Pooja Hegde lauds Shahid Kapoor's performance in Deva; claims people will see 'a new Shahid in the film'

Pooja Hegde lauds Shahid Kapoor's performance in Deva; claims people will see 'a new Shahid in the film'

Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde's upcoming project Deva is one of the most anticipated films of 2025. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, it also stars Pavail Gulati, Pravesh Rana, and Kubbra Sait in important roles. On January 17, 2025, the star cast of the film was seen attending the trailer launch event in Mumbai. The much-awaited trailer has impressed the netizens. Shahid's kickass avatar has only amped up excitement amongst the fans. While speaking to the media at the launch event, Shahid and Pooja spoke about their characters. The actress, who has teamed up with Shahid for the first time, was all praise for his performance.

Pooja Hegde lauds Shahid Kapoor's work in Deva

Pooja Hegde, who has been a part of several Bollywood films, said that people will see a new Shahid in Deva. She told the media, "I have to say, Shahid has done it outstandingly well. When I watched the trailer, I called him and asked, ‘How have you done it? I could literally see every vein on your forehead. Like, how?’ Even in the first half, when he delivers his lines, I thought it was dubbed but he said it wasn't. You're definitely going to see a new Shahid in this film. You’ve seen him play different characters before, but this one is so intense and amazing."

Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde on their characters in Deva

Both actors shed light on their characters in the film. Shahid called Deva the most complex character. He said, "Deva is the most complex character I’ve played, and I’ve played a few, but if there was any character that challenged me, and I am capable of doing this is Deva. It was Rosshan Andrrews (director), who created the character and offered me. As an actor, you always wait for the opportunity to take it to the next level, which isn't easy. I can't just do anything; I can only fulfill the requirements of the story, the character, and the world it's set in. Usse zyada karunga toh kharab kar dunga, hopefully usse kum nahi karunga, woh mera nature nahi hai. Deva gave me the chance to push myself as an actor after a long time. The character has a significant presence and aura, also an overwhelming personality jo Deva ki hai, which gives him that charisma and star quality, it needed to be a combination of both elements."

Pooja, on the other hand, will be seen playing the role of an investigative journalist. She said that she has always been drawn to such roles. Films like Spotlight resonated with her as she loved the intensity and the relentless drive to uncover the truth. She went on to call her character 'alpha female'. She added, "Rosshan sir gave me one key brief: ‘I want to see Diya, not Pooja.’ That was my goal, to make her authentically herself—strong but not rude. Diya is someone who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She's the perfect match for Dev’s character. We've seen alpha males plenty of times, but now it's time to see the alpha females."

Deva is scheduled to hit the big screens on January 31, 2025.

ALSO READ: Deva trailer OUT: Shahid Kapoor raises the stakes with pulsating action and gripping drama

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