Harshika Poonacha on her Bhojpuri debut: It was risky to shoot in London

The Kannada actor talks about her Bhojpuri film debut, her shooting experience in London during the pandemic, and more
Harshika Poonacha on her Bhojpuri debut
Harshika Poonacha on her Bhojpuri debut

Harshika Ponacha has wrapped the shooting of her debut Bhojpuri movie. The yet-to-be-titled film, made by Yashi Films and directed by Premanshu Singh, has her paired opposite Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh. Harshika was in London recently to participate in a month-long shoot.

Back home, the actor admits to still being in a shooting hangover. “I have got this London fever right now. I am missing the place, the sets, and the co-artistes,” says the Kodava hudugi, who has made her mark in Kannada cinema and has also worked in Telugu, Malayalam and Konkani films.

Talking about how she bagged her first Bhojpuri film, she says, “I think we all believe in destiny, and that we meet people for a reason. I met Bhojpuri producer Abhay Singh at an event, and he asked me whether I was interested in seeing myself in a Bhojpuri film. Though I had no such intention at that time, I expressed my interest in working in films, irrespective of the language and the industry. A couple of months later, I got a call from the producer about the project and shooting in London, and that’s how this worked out.” 

In the movie, she plays a London-based rich man’s daughter who remains simple and humble, and works as a waitress in a hotel.

Shooting in London, she says, was a risk, but that’s a challenge she decided to take. “When you do something, out of your comfort zone, that’s when you do well, and that’s something I usually like to go by. During the pandemic, going to London was a risk, but it was all done with precautionary measures. I got my Covid-19 test done, which was negative, before we flew. It was a fantastic experience. Moreover, we didn’t see the usual crowd because of the pandemic.  The entire place was ours and the shooting process was a cool affair,” says Harshika.

According to the actor, every industry is good, and it all depends on the individual. “I am a person who is not judgemental. I went with an open mind, thinking that it would be as good as our industry. I think they are much ahead when it comes to technology. The director had his homework done, he was well prepared, and I enjoyed working,” she says.

Harshika is equally excited about dubbing for the film. “I speak Hindi in this film because that’s the way the director has sketched my character. I have spoken only 2-3 lines in Bhojpuri. Since I am comfortable speaking in Hindi, the producer has asked me to dub for the film. I also feel the character turns out much more beautiful when you have your voice. I have finished the shoot, and am looking forward to its release,” she says. 

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