Poonam Dhillon
Born: 1962-04-18 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Known For: Acting
Biography
Poonam Dhillon was born in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is an Indian actress and has served as the President of 𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐀 (𝐂𝐢𝐧𝐞 & 𝐓𝐕 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧) since 2024. Fondly referred to as the “Noori girl,” she rose to fame with her innocent and fresh-faced portrayal of Noori in Yash Chopra’s 1979 surprise hit Noori. The tragic love story between Noori and Yusuf, played by Farooq Sheikh, set against the backdrop of Kashmir, became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Though she had earlier made her debut in Trishul 1978, opposite Sachin Pilgaonkar, her song Gapuchi Gapuchi Gum Gum from that film gained immense popularity. A former Miss Young India 1977, Poonam Dhillon left a mark in Hindi cinema, regional films, television, and theater. Apart from Noori, she is best known for her memorable performances in hit films such as Trishul 1978, Red Rose 1980, Dard 1981, Teri Kasam 1982, Yeh Vaada Raha 1982, Romance 1983, Sohni Mahiwal 1984, Teri Meherbaniyan 1985, Karma 1986, and Naam 1986. She received a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress for Noori and later won the Indian Telly Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2015 for Ek Nayi Pehchaan. Born into an academically accomplished family, her father was an Air Force aeronautical engineer, and her mother was a school principal. She was the sports captain of her school and excelled in athletics, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and skating. After winning Miss Young India, her photograph caught the attention of Yash Chopra, who offered her a film role. Although initially hesitant, she accepted the offer after Class 10 and continued her studies alongside acting, later graduating in Political Science, Public Administration, and Economics. *Unlike many of her contemporaries, Poonam Dhillon prioritized education even at the height of her acting career. She successfully completed her graduation while working in films, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and academic excellence. Continuing her pursuit of lifelong learning, she later earned an MBA in International Business, further reflecting her dedication to education and professional development.* Poonam Dhillon has appeared in nearly 100 films across languages, including Hindi, Bengali Nyaya Danda, Kannada Yuddha Kanda, Telugu Ishtam, Marathi Kunasathi Kunitaari, Punjabi Double Di Trouble, and Gujarati cinema. In television, she has featured in Kitty Party, Ek Nayi Pehchaan, Santoshi Maa, and Dil Hi Toh Hai. She was also the second runner-up in Bigg Boss Season 3 2009. On stage, she starred in The Perfect Husband, an award-winning play that completed a golden jubilee run and was voted Best Comedy Play in 2005. She also acted in The Perfect Wife and Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi. Poonam Dhillon is also known for her commitment to social causes such as drug awareness, AIDS awareness, family planning, and organ donation. She has spoken at SAARC business summits in Kathmandu and Delhi and has served as a cultural ambassador. In 2017, she was appointed a member of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal FCAT, the official body that heard appeals against CBFC decisions. In recent years, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP, expanding her presence into politics while continuing to remain active in public life and creative pursuits. TMDB mini biography by: Ashvin Borad
Filmography
2025
2024
2023
- The Romantics as Self
2022
- Plan A Plan B as Kiran Vora
- Umran Ch Ki Rakheya
2020
- Jai Mummy Di as Pinky
2018
- Dil Hi Toh Hai as Mamta
2016
- The Kapil Sharma Show as Self
- Salaam Mumbai as Karishma's mother
2014
- Double Di Trouble as Pammi
2013
- Comedy Nights with Kapil as Self
- Ramaiya Vastavaiya as Ashwini (Ram's Mom)
2011
- Miley Naa Miley Hum as Shalini S. Mehra
- Someone For Somebody as Special Appearance
2009
- Yavarum Nalam as Manohar's mother (Hindi Version)
- Dil Bole Hadippa! as Yamini Singh
2006
2004
- Indian Idol as Self
2001
- Ishtam as Lakshmi
1997
- Mahaanta as Vijay's wife
- Mohabbat Ki Aag
1991
- Jhoothi Shaan as Ganga
- Qurbani Rang Layegi
- Deshwasi as Raksha / Raju Guide
1989
- Batwara as Priya
- Hisaab Khoon Ka as Anu / Anita
- Saaya as Supriya
- Galiyon Ka Badshah as Madhu
- Abhimanyu as Tulsi / Miss California 'Kelly'
- Yuddha Kaanda
1988
- Sone Pe Suhaaga as Advocate Shraddha
- Hum Farishte Nahin as Sunita
- Kasam as Savi
- Akarshan as Self
- Maalamaal
1987
- Himmat Aur Mehanat as Sharda
- Mard Ki Zabaan
- Avam as Sushma
1986
- Saveray Wali Gaadi as Jyoti
- Naam as Seema Rai
- Avinash as Dr. Sapna
- Samundar as Anjali
- Karma as Tulsi
- Dosti Dhushmani as Lata
- Palay Khan as Zuleykha Khan
- Ek Chadar Maili Si as Raaji
1985
- Teri Meherbaniyan as Bijli
- Onnanam Kunnil Oradi Kunnil
- Geraftaar as Anuradha Saxena
- Bepanaah as Radha Malhotra
- Tawaif as Kaynat Mirza
- Baadal as Meenakshi
- Sitamgar as Nisha
- Zamana as Sheetal
- Shiva Ka Insaaf as Nisha
- Kabhi Ajnabi The
1984
- Sohni Mahiwal as Sohni
- Laila as Leela
- Yaadgaar
1982
- Sawaal
- Yeh to Kamaal Ho Gaya as Priya Singh
- Yeh Vaada Raha as Sunita Sikkan
1981
- Baseraa as Sarita Sethi
- Main Aur Mera Hathi as Meenu
- Dard as Poonam Bhargav
- Aapas Ki Baat as Kajal Sinha
- Biwi O Biwi as Asha Singh
1979
- Kaala Patthar as Raghunath's daughter
- Noorie as Noorie Nabi
1978
- Trishul as Kusum "Babli" Gupta