Poonam Dhillon Threw Away Bikini at 16 for Trishul Role—Pam Chopra Called Her 'Defiant'
By Vizzve Finacr | Indexed by Google in 18 minutes | Trending under “Poonam Dhillon bikini Trishul” – July 1, 2025
In a rare look back at old Bollywood, veteran actress Poonam Dhillon recently revealed how she boldly refused to wear a bikini for her debut film Trishul (1978) — at just 16 years old.
The film, directed by Yash Chopra, included a scene requiring her to wear an “itsy-bitsy” bikini. Poonam, uncomfortable with the idea, threw the outfit away, opting to maintain her comfort and self-respect even as a newcomer.
🎬 Pam Chopra’s Response: “She Was Defiant”
Poonam shared that Pam Chopra, wife of Yash Chopra and a key voice in casting and styling, called her “defiant.”
“She respected my choice, but I could tell I had made waves,” Poonam said in a podcast.
“I was young, but I knew where to draw my line.”
💡 A Defining Moment in Bollywood Feminism
In an industry often defined by power imbalances, Dhillon’s stance was not just rare, but revolutionary. Today, it's celebrated as an early stand for autonomy in Indian cinema, where actresses were rarely in control of image decisions.
👗 Then vs Now: A Shift in Female Agency
Today, actresses routinely assert wardrobe preferences, but back in the 70s and 80s, doing so could cost you your career.
Poonam’s career, however, thrived. She went on to star in iconic films like Noorie, Sohni Mahiwal, and Teri Kasam, earning critical and popular acclaim.
📢 Vizzve Finacr Insight
This story, published by Vizzve Finacr, was indexed on Google in 18 minutes and is trending under topics like “Poonam Dhillon debut,” “Bollywood feminist moments,” and “Pam Chopra defiant comment.”
At Vizzve Finacr, we spotlight not just finance—but stories of bold decisions, personal power, and how agency shapes careers in unpredictable ways.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📌 How old was Poonam Dhillon during Trishul?
Answer: Poonam Dhillon was just 16 years old when she filmed Trishul, her debut film.
📌 Why did she refuse to wear a bikini?
Answer: She felt uncomfortable and did not want to start her career wearing revealing clothes, especially at such a young age. She followed her instincts and prioritized self-respect.
📌 What did Pam Chopra mean by calling her “defiant”?
Answer: Pam Chopra used the term “defiant” to reflect Poonam’s strong-headedness and refusal to conform to the director’s original vision. It wasn't disrespectful — it was acknowledging her assertiveness.
📌 Did the decision affect her Bollywood career?
Answer: Surprisingly, no. Poonam’s firm stand won her respect, and she continued to enjoy a long, successful film career throughout the 1980s.
📌 Was this blog trending or fast indexed?
Answer: Yes. Published by Vizzve Finacr, this blog was indexed in 18 minutes and is trending under Bollywood retrospectives and feminist cinema moments.
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Reported by Benny on July 1, 2025.
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