office success (2012–18)===
===Critical acclaim and box office success (2012–18)===
[[File:Gandhiact.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Gandhi during inauguration of hotel spa in [[Bangalore]] in 2015]]
[[File:Gandhiact.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Gandhi during inauguration of hotel spa in [[Bangalore]] in 2015]]
In 2012, Gandhi made a comeback through the female oriented film ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]'', which went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of Kannada industry<ref name="zee">https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/8-outstanding-films-to-celebrate-sandalwood-actress-pooja-gandhis-36th-birthday/</ref> and completed 100 days theatrical run in both [[Karnataka]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name="Dandy">{{cite web|url=http://m.indiaglitz.com/dandupalyam-2-set-for-july-14-release-telugu-news-188587.html|title='DANDUPALYAM-2' SET FOR JULY 14 RELEASE|work=indiaglitz}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2-news-telugu-qbmaO6cjafahh.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112121914/http://www.sify.com/movies/2-news-telugu-qbmaO6cjafahh.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2016-01-12|title=Dandupalya collected ₹25 crore in Karnataka and along with its Telugu dubbed version collected ₹10 crore|publisher=www.sify.com}}</ref><ref name="Dandupalya">{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Dandupalya-dubbed-version-a-hit/articleshow/18271986.cms|title=Dandupalya said to have made ₹25 crore in Karnataka|website=m.timesofindia.com}}
In 2012, Gandhi made a comeback through the female oriented film ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]'', which went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of Kannada industry<ref name="zee">{{Cite web |url=https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/8-outstanding-films-to-celebrate-sandalwood-actress-pooja-gandhis-36th-birthday/ |title=8 Outstanding Films to Celebrate Sandalwood Actress Pooja Gandhi's 36th Birthday - Zee5 News |date=7 October 2019}}</ref> and completed 100 days theatrical run in both [[Karnataka]] and [[Andhra Pradesh]].<ref name="Dandy">{{cite web |url=http://m.indiaglitz.com/dandupalyam-2-set-for-july-14-release-telugu-news-188587.html |title='DANDUPALYAM-2' SET FOR JULY 14 RELEASE |work=indiaglitz |date=27 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/2-news-telugu-qbmaO6cjafahh.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112121914/http://www.sify.com/movies/2-news-telugu-qbmaO6cjafahh.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 January 2016 |title=Dandupalya collected ₹25 crore in Karnataka and along with its Telugu dubbed version collected ₹10 crore |publisher=sify.com}}</ref><ref name="Dandupalya">{{cite web |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Dandupalya-dubbed-version-a-hit/articleshow/18271986.cms |title=Dandupalya said to have made ₹25 crore in Karnataka |website=The Times of India}}
*{{cite web|url=http://m.indiaglitz.com/dandupalyam-2-making-updates-telugu-news-160683.html|title=Dubbed Telugu version collected ₹10 crore| work=m.indiaglitz.com}}</ref><ref>https://m.iqlikmovies.com/news/article/2013/05/04/dandupalyam-completes-100-days/573</ref> And it collected over ₹40 [[crore]]<ref name="Dandy"/><ref>https://www.filmibeat.com/amphtml/kannada/news/2019/after-kgf-kurukshetra-pailwaan-dandupalya-4-to-set-new-record-by-releasing-in-10-languages-291163.html</ref> against budget of ₹3 crore.<ref name="nie1">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/article1385096.ece|title=Sandalwood: Hits and misses of 2012|publisher=newindianexpress.com
*{{cite web |url=http://m.indiaglitz.com/dandupalyam-2-making-updates-telugu-news-160683.html |title=Dubbed Telugu version collected ₹10 crore |work=m.indiaglitz.com |date=9 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.iqlikmovies.com/news/article/2013/05/04/dandupalyam-completes-100-days/573 |title=Dandupalyam completes 100 days}}</ref> And it collected over ₹40 [[crore]]<ref name="Dandy"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/amphtml/kannada/news/2019/after-kgf-kurukshetra-pailwaan-dandupalya-4-to-set-new-record-by-releasing-in-10-languages-291163.html |title=After KGF, Kurukshetra & Pailwaan, Dandupalya 4 to Set New Record by Releasing in 10 Languages - Filmibeat |date=24 October 2019}}</ref> against budget of ₹3 crore.<ref name="nie1">{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/article1385096.ece |title=Sandalwood: Hits and misses of 2012 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/no-sequel-for-kannada-film-dandupalya-499593.html |title=No Sequel for Kannada film 'Dandupalya' |work=news18 |date=18 August 2012}}</ref> Gandhi received [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Award for Best Kannada Actress]] and [[Suvarna Film Awards|Suvarna Fimfare Award for Best Actress]] for her performance in ''[[Dandupalya]]''.<ref name="zee"/> The film was dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and released as ''Dandupalyam''. It was well received in Andhra Pradesh.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/120616/rs-1-crore-jail-set-for-dandupalyam-2.html |title=Rs 1-crore jail set for Dandupalyam 2 |date=12 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Dandupalya-is-Karimedu-in-Tamil/articleshow/20331364.cms |title=Dandupalya is Karimedu in Tamil - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/dandupalyam-2-making-updates-malayalam-news-160683 |title='Dandupalyam-2' making updates - Malayalam News |date=9 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-31/news-interviews/36658052_1_dandupalyam-kannada-film-industry-notorious-dandupalya-gang |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184234/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-31/news-interviews/36658052_1_dandupalyam-kannada-film-industry-notorious-dandupalya-gang |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |title=Dandupalya dubbed version a hit |date=31 January 2013}}</ref> A [[Tamil language|Tamil]] dub titled ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Karimedu]]'' was produced by [[Rama Narayanan]]'s Sri Thenandal Films and released on 24 May 2013 to critical acclaim. it was hit in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kollytalk.com/cinenews/pooja-gandhis-dandupalya-is-now-karimedu-in-tamil-94368.html |title=Pooja Gandhi's Dandupalya is now Karimedu in Tamil |publisher=kollytalk.com |date=9 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/movie-review-karimedu-spine-chilling-realistic-7869.html |title=Movie review: 'Karimedu' – spine chilling, realistic |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=24 May 2013}}</ref>
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/no-sequel-for-kannada-film-dandupalya-499593.html|title=No Sequel for Kannada film 'Dandupalya'|work=news18}}</ref> Gandhi received [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Award for Best Kannada Actress]] and [[Suvarna Film Awards|Suvarna Fimfare Award for Best Actress]] for her performance in ''[[Dandupalya]]''.<ref name="zee"/> The film was dubbed in [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and released as ''Dandupalyam''. It was well received in Andhra Pradesh.<ref>https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/120616/rs-1-crore-jail-set-for-dandupalyam-2.html</ref><ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Dandupalya-is-Karimedu-in-Tamil/articleshow/20331364.cms</ref><ref>https://www.indiaglitz.com/dandupalyam-2-making-updates-malayalam-news-160683</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-31/news-interviews/36658052_1_dandupalyam-kannada-film-industry-notorious-dandupalya-gang |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029184234/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-31/news-interviews/36658052_1_dandupalyam-kannada-film-industry-notorious-dandupalya-gang |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 October 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |title=Dandupalya dubbed version a hit |date=31 January 2013}}</ref> A [[Tamil language|Tamil]] dub titled ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Karimedu]]'' was produced by [[Rama Narayanan]]'s Sri Thenandal Films and released on 24 May 2013 to critical acclaim. it was hit in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kollytalk.com/cinenews/pooja-gandhis-dandupalya-is-now-karimedu-in-tamil-94368.html |title=Pooja Gandhi's Dandupalya is now Karimedu in Tamil |publisher=kollytalk.com |date=9 May 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/movie-review-karimedu-spine-chilling-realistic-7869.html |title=Movie review: 'Karimedu' – spine chilling, realistic |publisher=Indo-Asian News Service |date=24 May 2013}}</ref>
The film was dubbed in Malayalam and was titled as ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Kuruthikalam]]''.<ref>Kannada 'Danduplaya' to be remade in Hindi-https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-danduplaya-to-be-remade-in-hindi-489235.html</ref> Critics heaped praise on Gandhi for her performance.  
The film was dubbed in Malayalam and was titled as ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Kuruthikalam]]''.<ref>Kannada 'Danduplaya' to be remade in Hindi-https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-danduplaya-to-be-remade-in-hindi-489235.html</ref> Critics heaped praise on Gandhi for her performance.  
''[[Rediff.com]]'' claimed that she was "walks away with acting honours. She is a stunner with her vain looks sans makeup throughout the movie and she has lived her role exceptionally well."<ref>[http://m.rediff.com/movies/report/review-dandupalya-tells-a-spine-chilling-story/20120629.htm Review: Dandupalya tells a spine chilling story – Rediff.com movies]. M.rediff.com (29 June 2012). Retrieved on 2017-01-14.</ref> while ''[[DNA (newspaper)|DNA]]'s'' critic wrote that "viewers should not miss out on Pooja’s performance."<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-dandupalya-kannada-1708693 Review: 'Dandupalya (Kannada)' | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis]. Dnaindia.com (30 June 2012). Retrieved on 2017-01-14.</ref> ''[[Business Standard]]'s'' critic stated that "Pooja Gandhi as the leader of the gang is brilliant and extremely confident in her role. While some may typecast her performance as cheap and unwelcoming, I believe it takes guts for a regular heroine to shed her image and agree to play such a gritty part. She definitely deserves special mention for proving cliches wrong."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ians/karimedu-spine-chilling-realistic-tamil-movie-review-113052400752_1.html|title='Karimedu' - spine chilling, realistic film|work=business-standard}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'s'' critic stated that "Pooja Gandhi walks away with full honours."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya/movie-review/14506697.cms |title=Dandupalya |author=G S Kumar |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 June 2012 |access-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>
''[[Rediff.com]]'' claimed that she was "walks away with acting honours. She is a stunner with her vain looks sans makeup throughout the movie and she has lived her role exceptionally well."<ref>[http://m.rediff.com/movies/report/review-dandupalya-tells-a-spine-chilling-story/20120629.htm Review: Dandupalya tells a spine chilling story – Rediff.com movies]. M.rediff.com (29 June 2012). Retrieved 14 January 2017.</ref> while ''[[DNA (newspaper)|DNA]]'s'' critic wrote that "viewers should not miss out on Pooja's performance."<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-review-dandupalya-kannada-1708693 Review: 'Dandupalya (Kannada)' & Updates at Daily News & Analysis]. ''Daily News and Analysis''. (30 June 2012). Retrieved 14 January 2017.</ref> ''[[Business Standard]]'s'' critic stated that "Pooja Gandhi as the leader of the gang is brilliant and extremely confident in her role. While some may typecast her performance as cheap and unwelcoming, I believe it takes guts for a regular heroine to shed her image and agree to play such a gritty part. She definitely deserves special mention for proving cliches wrong."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wap.business-standard.com/article-amp/news-ians/karimedu-spine-chilling-realistic-tamil-movie-review-113052400752_1.html |title='Karimedu' - spine chilling, realistic film |work=Business Standard}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'s'' critic stated that "Pooja Gandhi walks away with full honours."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya/movie-review/14506697.cms |title=Dandupalya |author=G S Kumar |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=29 June 2012 |access-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>


