Pooja Hegde has become a prominent name in Indian cinema, navigating a diverse range of roles across Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil film industries. As she continues her cinematic journey, several new-age collaborations are on the horizon, pairing her with actors like Varun Dhawan, Ishaan Khatter, and Siddhant Chaturvedi. These projects showcase her versatility and highlight the evolving landscape of Bollywood partnerships.
One of the most anticipated collaborations is with Varun Dhawan in the upcoming romantic comedy, Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. Directed by David Dhawan, the film is slated for release on April 10, 2026. This project marks a significant venture for both actors, blending Dhawan's comedic timing with Hegde's charm. The film also stars Mrunal Thakur and Mouni Roy. Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai promises to be a delightful addition to their filmographies, tapping into the popular genre of romantic comedies with a fresh and contemporary twist. BTS photos of Varun and Pooja recreating the popular 90s song ‘Chunari Chunari’ went viral, creating even more buzz around the movie. Varun Dhawan has a busy schedule with movies like Bhediya 2, Border 2, and Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari also in the pipeline.
Pooja Hegde is also set to share screen space with Ishaan Khatter. While specific details about their project remain under wraps, this pairing represents a fresh dynamic in Bollywood. Ishaan Khatter, known for his roles in Dhadak and Beyond the Clouds, brings a youthful energy and a knack for portraying complex characters. In 2025, Khatter starred in the Netflix series The Royals opposite Bhumi Pednekar and Homebound which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Ishaan's ability to blend into diverse roles will be interesting to see alongside Pooja’s acting style.
Another exciting collaboration for Pooja Hegde is with Siddhant Chaturvedi. Chaturvedi, who gained recognition for his performance in Gully Boy, has proven his mettle with roles in Gehraiyaan and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Siddhant is set to appear in Dhadak 2 and Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling in 2025. This pairing has the potential to bring a unique blend of intensity and charisma to the screen.
In addition to these Bollywood ventures, Pooja Hegde continues to be a sought-after name in South Indian cinema. She recently starred in the Tamil film Retro alongside Suriya, where she played a veterinarian. She is also set to reunite with Vijay in Jana Nayagan. Furthermore, she will make a special appearance in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie starring Rajinikanth, alongside actors Nagarjuna, Upendra, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan. In April 2025, Hegde hinted at a possible reunion with Allu Arjun, expressing her interest in collaborating with him again if the right story comes along. The duo, known for their on-screen chemistry in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham, has a massive fan following.
Pooja Hegde's journey in Bollywood has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. Despite initial setbacks, she has persevered, building a strong career through dedication and hard work. In an interview in March 2025, Hegde emphasized the importance of opportunities and the need to constantly hustle in the industry. She acknowledged the welcoming nature of South filmmakers and expressed her desire to strike a balance between Hindi and South Indian films.
These new-age collaborations signify a promising chapter in Pooja Hegde's career, showcasing her adaptability and appeal to a wide audience. As she teams up with Varun Dhawan, Ishaan Khatter, Siddhant Chaturvedi, and other leading stars, Pooja Hegde is set to leave a lasting impact on Indian cinema, solidifying her position as one of the industry's most versatile and dynamic actresses.
