Starting her filmi career as a student, Harshika Poonacha did not give up on studies. A PUC and engineering degree later, incidentally, her acting debut was in a movie titled PUC. This Coorg beauty has acted in over 20 movies so far in a relatively short span, and even runs a successful events company as managing director.
Even as the actress awaits her most expected release of the year ...Re directed by Sunil Kumar Desai starring Ramesh Aravind, and a gang of versatile and experienced campaigners spearheaded by Anantnag, Loknath, Master Hiranaiah, Shivaram and others, the gorgeous girl speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle on why she considers ...Re her debut movie, her journey so far and what plans she has for the future.
“...Re is very close to my heart. I opted for the film as my debut as I started working very early, at just 15, which was too young. Unfortunately, I only worked with new directors. They were good, and I do not regret my initial choices, but I did miss out on working with experienced directors. It is always more satisfying to work under senior directors as you get to learn a lot from them,” says Harshika. She also admits that she is in desperate need of a hit at this stage of her
career.
In Desai’s comeback venture ...Re, Harshika plays a journalist. “I play a scribe who is by nature inquisitive and curious. Every character in the film falls in love with her. Insofar as acting with legends like Ananthnag Sir, Ramesh Sir, Loknath Sir, is concerned, it was indeed challenging but memorable. In fact Ananthnag Sir was supposed to act in my debut film as my father but unfortunately date issues came in the way.
The jinx continued for long and finally I got an opportunity to work with him after a gap of eight years. To be a part of such an elite cast was wonderful. Even during shot discussions, it was of great help. I developed interests in many things, like reading and research too,” she adds.
The only daughter, the pretty lass shares that her parents were initially worried about her career choice, but are now very proud of her. “I never refused a new film maker or new production house. Despite award-winning roles in films like Tamassu and Jackie that gave me recognition, most of my ventures bombed — All during a time when I was still a student.
After my 10th, I joined Christ College and was lucky that my debut production houses were supportive, shooting on holidays so my attendance was not affected. However, when I passed out with 90 plus marks, I joined Cambridge Institute of Technology headed by Dr H Maheshappa who was also very supportive. There were days when I worked for two films simultaneously in a day. With great support from the faculty and friends, I recently finished my engineering degree in electrical and electronics,” she recalls, and this was also the time she opted for a makeover.
Harshika loves running her own event company and also loves travelling. “I went to the US all alone, stayed at hotels, hostels. I did everything for the trip on my own — booking tickets, etc. Travelling has made me a different person,” she ends.
