Pooja Sawant, one of the most popular and beautiful actresses, is in news these days for different reasons. She announced on social media that ‘She is Taken’. Pooja has been hitched by a handsome hunk #SiddheshChavan from Australia and both are deeply in love. Her Instagram posts, in recent times, are lovey dovey and it purely indicates that she is madly in love with her partner Siddhesh. Let’s take a look at some of her social media posts.
#PoojaSawant’s new movie ‘#Musafira’ is ready for release which is produced and directed by Pushkar Jog. It’s a travel movie which is entirely shot in picturesque Scotland. During one of the promotional events, Pooja Sawant interacted with our Sr Editor Keerti Kadam. Excerpts.
Your face is oozing with happiness. You recently announced about your ‘Musafira’. Tell us more about him.
I am in a happy space at the moment. I have met my life partner and we are getting married soon. His name is Siddhesh Chavan and he is not from film industry. In fact he did not even know that I was/am an actress. It so happened that my friend’s mother suggested Siddhesh’s name for me for marriage. When I first saw his photo, I was impressed. Frankly many, including myself, had thought that I’ll go in for a love marriage. So this was initially an arranged marriage. I called him and we spoke briefly. Later we started talking on phone a lot and that time I had an inkling that he is the right person for me. Then when we started meeting, I got to know him better and gradually both of us fell in love with each other. This went on for about a year and half and when we were sure that we were made for each other, we told our consent to our parents. So mine is arranged cum love marriage. Our parents are working out the details about it. I am embarking on a new journey.
Now let us talk about your film ‘Musafira’…
The movie is based on layers of friendships. In friendship everyone enjoys, sings, cries, plays and even fights sometimes. But true friendship remains strong. The film will remind one of a long lost friend. The movie is a travel film and is shot in Scotland. This is a first Indian film to have shot on Scotland Highland’s ‘Isle of Skye’. The Isle of Skye is known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, medieval castles and outstanding scenery. The entire unit used to climb it, shoot for a few hours and used to climb down. It used to be chilly but we female artists had to shoot in normal clothes. It was challenging but after watching the film, I feel it was worth it.
You said about the cold weather. How challenging it was shooting in that condition?
Very difficult. Due to chilly weather, it was difficult to emote, the right expressions were missing. We shot in Scotland for about 20-25 days. Other thing I learnt that if you eat in cold weather, you feel more cold. Surprising but true. Maybe after an hour or so one gets the warmth of food eaten. I abhor cold. Even when I am driving in Mumbai, my AC is comparatively on a high temperature, so shooting in cold weather was a task for me. Moreover, though it was cold, there used to be enough sunshine which was detrimental for my skin. I got tanned due to the excessive sunshine. So you know, actor’s life is not easy. They have to go through so many difficulties, obstacles while offering entertainment.
Any special things you did in Scotland?
Yes. I did sky diving because it was part of the shoot. Otherwise I wouldn’t have gone closer to it. I am not adventurous at all. In fact when the scene was narrated to me, I was damn scared. The helicopter takes you at the top of the mountain and only two passengers are allowed at a time. I compelled Pushkar (Jog) to accompany me because he was the reason I was going to sky dive. When we went up, he elegantly jumped but when my turn came I had cold feet. But the instructor was very sweet and gave me the moral support. I jumped but with eyes closed. I was relieved but I’ll never venture out to do something like this again.
Pooja Sawant won a beauty pageant ‘Maharashtra Times Shravan Queen’ and knocked on the doors of film industry. She debuted Marathi films with ‘Kshanbhar Vishranti’ which was a multi starrer and had reputed actors like Sachit Patil, Bharat Jadhav, Siddharth Jadhav, Hemant Dhome, Sonalee Kulkarni, Manava Naik, Kadambari Kadam playing leads. She went on to play different characters in various movies including Poshter Boyz, Dagadi Chawl, Vrundavan, Cheater, Bonus, Betli Tu Punha, Bus Stop, Vijeta which was produced by Showman Subhash Ghai. Pooja debuted Hindi films with ‘Junglee’ with Vidyut Jammwal.
You did a Hindi film Junglee but after that we haven’t seen you in other Hindi film. Any specific reason?
Frankly it is difficult to decipher how the casting is done. Being a good actor may not be the criteria, I guess. I have been auditioning for Hindi projects. But I am getting good work in Marathi. I think that one should not run after illusion. I am doing great scripts in Marathi and feel at home here. I did Junglee with Vidyut Jammwal. He is a well behaved and nicer guy. He doesn’t get trapped into the glitz and glamour of film industry. He is away from designer clothes, expensive accessories etc. He is very sorted and that’s why he is an inspiration to many, including me.
You are not seen much in films these days. What’s the reason?
I have constantly been busy. I have done four films which are in post production stages. A lot of producers complete shoot and do not pay attention later to their projects. It affects the release factor for which I do not have any control. But in the case of ‘Musafira’, Pushkar completed the shoot in time and is ready to release the film. I admire his professionalism. Pushkar is real fast. But my other films including ‘My Dad’s Wedding’, ‘Runanubandh’ are stuck in technical finishing.
How was it working with Pushkar Jog, the director?
He is cool, always. Even in a chaotic situation he doesn’t lose his cool. He is a team man and takes care of everyone. Because he is so sweet, everybody cooperates with him. He has done a brilliant job in ‘Musafira’.
What is your secret of beauty?
I am very disciplined. Everyday I get up at 5. I do my exercises and never forget to soak in morning sunlight, a great source of Vitamin D. Morning exercises give me energy. I like to intake pure oxygen and pure water. Somehow I do not like gymming. Instead I prefer walking or jogging. Jogging, listening to your favourite music, is like meditation for me. I do not follow any diet. I am from a Konkan region and rice is our staple diet. Once, one dietician advised me to change my diet and to give up rice, I changed the dietician.
