Exclusive! Poonam Pandey: Hoping Lock Upp breaks the stereotype around me

Poonam Pandey, who is often known for her sensuality, has been confirmed as the third contestant on Kangana Ranaut-hosted show Lock Upp. The model-actress-influencer has been stereotyped as an actress who only does sensual roles. With Lock Upp though, Poonam hopes to break that stereotype.

While talking to OTTplay, the actress spoke about trolls, how people react around her and her strong desire to prove herself as an actor. Of course, she also spoke about being locked up and in the public eye 24x7. Excerpts…

Your name was one of the first that people guessed when it came to Lock Upp. How tough was it to wait for the official announcement? Did anybody know for sure that you are up to this?

I totally kept this a secret. We were in talking terms and even shot for a few things. During that time, I’m seeing that there are articles going out that I’m a confirmed contestant. I just kept thinking ‘who did this!’ and was freaking out. I would get calls and had to decline everything. I hadn’t even informed my mother. I thought I wouldn’t inform anybody on this planet till all the contracts are sorted and everything is in place. It’s very unprofessional, you know. Even if the contracts are sorted, it is more professional to confirm it when the show-makers announce and confirm things. I have to wait for the green signal from them. That’s how it works. Yes, it was tough because I would get papped in the city and the media people tell me that I am doing the show. I would ask them who told them. I used to play around but also like the fact that people are excited for me to be a part of the show. I was so happy to see others happy that I’m working and back in the game.

Poonam is a s** siren. Everyone knows you for that one aspect. Does it get tough living like that? Because you would have to constantly sniff out predators and figure who actually means well and is a fan. What is life on social media like?

Yes, it is quite a tough life. Not that I regret having the entire projection about me out there as a “s** siren”, like you mentioned. Wherever I go, the kind of response I get from people and the way people look at me or the way they want to talk to me, it’s a little bizarre sometimes. Of course, I like the attention. Not that I deny the entire air around me but yes, sometimes, certain comments and reactions do bother me. Yeah, life has been a roller-coaster, literally and a big one. Everything that has been happening in my life since I was 18-year-old, I have just been dealing with things back-to-back. People would meet me and get surprised because I’m a normal person. When I ask them if they expected me to be an alien, they just end up saying I’m super cool, which is a good sign.

You have been charged with being 'extremely bothered'. Elaborate on that.

Extremely bothered in a lot of sense. I am bothered about a lot of things which I will only speak about once I’m in the Lock Upp. I want people to know what I’m extremely bothered about.

Since you are coming to Lock Upp, you would be unfiltered. You will be on cameras 24x7, where you could have a breakdown and the world will witness you. So, what made you decide that you should go ahead with this?

I’m tired of having the shield in front of me where I have to be robotic and not worry about what people think about me. The trolls do bother me because I’ve come from a middle-class Brahmin family and made it till here. So, whatever I have, I have done it on my own. My entire family isn’t connected to Bollywood. I’m a total outsider. (Speaks in Marathi) Maajhi Marathi khub chaangli aahe (I speak Marathi well). I want people to know me. I might not have got a better platform than Lock Upp. The universe has actually been quite kind to give me something so interesting.

Where do you see yourself after Lock Upp?

My expectations are to work. I just want to work, so I’m looking forward to some more projects which will keep me busy because that’s one thing I’m looking forward to – just be busy, put make-up on, be a strong woman and go out there and work – that’s what I want to do.

Since we spoke about work, people know you for your Bollywood movie Nasha even today. You did try your luck in the industry but things didn’t work out. What is the plan with that? Did you get stereotyped? What really happened there?

I did get stereotyped. What I’ve realized in Bollywood is that if you do a certain subject then people would consider you only in that one bracket and you would start getting roles and projects according to the persona you are, which is okay. It is not a problem at all because it is me who has made that character (referring to Nasha) out there. I shouldn’t be complaining today if I’m getting those sorts of offers. It’s completely fine. The only thing I want is to get a better role – where I can also act apart from showing my sensuality. What I’m liking right now is that I’ve got this gorgeous offer and hope to do my best. After Lock Upp maybe we will get to see more stuff about me.

So, you are expecting Lock Upp to help you break that stereotype about you?

Absolutely! I am totally upfront and honest about it. I told the show-makers who I am and what I want. They’re very beautiful people who agreed instantly. They’re just amazing people. I’m so grateful I got this chance to work with such beautiful professionals.