Bhai Dooj Special | My brother Rishabh is my biggest cheerleader: Pooja Hegde.

“Traditions mean a lot to an actor Pooja Hegdeand that’s why she took time off from work to spend Bhai Dooj with his brother, Dr. Rishabh Hegde. “As actors, we are often away from our families during special occasions,” Hedge laments, adding, “But I try to spend festivals with my family.”

For her, Bhai Dooj it’s all about “appreciating and celebrating” your brother. “Rishab and I are very close; we are more like best friends than siblings. He has always been my protector,” she tells us, adding, “While I express my gratitude to him with small gestures throughout the year, I make sure to shower him with all the love and affection on this day to make him feel special.”

Hedge, who will next be seen in Virgo opposite actor Shahid Kapoor, says, “My brother is my biggest cheerleader during my highs and my strongest shoulder to lean on during my lows.” But that’s not all. She also has a lot to thank her brother for when it comes to her professional success. The 34-year-old shares: “He is very involved in my work life. I turn to him for every major decision, from choosing a movie to life advice – literally everything.”

Recalling how they grew up, she shares: “When we were children, I saved my pocket money to buy him chocolates, which he always shared with me. Those were some of the best moments.”