“Kannada Film industry accepts actors very well and treats them as Gods”

Shubha Punja, Kannda Fimfare award Winner for Best actress gets associated with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.She is also the brand ambassador for ASB CUP “ State Level Cricket Tournament for the Blind “

Here is a our small pep talk on her journey as an actress and her upcoming future.

Tell us about your association with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

I always wanted to be associated with Social organizations. They have done lots of great work. I want to learn from them a lot. The most striking thing is how people in Samarthanam sacrifice their life for others. They are the biggest heroes in life. Once I was shooting in Davangere I saw how teachers and aayas serve disabled people. It’s amazing how people gave everything for making other’s life better.

From being a Student to Modeling and then as an Actress, How did the journey started?

I used to do modeling in my college and participate in many beauty contests. During that time, I also even started working and doing part time jobs. After that I went to Chennai with my portfolio and started working as a model. There I won Miss Chennai and was then chosen for Khazana jewellery ad.

How was winning Miss Chennai experience?

Initially I didn’t want to enter into the competition. But one of my friends convinced me to participate in it. Once I enrolled for it, I was very determined to win it. I worked hard on myself and did my preparation with dedication. When I won it finally I was very happy that my hard work paid me success.

You always wanted to be an actress?

Yes I always wanted to be an actress. I am a trained bharatnatyam dancer and started dancing at the age of 4. When I became the face of Khazana Jewellery Ad then movie offers started coming in. I auditioned for the films and was then selected out of 500 girls. I waited for the right time to become an actress.

Did you expect Filmfare award so soon?

It came as a surprise to me as I got it for my second movie only which is Moggina Manasu. Generally an actor expects awards after doing lots of films. I was happy that my movies completed 100 days in theater. The award was a big bonus for me. Awards gave motivation to actors.

What are your upcoming movies?

I have films Meenakshi, Beera, Arth , Samosa coming up. On the floor, there is a movie called Arth and then I am doing another action film. Among these Meenakshi is my dream role; it’s a female oriented movie.

Tell us about the Kannada film role you really admire.

A movie like Ranganayaki I always want to do and am looking forward to some role like that in near future.

Actors you want to work with in future?

Kamal Hassan I really admire and he is a fantastic actor. I want to work with him if given an opportunity. He himself is an acting institute.

Besides acting what else you like to do?

I love animals. I have six dogs and one cow at home also. In future I want to do something for animals on a larger scale. Nature and animals makes me happy.

How are your marriage plans?

No plans as of now. In future I will get married.

Any projects on hand in Tamil or Malayalam film industry?

Yes, there is a Tamil movie having two heroines and it’s still in discussion.

Any messages for new models and actress?

Hard work and dedication are the mantra. Luck will only follow if you have worked hard. Though Upcoming generation is very smart but no one should be in an illusion of glamour field.