Born on April 18, 1962, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Poonam Dhillon grew up in a family that valued discipline, education, and culture. Her father, Amrik Singh Dhillon, was an Air Force officer, and her mother, Gurcharan Kaur Dhillon, was a school principal. With Punjabi roots and a disciplined upbringing, Poonam’s early years were shaped by structure and encouragement.
She completed her schooling at Carmel Convent School in Chandigarh, where she was a bright student and actively participated in extracurricular activities like basketball, skating, and drama. These formative years gave her confidence and helped shape the charming personality she became famous for.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Poonam Dhillon |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 April 1962 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 63 years |
| Place of Birth | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Height | Approx. 5′ 6″ (1.67 m) |
| Weight | Around 60 kg |
| Profession | Actress, Entrepreneur, Activist |
| Debut Film | Trishul (1978) |
| Famous Role | Noorie (1979) |
| Children | Anmol & Paloma Thakeria Dhillon |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Ashok Thakeria) |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹22 crore (~$5 million) |
| Current Role | President, CINTAA (2024–present) |
The Beauty Queen Who Took Bollywood by Storm
Poonam was just a teenager when her life changed dramatically. At the age of 15, she won the title of Femina Miss India (1977) and later Miss Young India (1978). These titles not only brought her national recognition but also caught the attention of filmmaker Yash Chopra.
A Golden Era of Film Career
Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Poonam Dhillon became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hindi cinema. She appeared in over 90 films across various genres, often playing romantic leads with innocence, elegance, and depth.
Some of her most notable films include:
- Red Rose (1980)
- Dard (1981)
- Sohni Mahiwal (1984)
- Teri Meherbaniyan (1985)
- Naam (1986)
- Maalamaal (1988)
She shared the screen with legendary actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Rajesh Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, and Jeetendra. Her pairing with Rajesh Khanna was especially loved, with the duo working in multiple films together.
Stepping Beyond Films
In addition to her film career, Poonam explored television and theatre. She starred in popular serials like Andaz, Kittie Party, and Ekk Nayi Pehchaan, in which she played a strong, progressive mother.
She also became a prominent figure on stage, performing in award-winning plays like The Perfect Husband and The Perfect Wife. These plays not only entertained audiences in India but were also staged internationally in the US and UAE.
In 2009, she participated in Bigg Boss Season 3, where she earned praise for her dignified conduct and became the second runner-up.
Entrepreneurship and Social Work
Poonam’s journey isn’t limited to cinema. She is also a successful entrepreneur. In the early 1990s, she launched Vanity, a company that provided makeup vans to film productions—a concept that was still new in India at the time.
She co-founded Poetic Justice Films & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., focusing on film production and event management. Her business acumen proved she was more than just a glamorous screen presence.
Poonam has also been deeply involved in social causes. She works on issues such as women’s empowerment, drug abuse awareness, AIDS education, and organ donation. Her advocacy and speeches at SAARC events and educational forums reflect her genuine desire to give back to society.
Personal Life and Family
Poonam Dhillon married film producer Ashok Thakeria in 1988, but the couple later divorced in 1997. They have two children—Anmol Thakeria Dhillon, who has entered Bollywood as an actor, and Paloma Thakeria Dhillon, who is also preparing for a film career.
Despite the challenges of a high-profile personal life, Poonam has maintained her grace and dignity. She focused on raising her children while continuing to work and reinvent herself.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
As of 2025, Poonam Dhillon is 63 years old. She continues to exude charm and elegance. Her height is approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.67 meters), and she maintains a healthy weight of around 60 kilograms.
Her signature look includes brown eyes, black hair, and a warm, inviting smile. Even today, she carries a sophisticated style and radiates confidence both on and off the screen.
Net Worth and Achievements
Poonam Dhillon has had a successful career that spans over four decades. Her estimated net worth is around ₹22 crore (approximately USD $5 million). This includes her earnings from films, business ventures, brand endorsements, and television appearances.
She has received several awards and honors throughout her career, including lifetime achievement recognitions and accolades for her social work. In 2018, she was awarded an honorary doctorate (Ph.D.) by Jharkhand Rai University for her contributions to Indian cinema and society.
Social Media and Digital Presence
Poonam is active on social media, connecting with fans across platforms like Instagram (@poonam_dhillon_), Twitter, and Facebook. Her posts often include behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life, updates on her work, and throwback photos from her film days.
With over 200,000 followers on Instagram, she continues to inspire both younger generations and long-time admirers. Her presence on digital platforms is engaging yet graceful—true to her personality.
What She’s Doing Now
In 2025, Poonam Dhillon remains a vibrant and active figure in the entertainment industry. She is currently serving as the President of CINTAA (Cine & TV Artistes’ Association), where she advocates for fair treatment and timely payments for television actors.
She continues to take part in television shows, cultural events, and speaking engagements. In recent interviews, she has highlighted issues like actor payments, professional dignity, and the need for contracts in Indian television—showing that she is not only relevant but impactful.
Her children are now stepping into the limelight, and Poonam supports them while also staying involved in film and theatre projects herself.
A Legacy That Lives On
Poonam Dhillon’s journey is a remarkable blend of beauty, talent, resilience, and reinvention. From winning pageants as a teenager to dominating the silver screen, embracing motherhood, exploring entrepreneurship, and becoming a voice for artists—she has worn many hats with grace.
Even at 63, she continues to evolve and inspire, proving that true stardom is timeless. Her story is not just about fame but about substance, strength, and staying power.
FAQ’S
1. What is Poonam Dhillon’s current age and where was she born?
Poonam Dhillon was born on April 18, 1962, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. As of 2025, she is 63 years old and still actively contributes to the entertainment industry and social causes.
2. Is Poonam Dhillon still active in films or television?
Yes, Poonam remains active, especially in television and theatre. She also serves as the President of CINTAA, where she advocates for actor welfare and continues to appear in cultural events and shows.
3. What are some of her most famous movies?
Poonam Dhillon is best known for classics like Noorie, Red Rose, Dard, Teri Meherbaniyan, and Naam. These films defined her as one of Bollywood’s most beloved actresses of the 1980s.
4. Who are Poonam Dhillon’s children?
She has two children with ex-husband Ashok Thakeria — Anmol Thakeria Dhillon and Paloma Thakeria Dhillon. Both are now entering the Indian film industry, following in their mother’s footsteps.
