Indian actress Pooja Hegde has recently opened up about the targeted online trolling she has faced, revealing that organized and paid campaigns have been orchestrated to tarnish her reputation. In an interview with Filmfare, Hegde expressed her shock upon discovering that individuals were investing significant amounts of money to spread negativity about her on social media platforms.
Hegde, known for her roles in both Telugu and Hindi cinema, recounted a period when she was incessantly targeted by certain meme pages. She questioned the persistent negative focus on her, stating, “I remember a time when I was constantly getting trolled on certain meme pages, and I wondered why they kept talking negatively about me. It looked targeted.”
The actress further elaborated on the extent of these campaigns, noting that her family was deeply affected by the negativity. She said, “My parents and I were very bothered when we found out. But I also took it as a compliment because if someone feels the need to pull you down, it means you are above them.”
To understand the root of this targeted trolling, Hegde’s team reached out to the meme pages involved. They discovered that these pages were being financially compensated to post negative content about her. She revealed, “Later, when my team got in touch with the meme pages involved, they told us, ‘This is how much they are paying us. If you’d like to stop it or troll them back, this is the amount.’ To me, it is bizarre that people are going to this extent.” English.Mathrubhumi+4India Today+4India Today+4Bollywood Hungama+5Business News Today+5India Today+5
Hegde also highlighted the use of fake profiles and bots in these trolling campaigns. She mentioned instances where she encountered malicious comments from accounts lacking display pictures or posts, leading her to conclude that these were paid bots. This revelation sheds light on the darker aspects of social media, where financial incentives are used to fuel negativity and harassment.
This candid disclosure by Hegde underscores the challenges faced by public figures in the digital age. The prevalence of paid trolling not only affects the mental well-being of individuals but also raises concerns about the ethical standards within the entertainment industry. Hegde’s experience brings attention to the need for more stringent measures to combat online harassment and the exploitation of social media platforms for malicious purposes.
In the face of such adversity, Hegde remains resilient and continues to focus on her professional commitments. She was last seen in the film “Deva” alongside Shahid Kapoor, which received a lukewarm response from critics and underperformed at the box office. Looking ahead, she is set to star opposite Varun Dhawan in “Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai,” described as a commercial entertainer. Business News Today+2Bollywood Hungama+2Hindustan Times+2
Hegde’s openness about her experiences with online trolling serves as a call to action for both the industry and social media platforms to address and mitigate the impact of such negative campaigns. It also highlights the importance of mental resilience and the need for a supportive environment that fosters positivity and respect.
As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the challenges posed by digital platforms, Hegde’s revelations serve as a reminder of the human cost associated with online harassment and the urgent need for systemic change.
