‘I wanna rock in a bikini at 80!’

Mona

An imperfect love story full on masala is how Poonam Pandey labels her upcoming film The Journey of Karma. Paired opposite Shakti Kapoor, this ‘lust’ story charts the journey of a slum girl who wants to reach the stars.

“Just like the character I portray in the film, I too had to struggle a lot to be where I am,” opens up Poonam to rather dejected crowd that hoped to see her sultry side as she came promoting her film. But unlike the bold reds and blacks that she is usually seen in on social media, she was dressed rather demurely in white. 

Ask her about her co-star Shakti Kapoor, Poonam labels working with him a privilege, “He carries with him the experience of some 700 films. I have seen him on screen right from my childhood; sharing screen with him was huge for the actor in me.” 

The trailer shows some steamy scenes between the couple. “That sure was awkward, more than me Shakti ji was worried lest it rocks his family life.” But this plot of the story is what Poonam totally relates too. 

Question her on #MeToo, she goes, “I am sure you wouldn’t find a single girl who has not been scathed by sexual innuendoes,” but this actor is not ready to share her story as yet. 

About controversies like offering to strip for the Indian Cricket team and others, Poonam laughs, “I like to grab the eyeballs be it with my pictures or statements.” As for her family, her parents have gotten used to it now. “They love me and know pretty well that if something has come to my mind I am going to do it.”

As for her career graph, she says nothing is ever going to be enough. “When I started, being on Kingfisher calendar was huge, then followed magazine covers and films, I am enjoying every bit of it and wish to carry it through all my life.”

Lately, she has garnered loads of female following, “While I am used to male attention, it’s women who are calling me hot,” giggles Poonam, happy to have her share of attention and love.

Ask about trollers, and she says, “When Salman Khan started to bare his chest, people made fun of that. Now that’s his style statement. I value my trollers that at least they take time to acknowledge me.”

The Journey of Karma releases on October 26.

Age no bar

The Journey of Karma traces a track of relationship between Poonam Pandey and Shakti Kapoor. What does she feel about the age gap in real relationships - Anup Jalota and Jasleen Matharu, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. “What’s love got to do with age,” she questions, “And who doesn’t want Nick Jonas. I am jealous of Priyanka.” As for Shakti Kapoor, “You will see him in positive light in the film,” she tips.

mona@tribunemail.com