Reacting to news reports about rejecting a Mani Ratnam offer, actress Pooja Hedge clarifies that she didn’t really say ‘no’ to Mani sir. “There is no such thing as rejecting a Mani Ratnam film. He’s one of the directors I dream of working with. It is a little disheartening to see reports that I said ‘no’ to him,” says Pooja.
The actress, who recently bagged Ashutosh Gowariker’s Mohenjo-daro opposite Hrithik Roshan, explains, “Mani sir’s associates got in touch with my manager and I flew down to Chennai to meet him. We had a small chat and he even elaborated on the role, which I was offered. Even when I met him, it was more like a fan meeting the director. I’ve grown up watching his films and have loved every single project of his. That short meeting was more like a learning experience for me. I was blown away by the way he spoke about cinema, and I know he is Mani Ratnam for a reason. How can people say I rejected his offer?”
Then why didn’t she take up his film? “I had already signed Ashutosh’s film by then, and the film would take around six months. I am required to sport a certain look, which is why I can’t take up any other project. In fact, I haven’t signed anything else since I want to give my undivided time to Ashu sir’s film. It is just sad that I couldn’t take up Mani sir’s film since the dates were clashing. I meant no disrespect to him. I hope to work with him in the future,” clarifies Pooja.