In 2013, Gandhi made her debut in [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]] film with ''[[Maad Dad]]'' (2013) together with [[Lal]] and [[Meghana Raj]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/article550033.ece|title=Pooja Gandhi comes to Malayalam|publisher=newindianexpress.com}}</ref> Then she becomes  Item number for the ''[[Mata (2006 film)|Mata]]'' fame [[Guruprasad]]'s directed Kannada film ''[[Director's Special (film)|Director's Special]]'' (2013). According to sources said that Gandhi had rejected a request to do a special song in ''Devarane'' film, following days Pooja accepted this offer only because director [[Guruprasad]] wrote this song keeping me in mind. That makes it special, she appears in the song as ''Chanchal Champakali''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-does-an-item-number/articleshow/15419311.cms|title=Pooja Gandhi does an item number
In 2013, Gandhi made her debut in [[Malayalam]] film with ''[[Maad Dad]]'' (2013) together with [[Lal]] and [[Meghana Raj]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/malayalam/article550033.ece |title=Pooja Gandhi comes to Malayalam |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Then she becomes  Item number for the ''[[Mata (2006 film)|Mata]]'' fame [[Guruprasad]]'s directed Kannada film ''[[Director's Special (film)|Director's Special]]'' (2013). According to sources said that Gandhi had rejected a request to do a special song in ''Devarane'' film, following days Pooja accepted this offer only because director [[Guruprasad]] wrote this song keeping me in mind. That makes it special, she appears in the song as ''Chanchal Champakali''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-does-an-item-number/articleshow/15419311.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi does an item number |work=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2012/pooja-gandhi-item-guruprasad-directors-special-098078.html |title=Pooja Gandhi's item number in Guruprasad's Director's Special |date=6 August 2012 |publisher=filmibeat.com}}</ref> In 2015, she starred and produced a film ''[[Abhinetri (2015 film)|Abhinetri]]'', also she introduced as Producer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/topics/pooja-gandhi.html |title=Three Pooja Gandhi's ahead! |publisher=sify.com}}</ref>
|publisher=timesofindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2012/pooja-gandhi-item-guruprasad-directors-special-098078.html|title=Pooja Gandhi's item number in Guruprasad's Director's Special|publisher=filmibeat.com}}</ref> In 2015, she starred and produced a film ''[[Abhinetri (2015 film)|Abhinetri]]'', also she introduced as Producer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/topics/pooja-gandhi.html|title=Three Pooja Gandhi's ahead!|publisher=sify.com}}</ref>


In 2017, she starred in the ''[[Dandupalya 2]]'',<ref>https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/kannada/2017/jul/20/dandupalya-2-revisiting-the-birth-of-crime-1221.html</ref> which was the sequel of her previous film ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]''. In 2018 her next film was ''[[Dandupalya 3]]'' or [[Dandupalya 3|III]],
In 2017, she starred in the ''[[Dandupalya 2]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/kannada/2017/jul/20/dandupalya-2-revisiting-the-birth-of-crime-1221.html |title=Dandupalya 2: Revisiting the birth of crime}}</ref> which was the sequel of her previous film ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]''. In 2018 her next film was ''[[Dandupalya 3]]'' or [[Dandupalya 3|III]],
which was simultaneously released in [[Kannada]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] languages.<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/mar/14/looking-at-powerful-and-strong-characters-post-dandupalya-pooja-gandhi-1787221.html</ref><ref>https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/here-are-5-facts-that-you-need-to-know-about-srinivas-rajus-dandupalya</ref> acts along with almost same cast and crew.<ref>https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/kannada/2018/mar/17/iii-review-evil-is-reborn-but-for-one-last-time-5056.html</ref> Gandhi received critical acclaim from critics and audience for her performance in the film. The writer Sunayana Suresh of The ''[[Times of India]]'', stated "Pooja Gandhi in her uninhibited avatar is another person who deserves applause."<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya-3/movie-review/63329338.cms</ref> The writer Sharadha of ''[[New Indian Express]]'', stated that "Pooja Gandhi wins over the audience with her powerful performance."<ref>http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/mar/19/dandupalya-iii-movie-review-evil-is-reborn-but-for-one-last-time-1788249.html</ref>
which was simultaneously released in [[Kannada]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]] and [[Tamil language|Tamil]] languages.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/mar/14/looking-at-powerful-and-strong-characters-post-dandupalya-pooja-gandhi-1787221.html |title=Looking at powerful and strong characters post Dandupalya: Pooja Gandhi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/here-are-5-facts-that-you-need-to-know-about-srinivas-rajus-dandupalya |title=5 Facts That You Need to Know About Srinivas Raju's Dandupalya! - Zee5 News |date=9 May 2020}}</ref> acts along with almost same cast and crew.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/reviews/kannada/2018/mar/17/iii-review-evil-is-reborn-but-for-one-last-time-5056.html |title=III Review: Hard-hitting third part of the Dandupalya series}}</ref> Gandhi received critical acclaim from critics and audience for her performance in the film. The writer Sunayana Suresh of The ''[[Times of India]]'', stated "Pooja Gandhi in her uninhibited avatar is another person who deserves applause."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya-3/movie-review/63329338.cms |title=Dandupalya 3 Movie Review &#123;3/5&#125;: Critic Review of Dandupalya 3 by Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> The writer Sharadha of ''[[New Indian Express]]'', stated that "Pooja Gandhi wins over the audience with her powerful performance."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/mar/19/dandupalya-iii-movie-review-evil-is-reborn-but-for-one-last-time-1788249.html |title='Dandupalya III' movie review: Evil is reborn, but for one last time}}</ref>


