Personal Life & Career

Pooja Kanwal is fast becoming a rising star on television. Her show Palampur Express, a daily show on Sony Entertainment Television, is becoming quite popular, thanks to its unique story of a girl\'s dream to become an Olympic runner.

This may be her first show but she is not new to showbiz. Daughter of popular actress Anita Kanwal, Pooja has been appearing in ads and films since the age of 17. She had debuted with the Rajashri film, Uff Kya Jadoo Mohabbat Hai in 2004.

The 24-year-old has done South, Punjabi and Pakistani films as well.

Rajul Hegde caught up with the young star on the sets of Palampur Express to know more.

What made you take up this show?

I couldn\'t resist this offer because it sounded so original and innovative. I always wanted to do author-backed roles. This show is different and I didn\'t want to do a regular kind of indoor show. I was very clear that when I do television, it has to revolve around the main protagonist. I\'m getting to do that here, and it\'s a very progressive show. It gives incentives to young girls to make a mark in this field. And now, television is as big as films. I am glad to be part of such an encouraging show.

Are you a sports person?

No. I have always been a dancer [she\'s been dancing for 11 years]. For eight years I learnt western dance and then moved on to Kathakali because it has more dimension. Any classical form of dance helps actresses.

But I am a fitness freak. I had tried my hand at martial arts when I was seven-eight years old. I have always been into some form of physical activity but not sports.

I was training to become an actress, so I took up dance and plays in school and college.

Filmography

As Actor