pooja hegde, known for her glamorous on-screen presence and impeccable fashion sense, took a bold step in her career with her latest film Retro, which is currently streaming on Netflix. In a surprising departure from her usual roles, pooja embraced a completely de-glamorous character, shedding her usual polished look in favor of a more grounded, raw portrayal. The transformation was further accentuated by makeup that gave her a noticeably dusky skin tone, intended to align with the film's period setting and the socio-cultural nuances of her character. While the role showcased her willingness to break away from typecasting and explore diverse narratives, the response from fans has been anything but quiet.
The drastic change in her appearance and character did not sit well with a section of her fanbase, many of whom took to social media to express their disappointment. netizens criticized the makeup choices, particularly the darker skin tone, claiming it looked unnatural and didn't suit Pooja. Many felt that the effort to make her appear dusky was forced and detracted from her natural charm. The backlash wasn’t limited to her look alone—some viewers felt that the entire character did not align with the vibrant and elegant image pooja has built over the years. The controversy has sparked debates on social media around the effectiveness of casting and makeup choices in altering a well-established celebrity persona for the sake of realism.Amid the growing online chatter, several of Pooja's loyal fans have gone a step further, pleading with her not to take up similar roles in the future. They argue that such characters don't do justice to her talent or appeal and instead diminish her screen presence. However, others have also come to her defense, appreciating her courage to take creative risks and challenge her own image. The mixed reactions highlight the challenges actors face when trying to break out of conventional roles. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen how pooja will address this feedback and whether she’ll continue to pursue such experimental roles or return to the glam avatars that made her a household name.

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