Introduction
Pooja Gandhi is a well-known Indian actress and producer who primarily works in Kannada cinema. She has earned significant recognition for her performances in several successful films, making her a household name in the South Indian film industry. With a career spanning over a decade, Pooja Gandhi has established herself as a versatile actress known for her compelling performances, stunning looks, and strong on-screen presence. She gained widespread fame with the blockbuster Mungaru Male (2006) and has continued to be an influential figure in Kannada cinema.
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Sanjana Gandhi |
| Stage Name | Pooja Gandhi |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1983 |
| Age | 40 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Profession | Actress, Producer |
| Debut Film | Kokki (2006, Tamil) |
| Notable Film | Mungaru Male (2006, Kannada) |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
Physical Stats
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | 56 kg (123 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Measurements | 34-28-36 |
Early Life & Education
Pooja Gandhi was born in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, into a Punjabi family. Her father, Pawan Gandhi, was a businessman, and her mother, Jyoti Gandhi, was a homemaker. She has two younger sisters, one of whom, Radhika Gandhi, is also an actress. Pooja completed her schooling in Delhi before venturing into the world of entertainment. From a young age, she was passionate about acting and modeling, which eventually led her to pursue a career in cinema.
Film Career
Pooja Gandhi started her acting journey in Tamil cinema with the film Kokki in 2006. However, her breakthrough came the same year when she made her Kannada debut with the romantic drama Mungaru Male, directed by Yogaraj Bhat. The film became an all-time blockbuster, running for more than a year in theaters and setting a record in Kannada cinema. Her performance as Nandini in Mungaru Male won her immense praise, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses in Sandalwood.
Following her success in Mungaru Male, Pooja starred in several successful Kannada films, including:
- Milana (2007) – A romantic drama alongside Puneeth Rajkumar, which was another massive success at the box office.
- Taj Mahal (2008) – A romantic film that was well-received by audiences.
- Gokula (2009) – A drama film where she showcased her acting versatility.
- Dandupalya (2012) – One of her most controversial and critically acclaimed films, where she portrayed a complex character based on real-life incidents.
Over the years, Pooja Gandhi has worked in multiple film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali. However, it is her contribution to Kannada cinema that has made her a celebrated actress.
Filmography
| Year | Film Name | Language |
| 2006 | Kokki | Tamil |
| 2006 | Mungaru Male | Kannada |
| 2007 | Milana | Kannada |
| 2008 | Taj Mahal | Kannada |
| 2009 | Gokula | Kannada |
| 2010 | Anu | Kannada |
| 2011 | Aptha | Kannada |
| 2012 | Dandupalya | Kannada |
| 2013 | Jaihind 2 | Kannada |
| 2015 | Dandupalya 2 | Kannada |
| 2018 | Dandupalya 3 | Kannada |
Pooja Gandhi has acted in over 50 films, with several hits to her name. Her ability to portray diverse roles, from romantic leads to intense dramatic characters, has solidified her reputation as a versatile actress.
Affairs & Personal Life
Pooja Gandhi’s personal life has often been a topic of discussion. She was briefly engaged in 2012, but the engagement was called off due to personal reasons. Over the years, she has been linked with several personalities from the film industry, but she has kept her private life largely away from the media.
Despite her fame, Pooja has maintained a low profile regarding her relationships. As of 2024, she is reportedly single and focused on her career.
Net Worth & Earnings
| Attribute | Details |
| Net Worth | $5 million (Approx.) |
| Income Source | Acting, Production, Brand Endorsements |
| Per Movie Fee | ₹50-75 Lakhs |
| Luxury Assets | Owns multiple properties and luxury cars |
Pooja Gandhi is among the highest-paid actresses in Kannada cinema. She has earned a significant fortune through films, endorsements, and investments. She also ventured into film production, further increasing her net worth.
Awards & Achievements
Pooja Gandhi has received numerous accolades for her performances. Some of her major awards include:
- Suvarna Film Award – Best Actress for Mungaru Male (2007)
- South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) – Best Actress for Dandupalya (2012)
- Filmfare Award South Nomination – Best Actress in Kannada Cinema
- Karnataka State Film Award Nomination – Best Actress
Her exceptional performances, particularly in films like Mungaru Male and Dandupalya, have earned her a strong fan base and critical appreciation.
Political Career
Apart from acting, Pooja Gandhi has also been active in politics. She joined Janata Dal (Secular) in 2012 but later switched to Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP). However, her political career did not take off as expected, and she eventually distanced herself from active politics.
Despite her short-lived political career, she remains a socially active personality, supporting various charitable causes and women’s empowerment initiatives.
Controversies
Like many celebrities, Pooja Gandhi has been involved in several controversies, including:
- Legal Disputes – She was involved in a few financial disputes over remuneration and film contracts.
- Political Issues – Her shifting of political parties led to criticism.
- Dandupalya Controversy – The film faced legal battles due to its sensitive subject matter, but her role was widely appreciated.
Despite these controversies, Pooja Gandhi has managed to sustain a successful career in Kannada cinema.
Conclusion
Pooja Gandhi remains one of the most celebrated actresses in Kannada cinema, known for her exceptional performances and stunning screen presence. From a promising debut in Mungaru Male to becoming a powerhouse performer in films like Dandupalya, she has proven her mettle time and again. With a strong fan base and a lasting impact on Sandalwood, Pooja Gandhi continues to be a significant name in the industry.