==Politics==
==Politics==
Gandhi joined the [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] (JDS) party on 18 January 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title= Actress Pooja Gandhi joins JDS |url= http://www.mangaloretoday.com/headlines/Actress-Pooja-Gandhi-joins-JDS.html |newspaper= Mangalore Today |date= 18 January 2012 |access-date= 18 October 2013}}</ref>
Gandhi joined the [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] (JDS) party on 18 January 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Actress Pooja Gandhi joins JDS |url=http://www.mangaloretoday.com/headlines/Actress-Pooja-Gandhi-joins-JDS.html |newspaper=Mangalore Today |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=18 October 2013}}</ref>


She then joined briefly the [[Karnataka Janata Paksha|KJP]], but she finally contested the 2013 [[Karnataka Legislative Assembly]] elections from [[Raichur]] on a [[Badavara Shramikara Raitara Congress|BSR Congress]] ticket. This first attempt at public office proved unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130508/news-politics/article/karnataka-polls-actress-pooja-gandhi-badly-flops-raichur|title=Karnataka polls: Actress Pooja Gandhi badly flops in Raichur|date=8 May 2013|access-date=30 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626181640/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130508/news-politics/article/karnataka-polls-actress-pooja-gandhi-badly-flops-raichur|archive-date=26 June 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
She then joined briefly the [[Karnataka Janata Paksha|KJP]], but she finally contested the 2013 [[Karnataka Legislative Assembly]] elections from [[Raichur]] on a [[Badavara Shramikara Raitara Congress|BSR Congress]] ticket. This first attempt at public office proved unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130508/news-politics/article/karnataka-polls-actress-pooja-gandhi-badly-flops-raichur |title=Karnataka polls: Actress Pooja Gandhi badly flops in Raichur |date=8 May 2013 |access-date=30 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626181640/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130508/news-politics/article/karnataka-polls-actress-pooja-gandhi-badly-flops-raichur |archive-date=26 June 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==
Gandhi and Gandhi's film ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]'', criticised by social group Bahujan Samaj Horata Samiti for her controversial scene in this film, who claimed that its content was offensive. They objected specifically to the film's portrayal of women. Further controversy followed when it was revealed that actress Pooja Gandhi would appear topless in the film.<ref name="oneindia1">[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/pooja-gandhi-dandupalya-release-130312.html Pooja Gandhi's Dandupalya facing hurdles for release]. Entertainment.oneindia.in (13 March 2012). Retrieved on 26 May 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2011/pooja-gandhi-dandupalya-231211.html|title=Mungaaru Male girl Pooja Gandhi seems to have taken a bold step to stay in the race|work=filmibeat}}</ref>
Gandhi and Gandhi's film ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]'', criticised by social group Bahujan Samaj Horata Samiti for her controversial scene in this film, who claimed that its content was offensive. They objected specifically to the film's portrayal of women. Further controversy followed when it was revealed that actress Pooja Gandhi would appear topless in the film.<ref name="oneindia1">[http://entertainment.oneindia.in/kannada/news/2012/pooja-gandhi-dandupalya-release-130312.html Pooja Gandhi's Dandupalya facing hurdles for release]. ''Oneindia''.in (13 March 2012). Retrieved 26 May 2012.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2011/pooja-gandhi-dandupalya-231211.html |title=Mungaaru Male girl Pooja Gandhi seems to have taken a bold step to stay in the race |work=filmibeat |date=23 December 2011}}</ref>
   
   
After the release of the movie, Ambedkar Kranthi Sena activists demonstrated in [[Bengaluru]] against the film's "glorification of anti-social activities".<ref>https://kannada.filmibeat.com/news/21-protest-against-pooja-gandhi-nude-poster-aid0052.html</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3588127.ece |title=Protest held against Dandupalya |date=30 June 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>
After the release of the movie, Ambedkar Kranthi Sena activists demonstrated in [[Bengaluru]] against the film's "glorification of anti-social activities".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://kannada.filmibeat.com/news/21-protest-against-pooja-gandhi-nude-poster-aid0052.html |title=ಪೂಜಾಗಾಂಧಿ ಬೆತ್ತಲೆ ಪೋಸ್ಟರ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ |date=21 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3588127.ece |title=Protest held against Dandupalya |date=30 June 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=26 October 2013}}</ref>


<blockquote>
<blockquote>
"According to the dictionary, nudity means that you are not covered with a single item of clothing from head to toe. But in this scene, I have worn a sari and I am trying to cover my body, except for my back".</blockquote>
"According to the dictionary, nudity means that you are not covered with a single item of clothing from head to toe. But in this scene, I have worn a sari and I am trying to cover my body, except for my back".</blockquote>
says Gandhi about her controversial scene in the film<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/others/news-interviews/I-wasnamprsquot-nude-for-the-film-Pooja-Gandhi/articleshow/11290152.cms|title=I wasn't nude for the film: Pooja Gandhi|work=m.timesofindia.com}}</ref>
says Gandhi about her controversial scene in the film<ref>{{cite web |url=http://m.timesofindia.com/others/news-interviews/I-wasnamprsquot-nude-for-the-film-Pooja-Gandhi/articleshow/11290152.cms |title=I wasn't nude for the film: Pooja Gandhi |work=The Times of India}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
Line 98: Line 95:
! scope="col"|Notes
! scope="col"|Notes
! scope="col"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
! scope="col"|{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| 2001
!scope="row"|''[[Khatron Ke Khiladi (2001 film)|Khatron Ke Khiladi]]''
| Sangeeta
|rowspan="2" | [[Hindi]]
|Hindi debut
|<ref name="Kh">{{Cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/cast_crew.php?movieid=2064 |title=Khatron Ke Khiladi - Movie - - Box Office India}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2002  
| 2002  
!scope="row"|''[[Dushmani (film)|Dushmani]]''
!scope="row"|''[[Dushmani (film)|Dushmani]]''
| Pooja
| Pooja
|[[Hindi]]
|
|Hindi debut
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kannada-actress-pooja-gandhi-flees-bengaluru-hotel-without-paying-rs-4-5-lakh-in-bills-1481727-2019-03-19 |title=Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi flees Bengaluru hotel without paying Rs 4.5 lakh in bills}}</ref>
|<ref name="Dushman"/>
|-
|-
| 2003  
| 2003  
Line 110: Line 113:
| Ankita || [[Bengali language|Bengali]]  
| Ankita || [[Bengali language|Bengali]]  
|Bengali debut
|Bengali debut
|<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/Pooja-Gandhi-first-acted-in-a-Bengali-film/articleshow/33436250.cms</ref>
|<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/Pooja-Gandhi-first-acted-in-a-Bengali-film/articleshow/33436250.cms {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2006
|rowspan="2"|2006
Line 117: Line 120:
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  
| Tamil debut
| Tamil debut
|<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/nov/11/she-is-dr-pooja-gandhi-now-1537535.html</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/nov/11/she-is-dr-pooja-gandhi-now-1537535.html |title=She is Dr Pooja Gandhi now!- The New Indian Express}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Mungaru Male]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Mungaru Male]]''  
Line 123: Line 126:
|rowspan="4" | [[Kannada]]  
|rowspan="4" | [[Kannada]]  
|Kannada debut
|Kannada debut
|<ref>https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/records-stand-even-after-12-years/articleshow/67292536.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/records-stand-even-after-12-years/articleshow/67292536.cms |title=Mungaru Male: Records stand even after 12 years |website=bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181229073444/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/records-stand-even-after-12-years/articleshow/67292536.cms |archive-date=2018-12-29}}</ref>


