'My ultimate goal is to play impactful characters'

Shubha Poonja is set to achieve a significant milestone in her career, as her 50th film Ambuja will hit the screens on July 21. The actor considers this achievement remarkable and recognises the challenges actors face in today's competitive industry, while she expresses her gratitude for the continuous support she has received throughout her journey. "During the highs, nothing bothers you, but during the lows, self-doubt and insecurity creep in. However, I feel fortunate to have consistently found work that kept me going professionally," says Shubha, who discusses the challenges of reaching such a milestone in the film industry. She also talks about her desire to pursue meaningful roles and expand her presence on television and digital platforms.

Speaking about her milestone film, Ambuja, directed by Srini Hanumantaraju, Shubha reveals that it draws inspiration from true events and presents a unique and unfamiliar crime storyline. "I  portray an investigative crime journalist with a multifaceted character, blending comedy, thriller, and occasional psychosis," says Shubha, adding, "I value the strong, women-centric roles I have played so far. What began with my debut film Moggina Manasu led me to collaborate with directors who recognised my potential in portraying such characters."

Shubha acknowledges the increased challenge of surpassing the 50-film mark and emphasises her conscious effort to choose substantial roles, especially after gaining popularity among female viewers through her appearance on the reality show Bigg Boss Kannada. "I aim to distance myself from insignificant or glamorous roles and instead focus on meaningful work. With the industry raising its standards after successful movies like KGF and Kantara, I understand the importance of selecting roles and projects wisely to continue my growth as a mature actor. My ultimate goal is to reach the milestone of 100 films while portraying impactful characters," she explains.

While Shubha recognises the popularity and content offered by online streaming platforms, she expresses a strong interest in television. "My participation in Bigg Boss made me realise the extensive reach and impact of television," she says, adding, "While I continue to strive for success on the big screen, I aspire to become a household name by reaching every home through television shows, whether as a protagonist in serials, possibly through my own production venture, or even a reality show."