From a young age, Poonam Jhangra was drawn to the stage. Born and raised in Rohtak, Haryana, she discovered her love for dance early in life—a passion she inherited from her mother, who was not only strong-willed but also deeply fond of dance. This love soon became her gateway to theatre, where she honed her craft for more than eleven years before stepping into films.
“Acting came to me organically. Things just happened. From short films on YouTube to my first big project Chhalaang, it has been a gradual yet fulfilling journey,” she reflects. She later appeared in The Lost Girl (2024), and is currently part of Zee TV’s daily drama Tumse Tum Tak, where she plays a family role alongside Sharad Kelkar and Niyati Choksi.
Overcoming Barriers
Coming from a traditional background, pursuing acting was far from easy. “In the early 2000s, it was tough to even dream of moving to Mumbai. My family wasn’t supportive and I had to lock my dreams away for a while. But I always believed in manifestation,” she says with conviction.
Before fully entering acting, Poonam ran an events business where she met creative professionals who nudged her back toward her passion. “Slowly, doors began to open. Mumbai scared me at first, but the city has always called me for work.”
For her, struggle was never really struggle. “I decided to give myself a chance. When you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t feel like a burden. Yes, as an actor you don’t work 9 to 5—you may have to give 12 to 14 hours a day. But that’s part of the journey.”
Philosophy of Acting
Poonam believes every role has value, just like every relationship in real life. “If you’re playing a mother, a friend, or even a supporting character, it matters. Just like in a family, every member has their place. Cinema is not about one person—it’s like spices in a dish; every ingredient is important.”
Theatre, she insists, remains the foundation of her craft. “On stage, there are no retakes. Your words, expressions, and clarity matter. Theatre should be experienced by everyone—even those outside acting—because it teaches expression, confidence, and presence.”
Unlike many actors who carry characters home, Poonam practices a “switch on, switch off” approach. “If you bring emotions back into your personal life, it becomes messy. I live the character while performing, but once the camera stops, I step out of it.”
Inspirations & Cinema as Hope
Her greatest inspiration has always been her mother. In cinema, she looked up to Madhuri Dixit and Sridevi. “When Sridevi passed away, it felt like losing someone from my own family.”
To Poonam, cinema mirrors society. “It gives you hope. No matter how tough life gets, you must believe that a happy ending is still possible. The film isn’t over until the last scene, and in life too—picture abhi baaki hai.”
Message to Youth & Parents
To aspiring actors, she advises: “Don’t just rely on talent. Learn, prepare, and train. If you study and sharpen your skills, you won’t feel pushed around. Be a lifelong learner.”
And to parents, she makes a heartfelt appeal: “Give your children a chance to follow their passion. And to the children—if your parents give you that chance, value it, and capitalise on it.”
Upcoming Projects
Apart from Tumse Tum Tak, Poonam has more projects lined up, including collaborations with renowned names in the industry. “Every medium is special—TV, OTT, film, or theatre. TV connects with households, OTT gives a wide audience, films bring grandeur, and theatre teaches discipline. Each has its own charm,” she smiles.
Final Word
For Poonam Jhangra, acting isn’t just a profession; it’s a way of living with courage, creativity, and constant learning. From Rohtak to Mumbai, her journey shows that dreams locked away can eventually be unlocked—with persistence, passion, and the belief that the story isn’t over yet.
-By Siddhant Saxena