Poonam Dhillon on 47 years of her debut Trishul, “I was a 15-year-old kid who had just given 10th standard exam” 47 : Bollywood News

Veteran actress Poonam Dhillon made her debut with the maestro Yash Chopra’s Trishul, which completes 47 years today. The celebrated film starred Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjeev Kumar, Shashi Kapoor, Rakhee Gulzar, Hema Malini, Sachin Pilgaonkar, among others. On the film’s anniversary, she looks back at it in an interview with us.

Poonam Dhillon on 47 years of her debut Trishul, “I was a 15-year-old kid who had just given 10th standard exam”

It is 47 years of your debut film Trishul
Wow so many years passed!!! I was a 15-year-old kid who had just given 10th standard exam. I knew nothing about acting, screen or stars at that time, having seen only probably 4-5 films in my life.

Which films had you seen before?
Dosti many times at all Children’s Day celebrations in school. Guddi, Mera Naam Joker and I think maybe a few more. That’s it. I was super-shy and awkward and had no idea what huge stars I was working with. This was the zamana before internet and Instagram.

Your song in Lataji’s voice ‘Gapoochi’ was a big hit?
‘Gapoochi Gupoochi’ was the most difficult thing for me as I had to dance, which I had never ever done.. that too in front of huge crowds in Lodhi Garden Delhi, who had gathered to see the shooting as well as sing in the swimming pool.

You were the baby of the family
Everyone was very kind to me and treated me like the child that I was. My co-star Sachin was very helpful, teaching me how to do dance steps. Shashi Kapoorji, Amit ji and Sanjeev Kumar ji were considerate and patient, as was Gita Kakji who played, my mother. I didn't have much work with Hema ji or Rakhee ji. But these two gorgeous ladies were stunning and I would gaze at them awestruck as I would go to their shooting and watch.

A debut with Yash Chopra was no small thing
I am grateful that I got to start my career with this legendary film, with a legendary director like Yash Chopra ji, legendary writers, legendary co-actors, legendary music director (Khayyam), legendary lyric writer (Sahir Ludhianvi) and of course THE legendary playback singer Lata ji.