Harshika, who has made a name for herself in Sandalwood, is not complacent. She aims to prove herself in Tollywood, which she revers for obvious reasons. In this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz, the talented actress talks about her journey so far, her debut Telugu movie Appudala Ippudila, her views about glamour, and more.

Why are you excited about your Tollywood debut?

It's said that Tollywood is next only to Bollywood. I have done around 10-12 movies in Kannada. I never imagined that I will become an actress. It all happened by chance. I started my career when I was all of 15. After completing my Engineering in 2014, I have been into movies in a full-fledged manner. I felt this is the right time to get launched in Tollywood. As luck would have it, I got a good film like this (Appudala.. Ippudila..) for my debut. I am excited in the same way as a child would be excited about visiting a holiday destination. It's a dream-come-true. If this film becomes a hit, I expect a good future in Telugu. I am just expecting the best.

What factors determined your choice of this film?

Mainly the script. I had made a decision that when I debut in Telugu, I should choose a role that has scope for performance. This is not a mass film where only the hero has prime importance. Everybody, including Naresh garu and Suman garu, have their place in the story. It's a family film which everybody can watch. For those who like comedy, there is comedy. For those who like fights, there is action well done by Surya. And so on.

Having made a name for yourself in Sandalwood, didn't you feel that debuting with a small-ticket film might be risky?

Very good question. I always felt that in Telugu, there is nothing like small or big movie. The audience are big-hearted. They watch all films – big and small. What I feel is that, the script matters. I would say that our film is in fact big. The subject is good, the script is good, the publicity is great. Unless you watch our movie, you wouldn't know how big it is.

Who are your favourite actors in Telugu?

My favourites are Mahesh Babu and Pawan Kalyan. Don't ask me to take one name. I watch a lot of Telugu movies. Recently, I watched Oopiri. It's a beautiful film. Hats off to Nagarjuna sir.

Tell us about your journey in Sandalwood.

In Kannada, I have acted with almost all superstars - Shivaraj Rajkumar, Puneeth Rajkumar, Yash, Ramesh Arvind, Ajay Rao, Prajwal Devraj, etc. For Thamassu, I received the Karnataka State Award, which I received from the Chief Minister. Besides, I received a Filmfare Award for the same role. Jackie is another film for which I received many awards. In Telugu, I need the blessings of all. You have to decide whether I am a good performer or not. Please continue to love me.

Has anybody told you that you look close to Samantha when you smile?

(Laughs). I like Samantha. But no, nobody has told me that. I have not been compared to anyone. I am special by myself.

Between fame and money, which one would you choose?

I will definitely choose fame. I mean, fame that I get by doing good movies. I can get fame by doing films that run for a week. But I want to do roles that give me scope for performance, that give a message, etc. I have never been behind money. I am an engineer and my dad has been in the Army. I have a good background. I could have settled down in the US by now. Money doesn't matter. Films are my passion.

Bengaluru-based actresses like Pranitha have made it big in Tollywood. Do you see them as your role models?

Pranitha and some others are my very good friends. My role model is Deepika Padukone. Bollywood is my destination.

What's your definition of glamour?

Every girl is glamorous. It's about the beholder's eye. It's about how the director visualizes you. Soundarya garu was from Kannada industry. She portrayed simple roles, but she was also seen as glamorous. Glamour is not about wearing short clothes. If someone says, Wow, she is beautiful', that's glamor.

Finally, what do you tell our viewers.

I need your blessings because it's my debut film. Please watch our movie on April 1. If the response is good, I will have a very good future.