Poonam Dhillon has seen the golden era of Bollywood up close, sharing screens with legendary actors and forming deep bonds along the way. From playing Sunil Dutt’s daughter in Laila to admiring Salman Khan from afar, her journey is filled with memories of admiration, friendships, and bittersweet moments.
Sunil Dutt: A Father Figure and a Handsome Star
During the filming of Laila, Poonam had the privilege of working alongside the iconic Sunil Dutt, who played her father in the film. She fondly recalls a playful moment when she told him, “If you were younger, I would have probably wanted to marry you.”
Rekha: A Bond of Love and Affection
Among the many friendships Poonam cherished, one of the most affectionate bonds she shared was with Rekha. “Rekha is very affectionate—I love her,” Poonam confesses.
Padmini Kolhapure: Friendship That Started on Set
While shooting Street Singer, Poonam met Padmini Kolhapure for the first time. Little did she know that this encounter would blossom into a lasting friendship. They instantly connected, sharing laughs and stories between takes. However, the film also marked the last time she worked with Sanjay Dutt, as he seemingly vanished from the film scene for a few years because of his ongoing case. Whenever he used to walk into any room, people would notice him. He looked very handsome.
Salman Khan: The First Industry Crush
Before Salman Khan became Bollywood’s biggest superstar, he was just a young boy whom Poonam often saw at Salim-Javed’s house. She recalls, “He was younger than me by a few years, and I never thought he would be such a big star. But he was very good-looking.” She had been working closely with Salim-Javed, which meant frequent visits to their homes, where Salman would often be around.
Years later, when Maine Pyar Kiya hit the theatres, Poonam, now married, found herself swooning over him all over again. She playfully pinched her husband Ashok Thakeria and said, “Look how cute he is!” Even today, she admires his charm, charisma, and serious fan following, proving that some crushes never truly fade.
