"I’m not a parachute baby who can jump to the top directly; I believe in starting small and proving my worth through potential and loyalty to my work."
1. Can you share how your journey into acting and modeling began?
My journey has been anything but easy. I started as a journalist in a Delhi news channel but left that job to pursue my passion in Mumbai. Despite having a background in theater and graduating from Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares, opportunities were hard to come by. At one point, I was ready to leave Mumbai, but a last-minute call for a web series changed everything. That one chance turned my life around and taught me the value of persistence.
2. You describe yourself as a bold actress. What sets you apart in the industry?
I stand out because I’m unapologetically myself. While many actresses maintain a contrasting image on and off-screen, I believe in consistency. Whether it's my bold roles or my personality, I embrace it all. I aspire to work with actors like Dhanush and Vijay Sethupathi, who are known for exploring different genres. I want to challenge myself with roles that push my boundaries.
3. How did your role in Agent Mona 0.1 become such a breakthrough, and what did it teach you?
The role was a game-changer. The series, which aired on Raj Kundra’s channel HotShots, became a massive hit, earning over ₹2 crores overnight despite its modest ₹3 lakh budget. My character—a bold, sharp-minded spy—resonated with audiences. It was during the pandemic, and the overwhelming response reaffirmed my belief in taking risks. It also taught me that success often comes from the least expected places.
4. You've worked on diverse projects like BubblePur, Scorned, and KARAA. How do you prepare for such varied roles?
Every character I play teaches me something new about myself. In Scorned, I portrayed a psycho wife with intense emotions, while in KARAA, I played a fierce negative lead. In CIBharti, I stepped into the role of a police officer. These experiences have made me realize my potential to take on versatile roles and constantly improve as an artist.
5. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career so far?
Choosing to leave Mumbai, despite getting work, was a pivotal moment for me. I wanted to explore roles that align with my aspirations, which led me to the South Indian film industry. The South has a disciplined work culture that I deeply admire. My dream remains to work with legends like Dhanush, Vijay Sethupathi, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan, and I’m committed to proving my worth through my work.
6. Can you share a memorable experience from your recent projects?
Working on KARAA was eye-opening. The punctuality and discipline in the South Indian film industry amazed me. In contrast, the working culture in Mumbai often lacks structure, with extended hours and minimal appreciation. These differences have influenced my preference for South Indian projects.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring actors?
Don’t try to jump straight to the top. Success comes from starting small and being loyal to your craft. Stay focused, even amidst distractions from family or relationships. Trust the process, and your hard work will pay off.
8. What are your future aspirations in acting and modeling?
As an artist, I want to work with visionary directors like Shankar and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Every actor dreams of such opportunities, and I’m working tirelessly to make mine a reality.
9. How has living in Hyderabad influenced your career and personal life?
Hyderabad has been transformative. The standard of living and the professional work ethics in the South are remarkable. Here, commitments are honored, often without contracts, unlike in Mumbai, where even signed agreements can fall through.
10. If you could star in a movie with any actor, past or present, who would it be?
I would love to work with Vijay Sethupathi and Dhanush. Among actresses, Nayanthara and Samantha are my inspirations. Their work motivates me to aim higher.
Bio:
Kimaya Pooja Joshi, born on September 27, 1992, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, is a fearless actress known for her bold roles. After initial struggles, she gained recognition with Agent Mona 0.1 (2020), a web series that earned ₹2 crores overnight on a ₹3 lakh budget. She has since starred in Scorned (2020), BubblePur (2021), and upcoming projects like the Tamil film KARAA and Telugu movie CIB. Now based in Hyderabad, Pooja has signed three more Telugu films, further establishing her presence in South Indian cinema. Her journey reflects resilience and versatility, with dreams of working with industry legends.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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