As the release of Chitte draws close, actor Harshika Poonacha's anxiety is on the rise. And naturally so. But as she awaits the release and reaction from fans and fraternity to know how the film will fare at the box office, the actor has been hopping from bus stands to metro stations and railway stations, and has even been frequenting malls. During interactions with the public, she is posing like a chitte (butterfly) and even challenging her fans to. Ahead of the release of the film directed by ML Prasanna with Yashas and Harshika in lead roles, the actor, who started her career at the age of 15, tells City Express about how her early days when she played support roles which has given her the confidence that she will one day play lead roles with top stars. Excerpts.
How different is Chitte from your other films?
So far, my roles have mostly been those of school girls or college-goers. Otherwise, it's been love stories with a happily-ever-after ending. In Chitte I play the role of a married woman, who is bubbly. What we're trying to say is, 'Who said a married woman cannot be bubbly?' And this is the first time that I'm going to be scaring viewers. It's something to watch out for. (laughs). Playing the kind of role like I do in Chitte was a totally new experience. The challenging bit was bringing out the horror element. Having grown up watching actors like late Soundarya Ma'am in Apthamitra, I thought helped me pull off the role. Of course, that's not to say that I'm anywhere close. But she has been my inspiration to play a role like this. Horror films in Sandalwood are taking shape, and audience are also showing interest in such films.
You made your debut at a time when many others did. Would you call yourself the dark horse?
I entered the industry at the age of 15, and this is my 10th year in the cinema industry. I remember how many people were making their debut at the same time I was. It was a year when there was a wave created in Sandalwood with fresh faces. Having said that, nobody has stuck on this long. I have seen heroines who have done two-three films and then disappeared. During these 10 years, I have not taken a break. This journey has given me my identity. I'm known by my real name than just that as a film's heroine. I have come to a stage where people whistle when I enter and cheer for me. At the end of the day, this is what every actor looks for, and I feel content. I wouldn't have been happy if I was sitting in a cubicle as an engineer. It can't match the satisfaction when I face the camera, get my make up and hair done, and rehearse dialogues. The feeling is soulful.
Do you regret taking up some films in the early stages of your career?
There was a time when I regretted taking up wrong projects in the early stages of my career. But now I have decided that I live my life without regrets. Tell me any hero or heroine who has not done wrong films in his/her career. Every actor has gone through it or will go through it. Those so-called wrong projects have been a learning for me. Those were the films that had kept me busy, and ultimately helped me pick the right films. I have done close to 23 projects. I am happy to have a solid number.
What is your next course of action?
I started off playing the role of a sister to top stars in Sandalwood, but now I'm confident that I will get to star opposite them. I was young and most filmmakers considered me for the sisterly kind of roles. I'm at an advantage compared to many other heroines who make their debut at 25. I, on the other hand, already have ten years experience on my side.