All set to tread on path to success

A known name in southern films, actress Shubra Aiyappa is now driving all her energies to enter Bollywood. She feels that acting is not the kindest career to opt for but the satisfaction it delivers is unmatched.

"Acting is not the kindest career to choose but the satisfaction it delivers is unmatched. I chose this career and I believe I am here to make a mark and to stay. Things are looking up and moving in the right direction," Shubra said when asked if she is satisfied with the way her acting career is moving.

"I am spending all my time in honing my craft and in the process has managed to become a better actor, dancer and fitness fanatic," she added. The actress appeared in several commercials before signing on to make her acting debut in 2014 released film ‘Prathinidhi’ portraying a journalist.

She later appeared in ‘Sagaptham’, a Tamil film noted for its launch of Shanmugapandian, the son of actor-politician Vijayakanth. She also made her first appearance in a Kannada film during the same year titled ‘Vajrakaya’. She was a successful model too before taking up acting as she walked for the country's biggest fashion designers. She credits her modelling background for building confidence in her.

"My modelling career has built my confidence immensely and shaped my personality positively," said the actress and added that "Bollywood is definitely on the cards." "I am driving all my energies in that direction. My dream role would be that of 'Wonder Woman', 'Black Swan', an athlete biopic or Alia Bhatt's performance in 'Highway' to name a few," she said.

Talking about the current projects, she can be seen showing her sexy avatar in Kingfisher Calendar 2019. Asked if this is an attempt to break her girl next door image, she said: "No as I believe I am an actor first and any character that I feel will complement and challenge me, I would consider this gladly."

"All through my growing years as a model, each photographer I worked for or with always saw me through their lens and gave me versatile imagery. Yes, the portfolio of my modelling work will seem like that of a girl next door because of me having endorsed some of the largest jewellery and sari brands down south.

"When Atul Kasbekar (the ace photographer who shot Kingfisher Calendar 2019) approached me with his belief in taking on this assignment, I again chose to trust the lens to explore my versatility and agreed to do my first ever swimsuit shoot," she added.

Featuring four top models, the calendar in its 17th edition is a lifestyle property from the King of Good Times. Apart from Shubra, this year's calendar will also feature Sushrii Mishraa - beauty queen from Orissa, supermodel Diva Dhawan and Hayley Parr from the UK who flew to the exotic Island of Sardinia - an Italian island in the Mediterranean- to shoot for it.

Talking about the experience, the actress said, "Being a part of this year's Kingfisher Calendar campaign was indeed a one of kind experience. The team was outstanding, the destination was divine, and the entire journey was more than memorable.

- Nivedita