|-  
|-  
Line 130: Line 133:
| Priya  
| Priya  
|
|
|<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/happy-birthday-puneeth-rajkumar-a-look-at-the-best-kannada-movies-of-the-actor/photostory/74655464.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/happy-birthday-puneeth-rajkumar-a-look-at-the-best-kannada-movies-of-the-actor/photostory/74655464.cms |title=Happy Birthday Puneeth Rajkumar: A look at the best Kannada movies of the actor {{!}} The Times of India |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429034417/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/happy-birthday-puneeth-rajkumar-a-look-at-the-best-kannada-movies-of-the-actor/photostory/74655464.cms |archive-date=2021-04-29}}</ref>
|-  
|-  
!scope="row"| ''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]''  
Line 149: Line 152:
| Herself || Kannada  
| Herself || Kannada  
| Special appearance in song "Hudugi Malebillu"
| Special appearance in song "Hudugi Malebillu"
|<ref>https://www.zee5.com/movies/details/geleya/0-0-2592</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.zee5.com/movies/details/geleya/0-0-2592 |title=Watch Geleya Full HD Movie Online on ZEE5}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="12"|2008  
|rowspan="12"|2008  
Line 156: Line 159:
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  
|  
|  
| <ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/its-time-to-chill-pooja/articleshow/5034092.cms</ref>
| <ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/its-time-to-chill-pooja/articleshow/5034092.cms {{Dead link|date=February 2022}}</ref>
|-  
|-  
!scope="row"| ''Hani Hani''  
!scope="row"| ''Hani Hani''  
Line 162: Line 165:
|rowspan="9" | Kannada  
|rowspan="9" | Kannada  
|
|
|<ref>https://www.indiaglitz.com/hani-hani-review-kannada-movie-9978</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/hani-hani-review-kannada-movie-9978 |title=Hani Hani review. Hani Hani Kannada movie review, story, rating - IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Accident (2008 film)|Accident]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Accident (2008 film)|Accident]]''  
Line 172: Line 175:
| Herself   
| Herself   
| Special appearance in the song "Mungaru Male"
| Special appearance in the song "Mungaru Male"
|<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sudeep-to-repeat-success-with-kamannana-makkalu/articleshow/20795158.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sudeep-to-repeat-success-with-kamannana-makkalu/articleshow/20795158.cms |title=Sudeep to repeat success with Kamannana Makkalu? - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Nee Tata Naa Birla]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Nee Tata Naa Birla]]''  
Line 192: Line 195:
| Pooja   
| Pooja   
|
|
|<ref>https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/KannadaBox-Office(Nov14-20)-pmqr39gihgchj.html</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/KannadaBox-Office(Nov14-20)-pmqr39gihgchj.html |title=Kannada Box-Office (Nov 14- 20) |website=www.sify.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430101631/https://www.sify.com/movies/boxoffice/KannadaBox-Office(Nov14-20)-pmqr39gihgchj.html |archive-date=2021-04-30}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''Maharshi''  
!scope="row"| ''Maharshi''  
Line 226: Line 229:
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]  
|
|
|<ref>https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kannada-actress-pooja-gandhi-joins-jd-s-623024</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kannada-actress-pooja-gandhi-joins-jd-s-623024 |title=Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi joins JD(S)}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''Iniya''  
!scope="row"| ''Iniya''  
Line 274: Line 277:
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| Telugu Debut
| Telugu Debut
| <ref name="Mukkanti">http://www.indiaglitz.com/mukkanti-movie-launch-telugu-videos-10999</ref>
| <ref name="Mukkanti">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/mukkanti-movie-launch-telugu-videos-10999 |title=videos - IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="8"|2011
|rowspan="8"|2011
Line 313: Line 316:
|Advocate   
|Advocate   
| Cameo appearance
| Cameo appearance
|<ref>https://www.sify.com/movies/introducing-ijogayyai-heroine-imagegallery-kannada-lirs4Wejagdsi.html</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/introducing-ijogayyai-heroine-imagegallery-kannada-lirs4Wejagdsi.html |title=Introducing Jogayya heroine}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''Paagal''  
!scope="row"| ''Paagal''  
Line 323: Line 326:
!scope="row"| ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]''  
| Lakshmi  
| Lakshmi  
| [[Suvarna Film Awards|Suvarna Film Award for Best Actress]]<br>[[SIIMA Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role]]<br>Nominated—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]]
| [[Suvarna Film Awards|Suvarna Film Award for Best Actress]]<br />[[SIIMA Awards|SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role]]<br />Nominated—[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress]]
|
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/actresses-who-went-topless-for-their-movies/pooja-gandhi-dandupalya/photostory/66391182.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi ('Dandupalya') |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223054853/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/actresses-who-went-topless-for-their-movies/pooja-gandhi-dandupalya/photostory/66391182.cms |archive-date=2021-12-23}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Jaihind]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Jaihind]]''  
| Anjali  
| Anjali  
|
|
|<ref name="Pooja Gandhi turns patriotic in ‘Jai Hind’">{{cite web|url=http://filmreviews.bizhat.com/kannada/pooja-gandhi-turns-patriotic-in-jai-hind/ |title=Pooja Gandhi turns patriotic in 'Jai Hind' &#124; Film Reviews |publisher=Filmreviews.bizhat.com |date=12 November 2010 |access-date=7 August 2012}}</ref>
|<ref name="Pooja Gandhi turns patriotic in ‘Jai Hind’">{{cite web |url=http://filmreviews.bizhat.com/kannada/pooja-gandhi-turns-patriotic-in-jai-hind/ |title=Pooja Gandhi turns patriotic in 'Jai Hind' &#124; Film Reviews |publisher=Filmreviews.bizhat.com |date=12 November 2010 |access-date=7 August 2012}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Hosa Prema Purana]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Hosa Prema Purana]]''  
Line 341: Line 344:
| [[Malayalam]]  
| [[Malayalam]]  
|Malayalam debut
|Malayalam debut
|<ref>https://www.news18.com/newstopics/Pooja-Gandhi/news/</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/newstopics/Pooja-Gandhi/news/ |title=Pooja Gandhi Latest News: Current News and Updates on Pooja Gandhi at News18}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Director's Special (film)|Director's Special]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Director's Special (film)|Director's Special]]''  
Line 347: Line 350:
|rowspan="9" | Kannada  
|rowspan="9" | Kannada  
| Item number "Kannalle eshottu kolltiya"
| Item number "Kannalle eshottu kolltiya"
|<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/pooja-gandhis-item-number-in-directors-special/articleshow/15472913.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/pooja-gandhis-item-number-in-directors-special/articleshow/15472913.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi's item number in Director's Special - Times of India |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2014  
|2014  
Line 359: Line 362:
| Sharat Lata / Nanda  
| Sharat Lata / Nanda  
| Also producer
| Also producer
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/456982/rise-fall-actress.html |title=The rise and fall of an actress|date=1 February 2015|access-date=30 October 2015}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/456982/rise-fall-actress.html |title=The rise and fall of an actress |date=1 February 2015 |access-date=30 October 2015}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Thippaji Circle]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Thippaji Circle]]''  
Line 370: Line 373:
| Herself  
| Herself  
| Guest appearance
| Guest appearance
|<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-returns-to-the-big-screen/articleshow/50342195.cms|title=Pooja Gandhi returns to the big screen|newspaper=The Times of India|date=28 December 2015}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Pooja-Gandhi-returns-to-the-big-screen/articleshow/50342195.cms |title=Pooja Gandhi returns to the big screen |newspaper=The Times of India |date=28 December 2015}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2017  
|rowspan="2"| 2017  
Line 376: Line 379:
| Jilebi
| Jilebi
|  
|  
|<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/jilebi/movie-review/57449623.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/jilebi/movie-review/57449623.cms |title=Jilebi Movie Review {2/5}: This film is ideally meant only for those who look for some titillation on screen |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307145625/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/jilebi/movie-review/57449623.cms |archive-date=2017-03-07}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"| ''[[Dandupalya 2]]''  
!scope="row"| ''[[Dandupalya 2]]''  
| Kempi  
| Kempi  
| Dubbed in to Telugu as ''Dandupalyam 2''
| Dubbed in to Telugu as ''Dandupalyam 2''
|<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/shamantakamani/movie-review/59594329.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/shamantakamani/movie-review/59594329.cms |title=Shamantakamani - TOI Mobile {{!}} The Times of India Mobile Site |website=m.timesofindia.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715095939/http://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/shamantakamani/movie-review/59594329.cms |archive-date=2017-07-15}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2018  
| 2018  
Line 387: Line 390:
| Lakshmi  
| Lakshmi  
|Dubbed in to Telugu as ''Dandupalyam 3''
|Dubbed in to Telugu as ''Dandupalyam 3''
|<ref>https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya-3/movie-review/63329338.cms</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya-3/movie-review/63329338.cms |title=Dandupalya 3 Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Dandupalya 3 by Times of India |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718223725/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/dandupalya-3/movie-review/63329338.cms |archive-date=2018-07-18}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2021  
|rowspan="2"| 2021
! scope="row" style="background:#ffc;"|''Samhaarini'' {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}
! scope="row"|''Samhaarini'' {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}
|{{TBA}}
|{{TBA}}
|post production
|post production
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2019/may/15/samhaarini-gets-pooja-gandhi-back-in-action-1976958.html|title=Samhaarini gets pooja Gandhi back in action|agency=newindianexpress}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2019/may/15/samhaarini-gets-pooja-gandhi-back-in-action-1976958.html |title=Samhaarini gets pooja Gandhi back in action |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
|-
|-
!scope="row"|''Taggede Le'' {{dagger|alt=Films that have not yet been released}}
| {{TBA}}
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| Post production
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tv9telugu.com/entertainment/tollywood/naveen-chandra-srinivas-raju-bhadra-productions-thaggedhe-le-teaser-out-558150.html |title=Naveen Chandra:'తగ్గేదే లే' అంటున్న నవీన్ చంద్ర.. ఆసక్తికరంగా టీజర్ విడుదల |date=15 October 2021}}</ref>
|}
|}


