Mangalore: Tete-a-tete with Sandalwood Starlets Yash and Harshika Poonacha

Vineeth Monis / Naveen Menezes
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore

Mangalore, Jan 18: Kannada film industry over the recent years has seen a galaxy of young actors creating a niche for themselves and winning their hearts of the audience. Two of them, Yash (born Naveen Kumar Gowda) and Harshika Poonacha were in the city to perform at the South Indian Dance Festival held recently.

Daijiworld caught up with the duo for an exclusive tete-a-tete, during which the two candidly spoke of their journey so far, future plans and so on.

Harshika, who hails from Coorg is already scaling new heights in the Kannada film industry with her various films in not only Kannada, but Telugu, Konkani and Tulu as well. She entered the industry at the age of 18 with the movie PUC in 2008.

Commenting on her upcoming projects, she said three of her Kannada movies ‘Mangana Kaili Maanikya’, ‘B3 Love U’ and ‘Ale’ are going to hit the theaters soon. She added that she has got plenty of opportunities to act in other languages too.

Harshika is also the brand ambassador for ‘Hangyo’ brand of ice cream and ‘Muliya Jewellery’ store based in Puttur. She has also acted in the Konkani movie ‘Kazar’ which received a good response from the audience.

Though she hails from Mangalore, the city is close to her heart. "I often visit Mangalore and I am impressed by the hospitality of the people here. Mangaloreans speak from their heart which is what I like about them," she added.

Yash, another young star who made his entry into the entertainment industry through television, came to limelight with his role in 'Moggina Manasu'. Born in Mysore, he is often referred to as 'Rocking Star' for his exceptional dancing skills.

Yash feels that the movie audience in coastal district is quite selective, unlike in other parts of the state, and that not every Kannada movie tastes success here. "Usually Kannada movies do not run for long in coastal districts, but when they do, you can be sure that they are superhits," he says.

Asked the reason for this phenomenon, he thoughtfully said, "People here (coastal districts) tend to watch movies that portray their own culture, language and communities. Movies that are relevant to their lifestyles are received well." He also felt that his latest movie 'Drama' which did well everywhere has been doing running successfully in Manglore too.

Asked if he would like to do a movie with coastal style of Kannada, just as he has done in Hubli and Mandya styles, he said that he would love to do so. "I love the way the people of coastal districts speak Kannada. It is very simple and bookish," he said, "If I am offered a script with substance which is relevant to today's life, I am willing to take it up."

He also said that he is ready to work in a multi-starrer movie, depending on the script and co-actors.

On his upcoming project 'Googly' he said that it is in post-production stage. "I am playing a totally different role. It is a complete entertainer and the shooting has been done in good locations," he added. Another of his upcoming movie is 'Raja Huli'.
 
On what he does to unwind during his free time, he said, "I love children and like to spend time with them. They are so innocent and straightforward."