Pooja Hegde Breaks Silence: A Shocking Incident of Misconduct on a Pan-India Film Set

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry, actress Pooja Hegde has opened up about a distressing incident of misconduct involving a prominent co-star. The actress, known for her roles across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, shared the details on January 19, 2026, during a series of candid interviews while promoting her upcoming projects.

#The Encounter in the Vanity Van

The incident occurred during the filming of a major pan-India project earlier in her career. Hegde recounted how a leading male actor—whose identity she chose to keep anonymous—entered her private vanity van without her permission. She described the subsequent interaction as not only a breach of privacy but a deeply disrespectful encounter.

According to Hegde, the actor’s behavior inside the caravan was "obscene and disrespectful," leaving her feeling vulnerable and mentally disturbed. The actress stated that while she was initially stunned by the brazenness of his actions, she eventually reached a breaking point. In a moment of self-defense and frustration, she reportedly slapped the actor to force him out of her personal space.

Professional Fallout and the Use of Body Doubles

The aftermath of the confrontation highlights the difficult conditions many female actors face. Following the incident, Hegde made it clear to the production team that she would no longer share the screen with the individual. To complete the remaining portions of the film, the director was forced to use a body double for scenes involving the two together, ensuring they never had to face each other on set again.

This disclosure has reignited a fierce debate regarding "caravan culture" and the lack of stringent security protocols for actresses on film sets. Hegde emphasized that while she was excited about the project initially, the experience quickly turned into a source of immense professional distress.

A Pattern of Standing Her Ground

This is not the first time Pooja Hegde has spoken out against mistreatment. Her career has been marked by a firm refusal to tolerate unprofessionalism:

The Airline Feud (2022): She famously called out an airline staff member for an "arrogant and threatening" tone during a flight from Mumbai.

Dubai Safety Concerns (2023): She addressed rumors of death threats following a dispute at a club opening, emphasizing her right to personal safety.

The Fan Incident (2025): Hegde was recently lauded for her calm but firm handling of a fan who attempted to cross boundaries during a promotional event in Hyderabad.

Current Career Outlook: Jana Nayagan

Amidst this personal revelation, the actress is currently in the spotlight for her role in the highly anticipated Tamil film "Jana Nayagan." The movie, which stars Thalapathy Vijay in what is billed as his final cinematic appearance before entering politics, has been mired in its own controversies.

Initially set for a Pongal release on January 9, 2026, the film’s release has been delayed due to a high-profile legal battle with the Censor Board (CBFC). While distributors in Kerala have announced a tentative release for later this week, the pan-India release remains subject to a final ruling from the Madras High Court.

Pooja Hegde’s decision to speak out now is being seen as a powerful statement on the importance of dignity and boundaries in the workplace, proving that even at the height of stardom, the fight for a safe working environment continues.