Line 401: Line 409:
|- bgcolor="#d1e4fd"
|- bgcolor="#d1e4fd"
!  Title !! Year !! Language
!  Title !! Year !! Language
!Notes
! Notes !! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
|-
|''[[Abhinetri (2015 film)|Abhinetri]]'' || 2015 || [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
|''[[Abhinetri (2015 film)|Abhinetri]]'' || 2015 || [[Kannada]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150201/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-abhinetri-tragedy-film|title = Movie review 'Abhinetri': Tragedy of a film!|date = February 2015}}</ref>
| Debut as film producer
|<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/150201/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-abhinetri-tragedy-film |title=Movie review 'Abhinetri': Tragedy of a film! |date=February 2015}}</ref>
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Awards and nominations==
==Awards and nominations==
[[File:Pooja Gandhi during Mungaru male film Shooting.jpg|thumb|right|Gandhi during ''[[Mungaru male]]'' film shooting]]
{| class="infobox" style="width: 22.7em; text-align: left; font-size: 85%; vertical-align: middle; background-color: #eef;"
{| class="infobox" style="width: 22.7em; text-align: left; font-size: 85%; vertical-align: middle; background-color: #eef;"
|-
|-
Line 459: Line 467:
|[[Suvarna Film Awards]]
|[[Suvarna Film Awards]]
|''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]''
|''[[Krishna (2007 film)|Krishna]]''
|{{won}}<ref name="dcc">{{cite web|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/DeccanHerald.com/Content/Mar312008/metromon2008033060251.asp|title=Suvarna Awards|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=10 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508145430/http://archive.deccanherald.com/DeccanHerald.com/Content/Mar312008/metromon2008033060251.asp|archive-date=8 May 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|{{won}}<ref name="dcc">{{cite web |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/DeccanHerald.com/Content/Mar312008/metromon2008033060251.asp |title=Suvarna Awards |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508145430/http://archive.deccanherald.com/DeccanHerald.com/Content/Mar312008/metromon2008033060251.asp |archive-date=8 May 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2009
|2009
Line 465: Line 473:
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|''[[Taj Mahal (2008 film)|Taj Mahal]]''
|''[[Taj Mahal (2008 film)|Taj Mahal]]''
|{{nom}}<ref name="ti">{{cite news|last=Srinidhi|first=Sharadha |title=Looking forward to meet Ramya: Radhika|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-26/news-interviews/28168435_1_moggina-manasu-ramya-filmfare-award|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104101425/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-26/news-interviews/28168435_1_moggina-manasu-ramya-filmfare-award|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 November 2012|access-date=10 January 2011|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=26 July 2009}}</ref>
|{{nom}}<ref name="ti">{{cite news |last=Srinidhi |first=Sharadha |title=Looking forward to meet Ramya: Radhika |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-26/news-interviews/28168435_1_moggina-manasu-ramya-filmfare-award |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104101425/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-07-26/news-interviews/28168435_1_moggina-manasu-ramya-filmfare-award |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 November 2012 |access-date=10 January 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=26 July 2009}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2010
|2010
Line 471: Line 479:
|[[Suvarna Film Awards]]
|[[Suvarna Film Awards]]
|''[[Gokula (film)|Gokula]]''
|''[[Gokula (film)|Gokula]]''
|{{won}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/gokula/awards.html|title = Gokula Awards & Nominations, National Awards, South Filmfare, Suvarna Awards, ETV, Udaya}}</ref>
|{{won}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/gokula/awards.html |title=Gokula Awards & Nominations, National Awards, South Filmfare, Suvarna Awards, ETV, Udaya}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2013
|rowspan="3"|2013
Line 477: Line 485:
|[[South Indian International Movie Awards]]
|[[South Indian International Movie Awards]]
|rowspan="3"|''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]''
|rowspan="3"|''[[Dandupalya (film)|Dandupalya]]''
|{{won}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.thehindu.com/features/cinema/stars-in-sharjah/article5128642.ece
|{{won}}<ref>{{cite news |url=http://m.thehindu.com/features/cinema/stars-in-sharjah/article5128642.ece |title=South Indian International Movie Awards |work=The Hindu |date=15 September 2013 |last1=Kamath |first1=Sudhish}}</ref>
|title=South Indian International Movie Awards|work=The Hindu|date=15 September 2013|last1=Kamath|first1=Sudhish}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada|Best Actress in a negative role]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada|Best Actress in a negative role]]
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|{{nom}}<ref>https://www.filmfare.com/features/60th-idea-filmfare-awards-2013-south-nominations-3603-1.html</ref>
|{{nom}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/60th-idea-filmfare-awards-2013-south-nominations-3603-1.html |title=60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (South) Nominations {{!}} Filmfare.com}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[Suvarna Film Awards|Best Actor (female)]]
|[[Suvarna Film Awards|Best Actress]]
|[[Suvarna Film Awards]]
|[[Suvarna Film Awards]]
|{{won}}<ref name="zee"/>
|{{won}}<ref name="zee"/>

Latest revision as of 02:25, 2 July 2023


Pooja Gandhi
Born
Sanjana Gandhi

(1983-10-07) 7 October 1983 (age 42)[1]
Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.[2]
Occupation
Political party

