Divas of Super Star Rajesh Khanna: Poonam Dhillon

Poonam Dhillon is one of the famous actresses of the Indian Film Industry and television. Poonam first gained fame with the crown of Miss India in the year 1977. She is most popular for her role in the film Noorie, which released in the year 1979. Other memorable films of Poonam Dhillon include Samundar, Red Rose, Nishaan, Saveray Wali Gaadi, Naam, Zamana etc. She has also appeared in many television serials and reality shows like Kittie Party and Bigg Boss Season 3 that aired on Colors TV channel.

Early Life :

Poonam Dhillon was born 18th April 1962 in Kanpur, India, to the parents Amrik Singh and Gurcharan Kaur. She belonged to a Punjabi Jatt Sikh family and her father used to be an aeronautical engineer in the Indian Armed Forces. Poonam did her schooling from Carmel Convent High School in Chandigarh. Later she completed her further education from Punjab University, in Chandigarh. Her younger sister is a gynaecologist based in the Mumbai.

Poonam became the Miss Young India in the year 1977, at the age of 16. After this event she gained considerable recognition. She appeared in the film Trishul, which released in 1978, after Producer director Yash Chopra offered her a role. In the movie she performed the song Gapoochi Gapoochi Gum Gum with co-star Sachin Pilgaonkar.

Film Career :

Poonam Dhillon again worked with director Yash Chopra in the film Noorie in the year 1979, where she played the title role. Dhillon featured in more than 90 movies opposite famous actors. She has also appeared in regional films such as Nyay Danda (Bengali), Yudha Kanda (Kannada) and Ishtam (Telugu). Poonam has also acted in many plays like The Perfect Husband which won the best comedy play award in 2005 and which recently completed Golden Jubilee run.

She appeared in various films, the most noteworthy being, Noorie, Kaala Patthar, Nishana, Red Rose, Main Aur Mera Hathi, Dard, Baseraa, Teri Kasam, Yeh Vaada Raha, Sawaal, Aapas Ki Baat, Qayamat, Yaadgaar, Sohni Mahiwal, John Jani Janardhan, Teri Meherbaniyan, Badal, Zamana, Sitamgar, Tawaif, Shiva Ka Insaaf, Geraftaar, Savere Wali Gaadi, Samundar, Khel Mohabbat Ka, Karma, Ek Chadar Maili Si, Dosti, Mard Ki Zabaan, Dushmani, Sone Pe Suhaaga, Maalamaal, Hum Farishte Nahin, Hisaab Khoon Ka, Galiyon Ka Badshah, Abhimanyu, Batwara, Police Public, Pathar Ke Insan, Qurbani Rang Layegi, Jhoothi Shaan, Amiri Garibi, Judaai, 13B, Dil Bole Hadippa and many more.

Television Career :

After carving out a niche for herself in the world of films Poonam Dhillon made her entry into the television industry and there also created waves by her power packed performances. She appeared in television soaps like Andaaz, Chusth Durusth, and Kittie Party. Dhillon was the 4th guest on the successful reality show Bigg Boss (Season 3) that aired on Colors TV. She was the 2nd runner-up on the show. Poonam also featured in Showbiz India Celebrity Profile in 2005.

An Entrepreneur :

Apart from being an actress she is also computer savvy and has launched her own website. The concept of make-up van was first brought by her in India and also pioneered a make-up van company in India by the name Vanity. She emerged out as a very successful woman in this business. She also briefly joined the Indian National Congress party in the year 2004. She has also been very actively involved with a lot of social causes like Drug Awareness, Aids Awareness, Family Planning and Organ Donation. She is also engaged into running a successful event management company.

Personal Life :

After working for a span of 12 years in the film industry, Poonam Dhillon decided to settle down with a blissful married life along with film producer Ashok Thakeria in 1988. The couple have two children, son Anmol and daughter Paloma. The marriage ended in 1997.

Poonam Dhillon Filmography with Super Star Rajesh Khanna :