The Bold Stance of a 16-Year-Old: Poonam Dhillon’s Unforgettable Act of Defiance on the Sets of *Trishul*
Imagine stepping onto a major Bollywood film set for your debut, barely out of childhood, and being asked to do something that goes against your core comfort. This was the precise predicament faced by the remarkably poised 16-year-old Poonam Dhillon, who, despite her tender age, displayed an astonishing resolve that left even a visionary like Yash Chopra and his astute wife, Pamela Chopra, quite surprised. Her debut in the iconic 1978 multi-starrer *Trishul* was a dream launchpad, yet it began with an unexpected battle of wills over a crucial costume choice.
The “Itsy-Bitsy” Dilemma: A Costume Controversy
The scene in question involved the vivacious track “Gapoochi Gapoochi Gum Gum,” where Poonam was to share the screen with the talented Sachin Pilgaonkar. The setting for the song was the luxurious Oberoi Hotel’s swimming pool, necessitating appropriate swimwear. However, the attire presented to young Poonam for the sequence was far from what she deemed suitable. It was, by her own account, an “itsy-bitsy bikini,” an outfit she instantly knew she wouldn’t wear. This was a moment that could have easily overwhelmed a newcomer, but Poonam was different.
Standing Her Ground: A Defiant Debutante
During a recent revealing conversation with ANI, Poonam Dhillon recounted the tense exchange. She firmly declined Yash Chopra’s request, making it unequivocally clear that the skimpy outfit was unacceptable. Instead, she insisted on being provided with a proper, comfortable swimming costume. This bold refusal evidently left an impression on Pamela Chopra, the esteemed filmmaker’s wife, who later playfully described Poonam as “this little defiant girl” who simply “threw the bikini” and refused to comply. Poonam, looking back, humorously questioned if her action was truly that “horrible,” but Mrs. Chopra affirmed her youthful clarity.
More Than Just an Actress: A State-Level Swimmer’s Comfort
Poonam’s conviction wasn’t born out of mere capriciousness. She revealed her background as a state-level swimmer since childhood, a discipline that made her inherently comfortable in conventional swimming costumes and even shorts, given her gymnastics practice in school. The issue wasn’t the idea of swimwear itself, but rather the specific, revealing nature of the “itsy-bitsy thing” that felt alien and uncomfortable. After much discussion and negotiation, her persistence paid off: the production team finally provided her with a modest, full-piece swimming costume, allowing her to perform the scene without compromising her comfort or principles. Pamela Chopra would often recall, with a hint of admiration, how incredibly “sure of her mind” the young Poonam was, a detail Poonam herself admits to barely remembering, marvelling at her own audaciousness.
From Chandigarh’s Beauty Pageant to Bollywood’s Big Screen
The story of Poonam Dhillon’s entry into the glittering world of Bollywood is equally compelling. Yash Chopra, with his legendary eye for talent, first spotted her at a beauty pageant in Chandigarh. He was so captivated by her potential that he actively “hunted” her down, approaching common friends of her parents to extend the offer for *Trishul*. This initial overture, however, met with considerable resistance from her family.
Overcoming Parental Skepticism: A Path Forged with Trust
Poonam’s parents, steeped in a conservative mindset, were initially staunchly opposed to the idea of their daughter entering the film industry. Their reaction was one of dismay, epitomized by the sentiment, “Hamari family mein koi film mein nahin jata hai” (No one from our family enters films). Her mother even felt a sense of social dishonor, believing it would be “Hamari nak kat gayi” (Our nose has been cut, i.e., we’ve been shamed). Yet, through persistence and, perhaps, the sheer conviction emanating from their young daughter and the legendary filmmaker’s reputation, Poonam’s parents eventually relented. They allowed her to embark on this unprecedented journey, but only after gaining substantial confidence in her ability to navigate the industry while holding onto her values – a testament to the strong foundation of character Poonam Dhillon demonstrated from her very first step into the limelight.
