Pooja Gauthami Umashankar is a distinguished actress known for her work in both Indian Tamil and Sri Lankan Sinhala cinema. Her compelling performances and dedication to her craft have garnered her a prominent place in the film industry.
Early and Personal Life
Pooja was born to a diverse cultural heritage, with her father, H. R. Umashankar, being an Indian Kannada Brahmin from Sringeri in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, and her mother, Sandhya, being a Sri Lankan Sinhalese. Her father worked as a manager with Hindustan Unilever in Valparai. Pooja’s early education spanned across Sri Lanka and India. She attended pre-school in Sri Lanka before moving to India, where she studied at Poornapragnya in Aldur, Chikmagalur, and Nirmala Convent in Mysore. She later completed her schooling at Baldwin Girls’ High School in Bangalore. Pooja went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.
Fluent in Kannada, Sinhala, Tamil, and English, Pooja’s linguistic abilities reflect her diverse upbringing. In December 2016, she married Prashan David Vethakan, a Sri Lankan businessman, further rooting her personal life in both Indian and Sri Lankan cultures.
Career
Pooja’s entry into the film industry was serendipitous. Introduced to cinematographer-turned-director Jeeva by a friend, she was cast as an Anglo-Indian girl in his Tamil film, Ullam Ketkumae. Initially, Pooja had not intended to pursue a career in acting and viewed the role as a one-time opportunity to explore the field and earn some money. However, the unexpected delay in the release of Ullam Ketkumae led her to accept another role opposite R. Madhavan, causing her to reconsider her career path.
Her first official release was Jay Jay (2004), a romantic comedy directed by Saran. Pooja’s performance was well-received, with G. Ulaganathan from Deccan Herald praising her lively and spirited portrayal. She continued her success with another Saran film, Attahasam, opposite Ajith Kumar. Despite mixed critical reception, the film was a financial success, though critics noted that Pooja’s role was limited.
The eventual release of Ullam Ketkumae showcased Pooja in one of the five leading roles, alongside Shaam, Laila, Arya, and Asin. The film was a sleeper hit, further establishing her in the Tamil film industry. She appeared in other commercial Tamil films like Thambi and Pori, and in 2007, she expanded her repertoire with a role in the Malayalam film Panthaya Kozhi.
Pooja’s most critically acclaimed performance came with Bala’s Naan Kadavul, where she portrayed Hamshavalli, a blind beggar. Her portrayal earned her several accolades, including the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Female Character Artiste. Following this success, Pooja took a sabbatical, making only cameo appearances in films such as TN-07 AL 4777, Drohi, and the Telugu film Orange.
Her return to the spotlight came with the big-budget Sri Lankan film Kusa Pabha in early 2012. The film became the highest-grossing film in the history of Sri Lankan cinema, with critics lauding Pooja’s performance as Pabawathi.
Conclusion
Pooja Gauthami Umashankar’s career is a testament to her versatility and talent. Her journey from a hesitant debutante to a celebrated actress in two film industries highlights her dedication and passion for acting. Fluent in multiple languages and rooted in a rich cultural heritage, Pooja continues to captivate audiences with her performances and remains a significant figure in Indian Tamil and Sri Lankan Sinhala cinema.
