FILM INTERVIEW: POOJA KUMAR

Speed Date: The Lovely Actress Stars in Prominent Supporting Role in ‘Man on a Ledge’

By: Parimal M. Rohit

January 27, 2012

Asger Leth’s Man on a Ledge has finally arrived in movie theaters around the country on January 27th, with the likes of Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, Ed Harris, and Jamie Bell playing out an intense thriller centered around a diamond heist and a faux suicide plot. Joining the cast is the multi-talented Indian American actress Pooja Kumar (Bollywood Hero, Anjaana Anjaani, television’s Chuck), who plays alongside Mr. Harris throughout the film.

The Summit Entertainment-distributed film also stars Kyra Sedgwick, and was filmed primarily in Ms. Kumar’s adopted hometown of New York City. Ms. Kumar spent a few minutes chatting with Buzzine Bollywood about her role in Man on a Ledge and her career outlook.

What is your name and where are you from?

Hi, I’m Pooja Kumar from the world of cinema, media, and entertainment. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but travel quite a bit from the US and India, working on various projects. 

Where are you right now?

New York City.

If your mom were to draft up a biodata about you, tell us what the three greatest highlights would be.

First of all, I’d like to thank my mom for watching over me and giving me the strength to continue on my path as an actress, irrespective of what obstacles come in my way. She was always very supportive, and encouraged me to try new and different things.

My greatest highlights would have to be winning the Miss India USA contest, [getting invited to join ABCL (Amitabh Bachchan Corporation to learn acting and eventually enter the film industry)], having my face on all the NYC buses during the promotion of Bollywood Hero, in which I played the main lead opposite Chris Kattan, and currently working with a legend from the Indian film industry. I am truly blessed for getting an opportunity to work with a man whom I admire and respect tremendously.

Why are you answering these questions (what are you promoting)?

My movie, called Man on a Ledge, is opening on Friday, January 27th (and) also stars Sam Worthington, Ed Harris, Elizabeth Banks, and Kyra Sedgwick. This is a huge Hollywood film which has gotten rave reviews.

What one word best sums up your latest film role?

Dramatic!

Okay, now more than one word: How did this latest role come about, and how will it enhance your career?

I was in India attending a wedding when my agency called and told me that I had to rush back because the production was preponed. I had to do a little bit of acting and got off a plane that was about to take off, and jump on another plane to head back to NYC! That was a crazy and emotional ride in itself.

I had the honor and privilege to work closely with Ed Harris, who is an actor I admire and think the world of. I was able to see first-hand how he prepared, and took copious notes throughout the shoot.

I also had a chance to pick the brains of Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks, and Kyra Sedgwick on acting techniques and ways to improve after each take.

After this film, what's next? How would you like your role in this film to pay off?

I’m working on several projects at the moment, including a big Hindi/Tamil movie with an international cast.  There is another Hollywood film scheduled to shoot in March/April in Atlantic City.

What three words best describe your acting style?

Versatile, intense, and passionate.

What are you most proud of in your professional life?

The fact that I am able to tap into my personal experiences and bring the characters I play to life. I’m also proud that I’ve been given the chance to work with some very talented actors, not only in Hollywood but also the Indian film industry. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to wake up every day and do what I’m most passionate about. As the saying goes: “Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life.”

Which actor has had the most influence on your career?

Meryl Streep is, without a doubt, a person I look up to and admire. She has been able to work in films for over four decades, and keeps getting better and better. She doesn’t get the credit she deserves, but Meryl is an outstanding ambassador for the film industry.

What is the one thing you wish you could fix to make cinema better?

We still need to have more diversity in our films. The talent pool is incredible and includes actors from all over the world with amazing skills. We need to give these actors more chances and a bigger platform to showcase their talents. 

If you had a magic wand, how would you alter or upgrade the current status of Indians and Indian Americans in Hollywood?

First, I would like to see more Indian Americans on TV and in movies. We have some incredibly talented actors, and they just need a chance to show the world how great they are. Second, we should pool our talents together and start creating more projects and get funding from some big studios to back us and have faith that we’ll produce a great end product.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself doing a mixture of acting and producing. I’d also like to do more movies where I can bridge the gap between Hollywood and the Indian film industry. We have great actors in both industries, and I would like to look for ways we can work together and make some amazing cinema.

What is your motto?

The greatest risk in life is not taking one.

Where online can fans find out more about you?

You can always get the latest news on my Facebook page or on my website Http://www.poojakumar.com.

Summit Entertainment's 'Man on a Ledge' is released in theaters on January 27, 2012.