Actress Pooja Batra recently opened up about the unexpected struggles she faced in Bollywood because of her height. Known for films like ‘Virasat’, ‘Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi’, ‘Jodi No. 1′, ‘Nayak: The Real Hero’, and ‘Talaash: The Hunt Begins’, the actor revealed that her tall stature often became a disadvantage in an industry where male stars preferred actresses shorter than them. In a recent interaction with Harper’s Bazaar India, Pooja recalled how actor Sangeeta Bijlani had once warned her about the challenges she might face in Bollywood because of her height. “It was tough. I remember I was told by Sangeeta Bijlani, ‘You don’t have a chance in the movies because you’re too tall,’” Pooja shared.The statement stayed with her because she deeply admired Bijlani. “She’s my idol. She’s beautiful, and she’s a model too,” the actor added. Sangeeta Bijlani made her Bollywood debut with ‘Qatil’ in 1988 and later appeared in several films before stepping away from the industry after ‘Nirbhay’ in 1996.
Pooja Batra says she missed out on several films
Pooja admitted that despite giving her best to every role she received, many opportunities slipped away because certain actors felt uncomfortable standing next to her on screen. “I gave every role my best, even though the heroes got intimidated because of my stature. It’s true I didn’t book a lot of movies because of my height. I lost out on a lot of good roles,” she revealed. The actor explained that height became an unspoken issue during casting decisions, something that often affected actresses in earlier years of Bollywood.
The uncomfortable adjustments Pooja Batra had to make on set
Pooja also recalled the compromises she had to make while filming scenes. During close-up shots, she would often perform “half-splits” to make her co-stars appear taller on screen. Talking about her experience while shooting ‘Virasat’, the actor said she was even styled in colour-coordinated outfits to visually reduce her height.Interestingly, Pooja revealed that she frequently wore her own clothes in films because they suited her body frame better and reflected her personal style. “Directors would say, ‘Let her wear what she’s wearing,’” she shared. At the same time, filmmakers often preferred her without heavy makeup for a more natural appearance. Laughing about it now, she said, “I was like, at least apply sunblock toh lagane do.”
Salman Khan never had a problem with his height
Among all her co-stars, Pooja said Salman Khan was the only actor who never felt insecure about her height. The two worked together in the romantic comedy ‘Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye’. Recalling Salman’s attitude on set, she said, “Salman never had a problem. He was one guy who’d be like, ‘Wear your heels, I don’t have a problem’. He’d be confident in his own skin.” The actor appreciated Salman for being comfortable and secure enough to never make height an issue during filming.
Pooja Batra’s take on the changes in bollywood
Looking back today, Pooja Batra believes actresses like her and Sangeeta Bijlani helped make the industry more accepting of taller women. Referring to actors like Sushmita Sen and Deepika Padukone, she joked, “They should say, ‘Thank you,’” before laughing.Pooja also spoke about how cinema has evolved technically over the years. According to her, modern cinematography and changing audience perceptions have made height less of a concern now. She further mentioned that even globally, several successful actresses like Naomi Watts and Charlize Theron have faced similar challenges. “I know how hard it is for a woman to make it despite the height,” she concluded.
