Poonam Dhillon
"Laila" [1984]
Often profiled in storybook terms Poonam Dhillon radiates an aura of eternal optimism. Truly her life embodied fairy tale qualities. As a teenager she won the title of Miss India 1977 and then gained more national exposure as a cover girl and top magazine model. Legendary director Yash Chopra then chose her to act in his next film, "Trishul" that starred an all star cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Raakhee, Shashi Kapoor, and Sanjeev Kapoor. In the film, Chopra picturized her over a song wearing a revealing bathing suit and Poonam Dhillon became an instant Bollywood sensation.
Soon she was an A List star and for the next 10 years she starred in dozens of films opposite all the top heroes of the day. In 1988 she married the film producer Ashok Thakeria in a celebrated Bollywood love match. Unlike many other actresses of the day Poonam did not retire from acting and continued her career. She had two children and proved that motherhood and a career could be compatible for an Indian woman.
"Laila" [1984]
Often profiled in storybook terms Poonam Dhillon radiates an aura of eternal optimism. Truly her life embodied fairy tale qualities. As a teenager she won the title of Miss India 1977 and then gained more national exposure as a cover girl and top magazine model. Legendary director Yash Chopra then chose her to act in his next film, "Trishul" that starred an all star cast that included Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Raakhee, Shashi Kapoor, and Sanjeev Kapoor. In the film, Chopra picturized her over a song wearing a revealing bathing suit and Poonam Dhillon became an instant Bollywood sensation.
Soon she was an A List star and for the next 10 years she starred in dozens of films opposite all the top heroes of the day. In 1988 she married the film producer Ashok Thakeria in a celebrated Bollywood love match. Unlike many other actresses of the day Poonam did not retire from acting and continued her career. She had two children and proved that motherhood and a career could be compatible for an Indian woman.