Birthday Special: 10 Things to Know About Former Miss India & '80s Favorite Heroine Poonam Dhillon

Poonam Dhillon is a familiar name to all those who grew up in the ‘80s. She was a favorite actress among the movie buffs in those days. This beautiful Bollywood actress had a “girl next door” vibe and worked with some of the great directors of that era. She became Femina Miss India back in 1977 and then forayed into Hindi movies. So, she was one of the earliest actresses in Bollywood who started as a beauty queen (a formula that is still followed by many models and beauty contest winners).

 

She became one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood in the ‘80s. Her pairing with Rajesh Khanna was hit and they featured in many Bollywood Super Hit movies together. In the crowd of Sridevi, Jaya Prada, Padmini Kolhapure, etc. Poonam Dhillon was known as the cutest Bollywood actress of that era.

This beautiful Bollywood leading lady will turn 59 this 18th April 2021 and here is a list of things about Poonam Dhillon that you don’t know: -

1.    Poonam Dhillon was born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh but due to her father’s service in the Indian Air Force, she stayed in many Indian cities. Her father was an aeronautical engineer while her mother was a school principal. So, the culture of academics was strong in her family. Both her siblings are doctors and she also aspired to become one but destiny had some different plans for her.

2.       The beautiful Poonam was barely 16 when she was crowned the Femina Miss Young India 1978.

3.     She was signed by legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra for his big-budget movie Trishul. Poonam Dhillon said she was still completing school when Yash Ji discovered her and talked to her parents about her Bollywood debut. She returned to Chandigarh to complete her studies after the shoot. But Yash Chopra offered her Noorie too and she came to Mumbai again without any further plans. As the movie was completed, she didn’t want to go back to Chandigarh.

4.       Apart from a prolific Bollywood career, she has also done theater successfully. She has been featured in the award-winning famous play named “The Perfect Husband”. She is currently seen in the play named “The Perfect Wife” which has several shows in the United States and Dubai.

5.     Not only in Bollywood, but her fame was intact down South too. She featured in Yuddha Kaanda - a 1989 Kannada Blockbuster movie. It was the official remake of the Bollywood Super Hit Movie Meri Jung. You can watch this Kannada Language movie online on Mzaalo and win exciting reward coins from brands like Clayton Fashion Jewels, Skull Candy, Sirona Hygiene, etc.

6.       Yuddha Kaanda became one of the highest-grossing Indian movies of that year.

7.    One of Poonam’s much-acclaimed Bollywood movies was Tawaif directed by B. R. Chopra. This movie won two Filmfare Awards. Download Mzaalo - the free online movie app for your android or iOS and watch this Hit Bollywood movie online on Mzaalo for free.

8.       She married Bollywood film producer Ashok Thakeria in 1988 and separated in 1997.

9.     Apart from being a top Bollywood actress, Poonam Dhillon also runs a business. She pioneered the concept of “make-up” vans in the Indian Film Industry. Her makeup van business is going strong and the name of her brand is Vanity.

10 Do you know that Poonam has been a prominent speaker at the SAARC business summits in Kathmandu and Delhi? She was even appointed a cultural ambassador. This multi-talented lady also spoke at the MINDMINE event. And in 2012, along with other celebrities, Poonam Dhillon participated in a show supporting the “Save and Empower the Girl Child” cause in collaboration with the Lilavati Hospital.