Shruti Haasan has been successful in juggling commitments in three film industries. As her second film with Suriya, Si 3, releases today, she has quite a lot to say about her films, her father and more…
S Subhakeerthana Talking to Shruti Haasan is like being in the middle of an explosion of positive energy. She is friendly and her incessant chatter has so much information that you cannot afford to be distracted. With Si-3 releasing today, she is brimming with confidence. Excerpts from a chat with the actor:
Are you happy with the scripts that come your way?
Of course, yes. I haven’t been selective on purpose though. The aim is to balance ‘good cinema’ and ‘commerical cinema’. I have tried to understand these concepts. Many say that the fame of an actress is short lived.
The challenge is to do everything in limited time. I have been more selective in Hindi. I look for roles that offer depth in my character. It has to be performance oriented.
How choosy are you with films?
Three or four years ago, I used to do six to seven films a year. Then, Appa (Kamal Haasan) told me that’s not how it’s supposed to be. Now, I can choose projects that interest me.
I am offered a variety. But what I choose depends on the situation. I don’t go by specific formula or instinct, but by a good team and an interesting script.
What made you take up Si-3?
My role, the director and of course, Suriya! I play a journalist in the fi m. Hari (director) wanted his film to cater to all sections. He’s clear about what he wants and why he wants it that way. It was a nice experience. It was great to team up with Suriya again after 7am Arivu (2011).
Has Suriya changed over the years?
I am nobody to judge. I have grown with every film. I am sure it’s the same with him. He’s a wonderful co-star. He’s as hard working and dedicated as he was six years ago.
Who’s your favorite actor?
I can’t answer this question. Even when I genuinely tell somebody’s name, others may not take it in a good spirit. There’s no maturity, in general.
It looks like you concentrate more on Telugu films these days… Oh, really?
I don’t think so. Telugu people say I concentrate more on Tamil and Hindi films. In Hindi, they say otherwise. This is the problem when I try to balance three industries (smiles). I have done many films in Telugu. It happened. I never plan things.
Are you more comfortable in Telugu industry?
Not at all! I am a Tamil ponnu.
Do you find any difference in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema?
The treatment of the story is the same in every industry. It’s not like I am doing films in China, France or Russia! And about marriage… (She interrupts) I am an independent woman. I have no opinion on marriage. I haven’t thought about it yet. I’ll do so when I get there. I have changed over the years — from being against to climbing down a notch. (Laughs)
Is your family and friends cool about it?
It’s not their marriage, right? (Chuckles) Tell us something about the Hindi film you’re doing… I am working on Behen Hogi Teri. It’s a romantic comedy. It was lovely working with the team. My character is that of a young girl, who’s innocent yet strong willed. I had fun portraying the role.
Have you played any character similar to you in real life?
The closest I got to is probably in Srimanthudu (2015), in which I played a girl who is independent, emotional, yet not so much. I can be that way. There has been a sense of me in some characters, but completely like me — nope!
What can you tell us about Sabaash Naidu?
I have been given a makeover for my character. The script is laced with humor. Sabaash Naidu is close to my heart because it’s the first time Akshara, appa and I are working on the same project. There have been many differences of opinion. But, they were healthy ones.
What’s the best thing about your father?
Appa is extremely focused and I find that inspiring. His consistency also amazes me.
Are you an atheist like your father?
Though I am his daughter, we are different people. I am a believer. That’s a central approach to my life. In fact, I am quite spiritual.
What takes it to be on the top?
Determination and the need to create your own identity… and not be caught in others’ opinions and agenda.
What have you learnt from the industry?
I have become more mature, thanks to the characters I played and people I met in life. It has taught me patience.
If you come here for the sake of money or fame, you can’t last long. Things change every Friday. It’s good to live in the moment. Sometimes, they say, I am a good actor and I don’t take it seriously. That’s my approach too when they criticise me. You seem to have a strong opinion about everything… Oh, yes. I do. I am what I am because of many things. It’s not that I am different.
I happened to be different. It could be because of my parents. I can’t be independent and care about others’ opinion. That can’t go hand in hand.
Who are your favourite director(s)?
I am a huge fan of good directors. I have respect for filmmakers because it takes incredible talent to manage the whole crew. Just because my father directs, I can’t say he’s my favourite. He’s a fantastic director. Don’t think I am being politically correct, this is the truth. Best friends in the industry… My best friends aren’t from the film industry.
They are the people from my school, who know the singer Shruti, the struggling actor Shruti and what not! They keep my reality in check.
How do you handle criticisms on social media?
When Premam (2016, Telugu) was about to release, there were memes on Twitter. They compared it with the original. Those are people who don’t buy tickets and go to theaters. They had opinions on it. How ridiculous! When it was released, the film was appreciated by many. Those opinions didn’t stop people from going to theaters and watch the film. Such people don’t have life.
Source: The New Indian Express