For many actors hailing from the Northeast, breaking into the mainstream entertainment sector can be a challenging endeavor. Poonam Gurung, recognized for her role in The Family Man Season 3, shares insights about her experiences, the hurdles she has faced, and her journey as a Northeastern performer in this competitive industry.
Poonam was born in Nagaland but relocated to Nepal with her family at the tender age of two. She reminisces about her childhood during a peaceful monarchy in Nepal, which soon turned tumultuous due to political unrest. Her father’s move to Dubai coincided with escalating tensions, leading to prolonged school closures and fears for her brothers' safety. This uncertainty prompted her family to move to Siliguri, and after a brief stay there, Poonam eventually settled in Guwahati following the first COVID-19 lockdown.
Poonam's journey to stardom was anything but easy. She recalls receiving a call from an assistant of Mukesh Chhabra for an audition, but her path to that moment began much earlier. Nearly ten years ago, she started as a background dancer, honing her skills in calisthenics and martial arts while sharing her practice videos on social media to gain visibility. During this time, she participated in a musical theatre production where her talent caught the eye of an assistant.
Two years ago, as casting for the series began, the same assistant reached out to her about a potential role. Poonam recalls the pressure she felt while preparing her audition videos, reminding herself of the significance of the opportunity. She meticulously recorded her audition and submitted it, hoping for the best.
Poonam describes a particularly demanding scene that involved a lot of running. Initially, she felt it was just another day at work, but the crew's praise took her by surprise. Having faced numerous rejections, receiving compliments felt surreal. She also shared a humorous incident during an underwater scene shot in Kaziranga, where she humorously underestimated her swimming ability, leading to a light-hearted moment on set.
Gurung speaks openly about the representation of Northeastern actors in the film industry. She notes that they are often cast only for roles that specifically require their ethnicity, citing the casting of Priyanka Chopra in the film Mary Kom as a notable example. While she acknowledges that Northeastern individuals are making strides in various sectors across India, she believes the film industry still has a long way to go in fully embracing their talent.
Shooting in the Northeast presents its own set of challenges. Poonam mentions that while local authorities and the tourism minister have been supportive, language barriers can complicate communication. Unlike the routine filming in Mumbai, working in the Northeast is still a novel experience for many crews.
Reflecting on public curiosity, Poonam acknowledges that while many in Mumbai are aware and informed, there are still gaps in understanding about the Northeast. She emphasizes that acceptance takes time and that while some questions may come from a place of innocence, others may reflect a sense of superiority. However, she is optimistic about the emergence of stories like The Family Man, which portray Northeastern characters as complex individuals rather than mere stereotypes.
Despite the recognition she has gained from the series, Poonam is realistic about the challenges of sustaining a career in the industry. She notes that while she receives a lot of praise, opportunities for Northeastern actors remain limited. She expresses uncertainty about her place in the market, which seems divided between established stars and social media influencers.
Currently, Poonam is working on a Hindi song set to release soon and is involved in a short film project. She has also collaborated with writer Bhaskar Hazarika on Koka Deuta Nati aru Hati 2. When asked to describe herself, she humbly states, 'I am a learner, eager to explore more in art and music. A lifetime learner.'
