Cine Personality
In Conversation with
Poonam Jangra
Actor and Founder – 4 Pillars Films
Mumbai
I love to be on sets (shooting) in front of camera or behind the camera as assistant director
You are highly educated. Our readers would like to know more about your educational qualifications and your interest in creative fields?
I am an economics graduate and also hold diplomas in computer science; both computer software and hardware.
Which was your first film that gave you recognition as an actor? What was the character you played?
One of my short films Maahwari became very famous on YouTube, many well-known actors like yashpal sharma ji n others specially called me to congratulate me for my performance.
Why you chose acting as your career?
I am a dancer and love dancing since my childhood. When I came in touch with theatre, I found it very interesting. Facing camera for the first time was a wonderful feeling. That’s when I decided to take it head on! Absolutely the spirit of ‘jeena yahan marna yahan’ captured within me.
Please tell us about your success journey from initial performances on television/ digital media to being a successful character artist?
Initially, I started with short films and ADs, later moved to films and TV shows. I think being consistent in my work brought me here.
You have played a mother in various projects. How challenging it was for you to play mother’s character in different shades?
I am a mother of two kids, so I know what emotions you carry being a mum. There are few situations you never want to face as a mother, but for cinema we have to do it. That makes it very challenging. I am in my late 30’s and some time I might be playing mother of 7-8 year younger kid and that itself is a challenge.
How has your experience been for the film “The Lost Girl” in a lead role? How satisfying was it to perform that role?
The Lost Girl would be my memorable film ever because this film brought me back to my roots I must say. Shooting in Haryana’s small villages made me recall my childhood memories. I have played all shades in this charecter which was an amazing part. I loved working with such a lovely set of people around me like Aaditya Ranolia and his entire family, my co-actor Bhupesh ji.
What are the best qualities you see in Aditya Ranoliya, the director of the film ‘The Lost Girl’?
He is a true captain of the ship, always smiling and making everyone happy around him. He knows what he wants from his actors but side by side gives you freedom to perform. I think calmness and perfection are his strength. These qualities bring the team together.
You are founder of “4 Pillars films”. What is your vision to establish your production?
When I started 4 Pillars Films, I had an objective. Haryana doesn’t have much options to work in films, hence our goals with 4 Pillars Films was simple, just give a platform to talented people.
What are your achievements as the founder of “4 Pillars films”?
I think we gave an idea to people that Haryana really needs its cinema and the young minds could learn more about cinema or film making.
In Bollywood Industry, one has to face a lot of criticism also, what is your experience? How do you deal with it?
Not only in Bollywood but in every field if you come prepared, you know your job well, then this devil of criticism would be afraid of you and stay a step away from you.
Which short film you love the most?
Short films in which I worked – Maahwari and Make-up are my favourite, other than that I loved few short films like Camera, Plus-Minus and Devi etc.
Please share few memorable moments of your career?
I love to be on sets (shooting) in front of the camera or behind the camera as assistant director. Every day going for work is memorable for me because these are like a dream come true moments for me. A woman from middle class family having two kids came to Mumbai to try her luck in film industry and got some really amazing work with amazing people is just like a dream. So for me being on set is memorable always, every single day.
