In a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Pooja Hegde shared a career-highlight moment, one that began on the glamorous shores of Cannes. The vibrant track Monica from Coolie, featuring Pooja Hegde in full star mode, found its way to Italian screen legend Monica Bellucci. Her reaction was simple but powerful: she loved it.
For Pooja Hegde, the praise carried special weight. “That’s the biggest compliment ever,” she said. “I’ve always admired Monica Bellucci. She’s iconic – her presence, her unique style, her voice… she never had to do much to make an impact.” She also credited Tamil fans for sparking the connection. “A lot of people were commenting on her Instagram, and Tamil fans kept saying, ‘Please watch Coolie’s song.’ Social media really made that bridge happen.”
The timing made it even sweeter. Lokesh Kanagaraj had recently told her Monica was placed for commercial impact – a sign, she felt, that she brought real value to the project. “If my presence helps sell tickets, that’s exciting. It tells me I can contribute to a film’s success, and that’s what matters.”
With Coolie, a high-octane action entertainer starring Rajinikanth, Pooja Hegde cements her presence in pan-Indian cinema. And with Monica, she’s added a rare cross-continental seal of approval.