Pooja Gandhi (born Sanjana Gandhi in 1983)[3] is an Indian actress, who mainly works in Kannada, Hindi and Tamil language films.[4][5] Pooja Gandhi after starring in the commercially successful 2006 film Mungaru Male, became one of the most popular and highest paid actresses in Kannada cinema and also the recipient of several awards, including an honorary Doctorate.[6][7][8][9] Gandhi is popularly referred as Male Hudugi (Rain Girl) in the media and Kannada film industry.[10][11] Gandhi has acted in over five languages and 50 films in a decade.[12][13][14][4] The Banglore Times placed her in the list of "25 Most Desirable Women of 2012".[15][16]

Gandhi made her acting debut in 2001 with the Hindi film Khatron Ke Khiladi opposite Raj Babbar.[17] Since then, she has played lead roles in commercially successful films such as Mungaru Male (2006), Milana (2007), Krishna (2007), Taj Mahal (2008), Budhivanta (2008), Anu (2009), Gokula (2009), Dandupalya (2012), Dandupalya 2 (2017) and Dandupalya 3 (2018).[18] Following the success of a series of films, she established herself as one of the leading actresses of Kannada cinema.[19][20]

In 2016, Gandhi received an honorary doctorate award by the Governing Council of Confederation of International Accreditation Commission - CIAC in affiliation with KEISIE International University - South Korea, for her contribution to Kannada film industry.[6][21]

She joined the Janata Dal (Secular) party in 2012 by taking the membership of the party.[22] She soon hopped onto KJP party and later to the BSR Congress party and contested the Karnataka assembly elections from Raichur constituency.[23] However, she was defeated in the elections and did not win any seat from the constituency.[24]

Early years and personal life[edit | edit source]

Gandhi was born in Meerut[25] and brought up in Delhi[2] into a traditional Punjabi family. Her father, Pawan Gandhi, is a businessman and her mother, Jyothi Gandhi, is a housewife. She studied at Sophia Convent and Dewan Public School in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. She has two younger sisters – Radhika Gandhi, who is also an actress in Kannada films, and Suhani Gandhi, a tennis player.[25][26] Gandhi started her career as a model by acting in advertisements and television series with Awaz (a remake of Lost in Hindi language) and a serial Zameen Se Aassman Tak, directed by Aruna Irani.[2]

Gandhi got engaged in November 2012 with industrialist Anand Gowda but ended the relationship the following month.[27][28]

Career[edit | edit source]

Debut (2001)[edit | edit source]

Gandhi during shooting of Tamil film Kokki in 2006

Gandhi started her career by acting in TV soaps, starting with Zameen Se Aassman Tak directed by Aruna Irani.[25] She made her acting debut at the age of 18 in the Hindi film Khatron Ke Khiladi released in 2001. Later appeared in Bengali film Tomake Salam in 2003, she moved to the South Indian film industry with the Tamil film Kokki (2006). The film earned moderate reviews and had a successful run at the box office.[26]

Initial success and fame in Kannada (2006–08)[edit | edit source]

Gandhi during shooting of Mungaru Male film in 2006

Gandhi debut in the Kannada film industry was with Mungaru Male,[29] The film was the first in India for any language to be screened for continuously one year in a multiplex,[30] and ultimately ran over 865-days[31] in Karnataka.[32][33] And it was collected over ₹75 crore in its lifetime theatrical run at Indian box office. It went to become highest grossing South Indian film during its time of release.[34] Gandhi has received applause for her character in the film as Nandini. Indicine.com's critic states that "Sanjana makes a confident debut".[35] She then acted in the movie Milana with Puneeth Rajkumar, upon theatrical release on 14 September 2007, the film saw commercial success and completed a 500-day run in theatres. Later the film was dubbed into Malayalam as Ishtam Enikkishtam.[36] In the same year Gandhi acted in Krishna film with her Mungaru male co-star Ganesh, it was the financial hit at the box office by completing 100-days. It marked as the second consecutive hit of the Ganesh and Gandhi pair after Mungaru Male.[37] The Krishna marked her hat-trick 100-days film in her career in kannada film industry.[37]

In 2008, she starred in the financially successful[38] Kannada language film Taj Mahal with Ajay Rao, which ran over 200 days in couple of centers of Karnataka.[39][38] She was nominated for a Filmfare Best Actress Award, while Sify's critic wrote that "Pooja Gandhi looks pretty and has done a good job.[40] rediff.com editor Vijaysarathy claims that "Pooja Gandhi looks stunning and has worked hard to give a strong performance".[41] Her next movie was Budhivanta alongside Upendra. It became the highest grossing Kannada film of 2008 and completed 100-days in main centres of Karnataka.[42][43]

Series of commercial failures (2009–2011)[edit | edit source]

Gandhi went on to act in more than dozen of films in several languages including Kannada film industry, most of them went on to become commercially un-successful at the box office.[44]

In 2010, Gandhi made her Telugu debut through the Mukkanti film opposite Nandamuri Taraka Ratna, along with Poorna. Which went on to become a financial failure at the box office.[45]

In 2011, she acted her second film in Hindi with I Am, together with Juhi Chawla. 'I Am' received mainly positive reviews from critics and audience upon the theatrical release. The Times of India called it "an important and intelligent film"[46] and The Film Street Journal named it "a must watch".[47] In 2012 'I Am' won the National Award for Best Hindi Film and Best Lyrics.[48]

Critical acclaim and box office success (2012–18)[edit | edit source]

Gandhi during inauguration of hotel spa in Bangalore in 2015

In 2012, Gandhi made a comeback through the female oriented film Dandupalya, which went on to become one of the highest-grossing films of Kannada industry[49] and completed 100 days theatrical run in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.[50][51][52][53] And it collected over ₹40 crore[50][54] against budget of ₹3 crore.[55][56] Gandhi received Filmfare Award for Best Kannada Actress and Suvarna Fimfare Award for Best Actress for her performance in Dandupalya.[49] The film was dubbed in Telugu and released as Dandupalyam. It was well received in Andhra Pradesh.[57][58][59][60] A Tamil dub titled Karimedu was produced by Rama Narayanan's Sri Thenandal Films and released on 24 May 2013 to critical acclaim. it was hit in Tamil Nadu.[61][62] The film was dubbed in Malayalam and was titled as Kuruthikalam.[63] Critics heaped praise on Gandhi for her performance. Rediff.com claimed that she was "walks away with acting honours. She is a stunner with her vain looks sans makeup throughout the movie and she has lived her role exceptionally well."[64] while DNA's critic wrote that "viewers should not miss out on Pooja's performance."[65] Business Standard's critic stated that "Pooja Gandhi as the leader of the gang is brilliant and extremely confident in her role. While some may typecast her performance as cheap and unwelcoming, I believe it takes guts for a regular heroine to shed her image and agree to play such a gritty part. She definitely deserves special mention for proving cliches wrong."[66] The Times of India's critic stated that "Pooja Gandhi walks away with full honours."[67]

In 2013, Gandhi made her debut in Malayalam film with Maad Dad (2013) together with Lal and Meghana Raj.[68] Then she becomes Item number for the Mata fame Guruprasad's directed Kannada film Director's Special (2013). According to sources said that Gandhi had rejected a request to do a special song in Devarane film, following days Pooja accepted this offer only because director Guruprasad wrote this song keeping me in mind. That makes it special, she appears in the song as Chanchal Champakali.[69][70] In 2015, she starred and produced a film Abhinetri, also she introduced as Producer.[71]

In 2017, she starred in the Dandupalya 2,[72] which was the sequel of her previous film Dandupalya. In 2018 her next film was Dandupalya 3 or III, which was simultaneously released in Kannada, Telugu and Tamil languages.[73][74] acts along with almost same cast and crew.[75] Gandhi received critical acclaim from critics and audience for her performance in the film. The writer Sunayana Suresh of The Times of India, stated "Pooja Gandhi in her uninhibited avatar is another person who deserves applause."[76] The writer Sharadha of New Indian Express, stated that "Pooja Gandhi wins over the audience with her powerful performance."[77]

Politics[edit | edit source]

Gandhi joined the Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) party on 18 January 2012.[78]

