The Heartbreaking Journey of Actress Pooja Dadwal: From Stardom to Struggles

Pooja Dadwal, an actress who debuted alongside a Bollywood superstar, faced a tumultuous journey from fame to obscurity. After her promising start in films like 'Veergati', her career dwindled, leading her to a life of hardship. Diagnosed with tuberculosis and abandoned by her husband, Pooja's struggles intensified as she sought help from the industry. Fortunately, superstar Salman Khan came to her aid, covering her medical expenses and providing support. Despite his assistance, Pooja has not returned to acting, but her story continues to resonate with many. Read on to learn more about her inspiring yet tragic journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 3, 2026, 14:53 IST

A Tale of Glamour and Hardship

The glitzy world of Bollywood is filled with stories that can bring tears to anyone's eyes. These narratives often resemble cinematic plots, showcasing how some individuals soar to great heights while others descend into obscurity. Today, we delve into the life of an actress who made her debut alongside one of Bollywood's biggest stars but saw her acting career dwindle to just a few films before fading into anonymity. She resurfaced in the spotlight when a video emerged showing her living in a Mumbai chawl. We are talking about Pooja Dadwal, known for her role in the film 'Veergati'. Released in 1995, 'Veergati' may not have been a box office hit, but Pooja's performance left a lasting impression.

Debuting at 18

Pooja Dadwal aspired to be a successful actress in Bollywood. She made her acting debut at the tender age of 18. Following her debut in 'Veergati', she appeared in films like 'Aashiqui' and 'Gharana', but her career never reached the heights she had hoped for. Disheartened by her lack of success in the film industry, she turned to television, but even there, she struggled to find significant success. Eventually, Pooja decided to step away from the acting world altogether.

Settling in Goa

After distancing herself from the acting industry, Pooja got married and settled in Goa, where she began managing a casino business with her husband. However, in 2018, her life took a drastic turn when she was diagnosed with a severe case of tuberculosis. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and during this challenging time, her husband abandoned her. In an interview, Pooja recounted how her illness led to her husband and family turning their backs on her, leaving her in dire financial straits and forcing her to live in a Mumbai chawl. Her situation became so dire that she struggled to afford two meals a day and had to rely on others for basic necessities like tea and water.

Seeking Help

As her circumstances worsened, Pooja reached out for help. She appealed to Bollywood for assistance through various media channels, but when no one stepped forward, superstar Salman Khan emerged as her savior. After seeing her plight in a video, he arranged for her medical treatment and covered all her expenses for six months. Additionally, he ensured that she had proper living arrangements. Despite this support, Pooja has yet to return to the acting scene, although glimpses of her life occasionally surface on social media.