Delhi Belly girl’s unknown side

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Mention Poorna Jagannathan and most people may take a while to connect the face and the name.

Say Poorna, Delhi Belly and Imraan Khan in the same breath and movie lovers will not need any more information.

Poorna’s lip lock and steamy scenes with Imran in the film from the Aamir Khan stable catapulted her to fame. Opinion is divided on this film which is loved by some and hated by others. Her character of a bohemian, independent and spunky journalist called Menaka in Delhi Belly has shades of the real-life Poorna. She narrates how she clinched the role.

“I won two round trip tickets to India while in San Francisco at a blackjack game during a Casino royal theme fund raiser. These tickets took me to Mumbai where I attended a cousin’s wedding. There a problem presented itself; I needed a blouse to go with a saree!” That made her get in touch with her designer friend who happened to be designing costumes for Delhi Belly and had read the script. He suggested Poorna’s name for the role and the rest is history!

Poorna is a huge fan of Aamir Khan. She says, “Aamir is one of the most unforgettable people I have met. He is so passionate about everything he does and approaches everything with honesty. He also has the luxury of pursuing projects he believes in.”

Poorna came to know that many did not want to see Delhi Belly released as they believed that India was not ready for that level of raunch and would affect Aamir’s reputation. Nevertheless Aamir stuck to his guns and the film became a hit.

Delhi Belly may have enhanced her fame but it is not Poorna’s only claim to fame.

This New York based bronze skinned beauty is an established theatre actor and a member of the Barrow group in New York which is known for its realistic acting style. She thinks the English theatre in India is a little ‘stilted’, as the acting is not as natural as it is in Hindi or Marathi Theatre.

Poorna, who began acting while in college, has been a part of American TV shows like Royal Pains and Love Monkey.

She has also wrapped up a film called Thanks for Sharing with Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Ruffalo, and Tim Robbins and also starred in a movie with Jane Fonda. She also runs a brand consulting company called ‘Cowboys and Indians.’

She is married to Azad Oomen from Kottayam, where her marriage was held, and they have a five-year-old son called Anav. She is familiar with the South Indian film scenario and admires actress Suhasini.

She gushes: “She is one of the finest actresses I have met and she has had a huge influence on me.” Any Mollywood ambitions? “I am open to Mollywood if it comes calling. I think directors like Ranjith are way ahead of the curve.”