This Bollywood Actress, Who Once Acted With Salman Khan, Now Struggling To Make Ends Meet

The journey from obscurity to stardom is often arduous and filled with trials and tribulations. Pooja Dadwal, an actress who initially gained fame with her debut film Veergati alongside Salman Khan in 1995, experienced the highs and lows of the entertainment industry.

Born on January 5, 1977, in Mumbai, Pooja harboured a childhood dream of making it big in Bollywood. Despite completing her education in Mumbai, she joined acting classes, hoping to carve a niche for herself in the film industry. At the age of 17, her destiny took a turn when she received an offer to star opposite Salman Khan in Veergati.

Unfortunately, the film didn’t fare well at the box office, and Pooja struggled to attain the recognition she aspired for in the industry. Undeterred, she shifted her focus to television, featuring in popular shows like Aashiqui (1999) and Gharana (2001). Despite her success on the small screen, Bollywood offers remained elusive.

Facing challenges, Pooja decided to write a new chapter by getting married and relocating to Goa with her husband. There, she managed her husband’s casino. However, her life took a tragic turn in 2018 when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis. Her in-laws and husband abandoned her upon learning about her illness, leaving her alone in Mumbai.

In her time of need, a benevolent well-wisher, Rajendra Singh, admitted her to a government hospital. With no financial support, Pooja reached out to Salman Khan through a heartfelt video message on YouTube, seeking assistance for her treatment. Salman promptly stepped in, covering all her medical expenses for the next six months.

Upon partial recovery, Pooja found herself in a chawl in Mumbai, where she made a comeback in 2020 with the Punjabi film Shukrana: Guru Nanak Dev Ji. However, the film did not meet expectations, and she once again faced challenges.

In an interview, Pooja revealed that her friend and director Rajendra Singh suggested she start a tiffin business for a livelihood. He provided her with the necessary space and equipment for the venture. Presently, Pooja resides in a chawl, running her tiffin service, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

This narrative reflects the tumultuous journey of Pooja Dadwal, who, despite setbacks, continues to navigate the unpredictable waters of the entertainment industry with courage and resilience.