Exclusive! I would like to work with all the Kannada actors, apart from the ones I haven’t worked with: Harshika Poonacha

The smiling queen of Sandalwood, Harshika Poonacha is one of the most glamorous actresses in Sandalwood started her career as a teenager and went on to become a successful actress in the industry. She made her acting debut with the movie ‘PUC’ and acted in super hit movies like ‘Thamassu’, ‘Jackie’, ‘Upendra Matte Baa’, ‘Charminar’ and others. She exclusively spoke to ETimes about her experience and journey in the industry.

I feel honoured, pleased and humbled to be in this place. I started off this career at a very young age. During my education I never expected I would reach this stage. I was always given special attention because of being an actress. It all started off during my college days. I like when people notice me for my works. The industry has treated me very well and these 10 years were so memorable. I also completed my studies along with movies. I feel very happy about it.

My most memorable experience was working with Puneeth Rajkumar, Shivarajkumar, and Ravichandran. I started off my career at a very young age, I was a little girl when I started shooting with Puneeth Rajkumar and Shivarajkumar and they always treated me like a kid and taught me many things in acting, safety precautions to be taken while shooting. During the shooting of ‘Jackie,’ Puneeth Rajkumar saved my life when I was stuck in mud and cared for me. This is one of the most memorable experiences in my career. At the early stage of my career, I always got excited about the shooting and doing anything for the shoot, but now I have changed and ask for safety measures and then go for the take.

I started my career in the Kannada film industry and I earned my name here. Compared to other industries, the Kannada industry will remember me as Harshika Poonacha. But, other industries will remember me for the role I have played in the movie. I was invited to Dubai and they saluted me and gave me the title of Sandalwood’s smiling queen, I was honoured, awarded, recognized and it’s because of the Kannada film industry.

I feel very honoured because working with director Suni Kumar is always great. I got the offer to work with him on two back to back movies. In ‘Udgarha’, I played a guest role, and I never asked him about my role or character. I came to the spot and acted as per his guidance because I trusted him. Kannada film industry has very few legendary directors and I am glad that I worked with a legend in two movies. I feel very grateful.

My most favourite star in the Kannada film industry is Rajkumar. I always admire his acting, and I am very much inspired by him. The roles and character he has played are inevitable, I always watch his movies. The acting done by Rajkumar gives me goosebumps.

From other industries, I like to work with Rajamouli in Telugu and Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Bollywood. These are my two dream directors. In Kannada, I want to work with director Chethan Kumar, the way he gives the character and shows artists is extraordinary. I would like to work with all the actors in Kannada, apart from the ones whom I have not worked with. I would like to work with Puneeth Rajkumar and Shivarajkumar. In the Kannada industry, everyone is talented in one way or the other.