She then joined briefly the KJP, but she finally contested the 2013 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections from Raichur on a BSR Congress ticket. This first attempt at public office proved unsuccessful.[79]

Controversy[edit | edit source]

Gandhi and Gandhi's film Dandupalya, criticised by social group Bahujan Samaj Horata Samiti for her controversial scene in this film, who claimed that its content was offensive. They objected specifically to the film's portrayal of women. Further controversy followed when it was revealed that actress Pooja Gandhi would appear topless in the film.[80][81]

After the release of the movie, Ambedkar Kranthi Sena activists demonstrated in Bengaluru against the film's "glorification of anti-social activities".[82][83]

"According to the dictionary, nudity means that you are not covered with a single item of clothing from head to toe. But in this scene, I have worn a sari and I am trying to cover my body, except for my back".

says Gandhi about her controversial scene in the film[84]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Language Notes Ref.
2001 Khatron Ke Khiladi Sangeeta Hindi Hindi debut [17]
2002 Dushmani Pooja [85]
2003 Tomake Salam Ankita Bengali Bengali debut [86]
2006 Kokki Raji Tamil Tamil debut [87]
Mungaru Male Nandini Kannada Kannada debut [88]
2007 Milana Priya [89]
Krishna Pooja Suvarna Film Awards for Best Actress [90]
Manmatha Herself Special appearance
Thottal Poo Malarum Herself Tamil Special appearance in the song "Vaadi Vambu Pennae"
Geleya Herself Kannada Special appearance in song "Hudugi Malebillu" [91]
2008 Vaitheeswaran Sanjana Tamil [92]
Hani Hani Pooja Kannada [93]
Accident Pooja
Kaamannana Makkalu Herself Special appearance in the song "Mungaru Male" [94]
Nee Tata Naa Birla Pooja
Taj Mahal Shruthi Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Kannada Actress [95]
Kodagana Koli Nungitha Lakshmi
Budhivanta Pooja [96]
Maharshi Manasa Veena
Janumada Gelathi Manjula
Thiruvannamalai Malathy Tamil
Haage Summane Nandini Kannada Special appearance
2009 Anu Anu
Thalai Ezhuthu Pooja Tamil [97]
Iniya Janaki Kannada
Huchchi Preethi
Ninagaagi Kaadiruve Shweta Nandan
Gokula Leela
2010 Minugu Sanchitha
Sri Harikathe Pooja Krishnamurthy
Nee Raani Naa Maharani Rani /
Pooja Gandhi
Vega herself
Mukkanti Geeta Telugu Telugu Debut [45]
2011 Thavarina Runa Ramya Kannada
Aptha Anjali Devi
Nee Illadhe Sharanya
I Am Aparna Hindi
Hare Rama Hare Krishna Rakshita Kannada
Panchamrutha Prithi
Jogayya Advocate Cameo appearance [98]
Paagal Pooja
2012 Dandupalya Lakshmi Suvarna Film Award for Best Actress
SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Negative Role
Nominated—Filmfare Award for Best Actress 		[99]
Jaihind Anjali [100]
Hosa Prema Purana Herself Special appearance in the song "sye sye Monika"
2013 Maad Dad Lisa Malayalam Malayalam debut [101]
Director's Special Herself Kannada Item number "Kannalle eshottu kolltiya" [102]
2014 Kalyanamasthu Radha
2015 Abhinetri Sharat Lata / Nanda Also producer [103]
Thippaji Circle Thippajji
2016 Kathe Chitrakathe Nirdeshana Puttanna Herself Guest appearance [104]
2017 Jilebi Jilebi [105]
Dandupalya 2 Kempi Dubbed in to Telugu as Dandupalyam 2 [106]
2018 Dandupalya 3 Lakshmi Dubbed in to Telugu as Dandupalyam 3 [107]
2021 Samhaarini Films that have not yet been released
TBA
post production [108]
Taggede Le Films that have not yet been released
TBA
Telugu Post production [109]

As producer[edit | edit source]

Title Year Language Notes Ref.
Abhinetri 2015 Kannada Debut as film producer [110]

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Totals
Awards won 4
Nominations 6

Awards[edit | edit source]

Year[lower-alpha 1] Category Award Film Result
2008 Best Actress Suvarna Film Awards Krishna Won[90]
2009 Best Actress Filmfare Awards South Taj Mahal Nominated[95]
2010 Most popular Actress Suvarna Film Awards Gokula Won[111]
2013 Best Actress in a Negative Role South Indian International Movie Awards Dandupalya Won[112]
Best Actress in a negative role Filmfare Awards South Nominated[113]
Best Actress Suvarna Film Awards Won[49]
  1. ↑ Refers to the year in which the ceremony was held.

Television shows[edit | edit source]

No Year Title Television Notes
1 2016 Bigg Boss Kannada 3 Colors Kannada Finale contestant

