From Stardom to Struggles: Pooja Dadwal's Journey in Mumbai
From Salman Khan’s co-star to survival in a Mumbai chawl: Veergati actress Pooja Dadwal now runs a small tiffin service
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Pooja Dadwal, known for her role alongside Salman Khan in the 1995 film 'Veergati', now lives in a small chawl in Mumbai and runs a tiffin service to support herself. After battling severe tuberculosis and facing personal hardships, she continues to navigate life away from the film industry.
- 01Pooja Dadwal debuted in Bollywood at 17 with 'Veergati' alongside Salman Khan.
- 02After a series of personal and professional setbacks, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2018.
- 03Salman Khan helped cover her medical expenses during her illness.
- 04Currently, she lives in a small chawl in Mumbai and operates a tiffin service.
- 05Despite attempts to return to acting, her career has not revived.
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Pooja Dadwal, an actress who gained recognition for her role in the 1995 film 'Veergati' alongside Salman Khan, has faced significant challenges since her early days in Bollywood. After her debut at just 17 years old, Dadwal struggled to find consistent acting opportunities and eventually transitioned to television with shows like 'Aashiqui' and 'Gharana'. However, her career did not flourish as anticipated. Following her marriage and a move to Goa, her life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with severe tuberculosis in 2018. This illness led to financial difficulties and personal abandonment, leaving her without support in Mumbai. A well-wisher admitted her to a government hospital, and after appealing for help, actors Ravi Kishan and Salman Khan intervened, with Khan covering her medical expenses for six months, which she credits with saving her life. Despite her recovery, Dadwal's struggles continued as she moved into a small 10x10 chawl in Mumbai, working as a domestic helper. She attempted a comeback in the Punjabi film 'Shukarana: Guru Nanak Dev Ji Ka' in 2020, but it did not revive her acting career. Today, she leads a modest life, running a tiffin service to make ends meet.
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Pooja Dadwal's story highlights the challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry, especially after health crises, emphasizing the need for support systems for artists.
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