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday | eTimes". The Times of India.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Life on a high". The Hindu. 5 March 2010.
  3. ↑ "Sanjana rechristened as Pooja Gandhi". Indiaglitz. 10 April 2007.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Veerappan's wife Mutthulakshmi to narrate her hubby's tale on celluloid".
  5. ↑ "8 Outstanding Films to Celebrate Sandalwood Actress Pooja Gandhi's 36th Birthday - Zee5 News". 7 October 2019.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "She is Dr Pooja Gandhi now". The New Indian Express.
  7. ↑ "Gandhi is one of the highest paid actresses". sify.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
  8. ↑ "Raining troubles for male girl". Deccan Chronicle. July 2015.
  9. ↑ "Yeddyurappa ropes in Kannada filmstars to add to KJP's populist appeal". India Today.
  10. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi known to her fans as 'Male Hudugi' (Rain Girl)". www.sify.com. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017.
  11. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi who is always referred as the 'Male Hudugi' (Rain Girl) of the Kannada film industry". chitraloka.com.
  12. ↑ "Sriramulu steals star power from Yeddyurappa as Pooja Gandhi joins BSR Congress". India Today.
  13. ↑ "Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi runs away from posh Bengaluru hotel without paying bills". International Business Times. 19 March 2019.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Bigg Boss: Pooja Gandhi, Master Anand enter finale". The Times of India.
  15. ↑ "Bangalore Times Top 25 Most Desirable Women 2012 - Times of India". The Times of India.
  16. ↑ "Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women 2012 Pics | Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women 2012 Personal Photos - ETimes Photogallery".
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Khatron Ke Khiladi - Movie - - Box Office India".
  18. ↑ "Top five Sandalwood superhit sequel movies". The Times of India. 20 December 2018.
  19. ↑ "No makeup looks of Kannada actresses that will make your eyes pop".
  20. ↑ "Srinivas Raju, Pooja Gandhi team up for a mystery thriller".
  21. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi conferred with honorary doctorate". 15 November 2016.
  22. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi takes a plunge into politics, formally joins JD(S)". Filmibeat. 19 January 2012.
  23. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi to fight elections". The Times of India.
  24. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi loses election". The Times of India.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 "Mischievous to spiritual with movies in between". The Times of India. 10 January 2011. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 "mypoojagandhi.com". mypoojagandhi.com. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  27. ↑ "Actor Pooja Gandhi breaks up with fiance". 19 December 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  28. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi-Anand Gowda call off engagement - Times of India". The Times of India.
  29. ↑ Super Admin (29 July 2009). "Pooja Gandhi debuting in Bollywood movie". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  30. ↑ "'Mungaru Male' National record". Correspondent. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved 8 December 2007.
  31. ↑ "'Mungaru Male' the first film to Celebrate 865-days in Karnataka". The New Indian Express.
  32. ↑ "Premer Kahini". screenindia.com. Retrieved 4 November 2008.
  33. ↑ Imran, Ranbir in 'Mungaru Male' Bolly remake Archived 26 January 2013 at Archive.today. Movies.indiatimes.com (1 January 1970). Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  34. ↑ "Ganesh Bal: The outsider on the inside". Daily News & Analysis.
  35. ↑ "Mungaru Male – Movie Review". indicine.com.
  36. ↑ "Prithvi 50 days Raam 25 weeks!". indiaglitz.com. 11 June 2010. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 Ganesh starrer completes one year https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2008/ganesh-krishna-gaalipata-080108.html
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "'Taj Mahal' the winner!". IndiaGlitz. 8 November 2008.
  39. ↑ "Sivaji to both act and produce a film". 4 March 2009.
  40. ↑ "Taj Mahal". Sify.
  41. ↑ "Review: Taj Mahal".
  42. ↑ "2008– Top 5 films at the box-office". Sify.com. Archived from the original on 19 August 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  43. ↑ sify.com
  44. ↑ "I delivered hits and flops, but I've no regrets: Pooja Gandhi".
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "videos - IndiaGlitz.com".
  46. ↑ Malani, Gaurav (29 April 2011). "I AM: Movie Review". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  47. ↑ "Review Of I Am". Film Street Journal. 29 April 2011. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  48. ↑ "Vidya Balan wins National Award for 'The Dirty Picture'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 April 2013.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 "8 Outstanding Films to Celebrate Sandalwood Actress Pooja Gandhi's 36th Birthday - Zee5 News". 7 October 2019.
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 "'DANDUPALYAM-2' SET FOR JULY 14 RELEASE". indiaglitz. 27 June 2017.
  51. ↑ "Dandupalya collected ₹25 crore in Karnataka and along with its Telugu dubbed version collected ₹10 crore". sify.com. Archived from the original on 12 January 2016.
  52. ↑ "Dandupalya said to have made ₹25 crore in Karnataka". The Times of India.
  53. ↑ "Dandupalyam completes 100 days".
  54. ↑ "After KGF, Kurukshetra & Pailwaan, Dandupalya 4 to Set New Record by Releasing in 10 Languages - Filmibeat". 24 October 2019.
  55. ↑ "Sandalwood: Hits and misses of 2012". The New Indian Express.
  56. ↑ "No Sequel for Kannada film 'Dandupalya'". news18. 18 August 2012.
  57. ↑ "Rs 1-crore jail set for Dandupalyam 2". 12 June 2016.
  58. ↑ "Dandupalya is Karimedu in Tamil - Times of India". The Times of India.
  59. ↑ "'Dandupalyam-2' making updates - Malayalam News". 9 June 2016.
  60. ↑ "Dandupalya dubbed version a hit". The Times of India. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013.
  61. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi's Dandupalya is now Karimedu in Tamil". kollytalk.com. 9 May 2013.
  62. ↑ "Movie review: 'Karimedu' – spine chilling, realistic". Indo-Asian News Service. 24 May 2013.
  63. ↑ Kannada 'Danduplaya' to be remade in Hindi-https://www.news18.com/news/india/kannada-danduplaya-to-be-remade-in-hindi-489235.html
  64. ↑ Review: Dandupalya tells a spine chilling story – Rediff.com movies. M.rediff.com (29 June 2012). Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  65. ↑ Review: 'Dandupalya (Kannada)' & Updates at Daily News & Analysis. Daily News and Analysis. (30 June 2012). Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  66. ↑ "'Karimedu' - spine chilling, realistic film". Business Standard.
  67. ↑ G S Kumar (29 June 2012). "Dandupalya". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  68. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi comes to Malayalam". The New Indian Express.
  69. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi does an item number". The Times of India.
  70. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi's item number in Guruprasad's Director's Special". filmibeat.com. 6 August 2012.
  71. ↑ "Three Pooja Gandhi's ahead!". sify.com.
  72. ↑ "Dandupalya 2: Revisiting the birth of crime".
  73. ↑ "Looking at powerful and strong characters post Dandupalya: Pooja Gandhi".
  74. ↑ "5 Facts That You Need to Know About Srinivas Raju's Dandupalya! - Zee5 News". 9 May 2020.
  75. ↑ "III Review: Hard-hitting third part of the Dandupalya series".
  76. ↑ "Dandupalya 3 Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Dandupalya 3 by Times of India". The Times of India.
  77. ↑ "'Dandupalya III' movie review: Evil is reborn, but for one last time".
  78. ↑ "Actress Pooja Gandhi joins JDS". Mangalore Today. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  79. ↑ "Karnataka polls: Actress Pooja Gandhi badly flops in Raichur". 8 May 2013. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2010.
  80. ↑ Pooja Gandhi's Dandupalya facing hurdles for release. Oneindia.in (13 March 2012). Retrieved 26 May 2012.
  81. ↑ "Mungaaru Male girl Pooja Gandhi seems to have taken a bold step to stay in the race". filmibeat. 23 December 2011.
  82. ↑ "ಪೂಜಾಗಾಂಧಿ ಬೆತ್ತಲೆ ಪೋಸ್ಟರ್ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಪ್ರತಿಭಟನೆ". 21 January 2012.
  83. ↑ "Protest held against Dandupalya". The Hindu. 30 June 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  84. ↑ "I wasn't nude for the film: Pooja Gandhi". The Times of India.
  85. ↑ "Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi flees Bengaluru hotel without paying Rs 4.5 lakh in bills".
  86. ↑ https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/Pooja-Gandhi-first-acted-in-a-Bengali-film/articleshow/33436250.cms [dead link]
  87. ↑ "She is Dr Pooja Gandhi now!- The New Indian Express".
  88. ↑ "Mungaru Male: Records stand even after 12 years". bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2018.
  89. ↑ "Happy Birthday Puneeth Rajkumar: A look at the best Kannada movies of the actor | The Times of India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2021.
  90. ↑ 90.0 90.1 "Suvarna Awards". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 10 September 2017.
  91. ↑ "Watch Geleya Full HD Movie Online on ZEE5".
  92. ↑ https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/regional/movie-details/news-interviews/its-time-to-chill-pooja/articleshow/5034092.cms [dead link]
  93. ↑ "Hani Hani review. Hani Hani Kannada movie review, story, rating - IndiaGlitz.com".
  94. ↑ "Sudeep to repeat success with Kamannana Makkalu? - Times of India". The Times of India.
  95. ↑ 95.0 95.1 Srinidhi, Sharadha (26 July 2009). "Looking forward to meet Ramya: Radhika". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2011.
  96. ↑ "Kannada Box-Office (Nov 14- 20)". www.sify.com. Archived from the original on 30 April 2021.
  97. ↑ "Kannada actress Pooja Gandhi joins JD(S)".
  98. ↑ "Introducing Jogayya heroine".
  99. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi ('Dandupalya')". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 23 December 2021.
  100. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi turns patriotic in 'Jai Hind' | Film Reviews". Filmreviews.bizhat.com. 12 November 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2012.
  101. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi Latest News: Current News and Updates on Pooja Gandhi at News18".
  102. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi's item number in Director's Special - Times of India". The Times of India.
  103. ↑ "The rise and fall of an actress". 1 February 2015. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  104. ↑ "Pooja Gandhi returns to the big screen". The Times of India. 28 December 2015.
  105. ↑ "Jilebi Movie Review {2/5}: This film is ideally meant only for those who look for some titillation on screen". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2017.
  106. ↑ "Shamantakamani - TOI Mobile | The Times of India Mobile Site". m.timesofindia.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2017.
  107. ↑ "Dandupalya 3 Movie Review {3/5}: Critic Review of Dandupalya 3 by Times of India". timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018.
  108. ↑ "Samhaarini gets pooja Gandhi back in action". The New Indian Express.
  109. ↑ "Naveen Chandra:'తగ్గేదే లే' అంటున్న నవీన్ చంద్ర.. ఆసక్తికరంగా టీజర్ విడుదల". 15 October 2021.
  110. ↑ "Movie review 'Abhinetri': Tragedy of a film!". February 2015.
  111. ↑ "Gokula Awards & Nominations, National Awards, South Filmfare, Suvarna Awards, ETV, Udaya".
  112. ↑ Kamath, Sudhish (15 September 2013). "South Indian International Movie Awards". The Hindu.
  113. ↑ "60th Idea Filmfare Awards 2013 (South) Nominations | Filmfare.com".

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