Shruti Haasan: “Underneath the Make-Up, I’m a Complete Dude!"

Madhuri: What was it like, growing up with a superstar of a dad?
Shruti Haasan: He was never really a star at home. He was very busy for the most part, but when he was around, it was lots of fun. He is very artistic, and taught me so much—from colouring to stick fighting. As I grew older, we’d watch movies and read books together. He’d ask me to write movie reports, a skill that taught me to analyse and think differently. He’s always been a great dad!

Madhuri: Between your mum and dad, who has been a bigger influence in your life?
SH: They’re both equally responsible for who I am. Mum’s always been artistically and culturally inclined. It is because of her that I always had access to a wide variety of books and great music—she helped me inculcate a deep love for classical music.

Nikita: How would you describe your relationship with your sister? And what’s the one piece of advice you’d give her?
SH: Akshara was the cutest baby in the world. When she was born, I was convinced she was a custom-made doll sent especially for me. It was always lovely to have her around. When we were younger, I was the rowdy one, while she was super calm. Today, the roles have switched and how! I love that we have such contrasting personalities, yet borrow so much from each other. I don’t think there’s anything I can tell her—she’s very smart already!

Lalita: Growing up, were you a guy’s girl or a girl’s girl? Has that changed now?
SH: I’d play cricket with the boys, and ‘house’ with the girls, and the tomboy in me hated that game with a vengeance. I thoroughly enjoy deep conversations with my girlfriends, but underneath the clothes and the make-up, I’m a complete dude.

Lalita: Shruti Haasan the musician or Shruti Haasan the actor?
SH: That’s a tough choice. I started out as a musician— music has always been very, very close to me. Acting happened completely by accident. I find it immensely satisfying to combine the two worlds. Movies like 3 and Tevar have allowed me to do just that. Singing is one thing, but singing as a character is quite another, and I thoroughly enjoy the challenge that comes with it.

Madhuri: Where do your loyalties lie? South Indian films or Bollywood?
SH: I’ve always wished to be a pan Indian artist, and I’m grateful for the fact that I’ve been able to achieve that.

Madhuri: Tell us about your upcoming films.

SH: I have seven films coming up this year—a mix of Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. Gabbar just released; Welcome Back directed by Anees Bazmee, Rocky Handsome directed by Nishikant Kamat, and Yaara directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia will all be in cinemas soon.

Madhuri: What sort of roles do you favour?

SH: I’m instinctively drawn towards intense roles or quirky characters, at the risk of sounding completely bipolar. I also enjoy a good comedy, and I believe, as an actor, your strength lies in making people laugh and cry. But, if there’s something I don’t think I’m cut out for, it’s romantic roles.

Madhuri: Do you feel pressurised to portray strong, women-oriented characters?
SH: Quite the opposite, in fact. People tend to focus more on the ‘glam factor’ than the content. But, it’s important to do both films with a message and those with mass appeal. That’s the only way you can reach out to a wider audience. Similarly, it’s important for me to strike a balance between Hindi and South Indian films.

Madhuri: What’s the price of fame for you?

SH: Well, I keep my life pretty private. Being under constant scrutiny makes you turn you into a caricature of who you’re supposed to be. Take everything good or bad with a pinch of salt, else you’ll end up losing yourself to your image. Thankfully, I have a good set of people who’ll whack me in the head if I get carried away, and remind me of what’s really important.

Lalita: Who is Shruti Haasan when she’s not in the public eye?
SH: Trust me, I’m very boring. I like watching movies, reading, spending time with my friends, and chilling at home in my free time. I travel so much for work, that my idea of a perfect holiday involves spending all my time at home. I also enjoying cooking for people around me, and South Indian cuisine seems to be a universal favourite.

Nikita: What is the best relationship advice you can give?

SH: Honestly, I’m not the best person to answer this! Different people want different things. For instance, some people value fidelity, while others don’t think it’s important at all. You need to understand where each of you stand at the start. Don’t change or expect somebody to change for you. It’s like trying to turn a leopard into a tiger and vice versa.

Nikita: What do you think men can learn from women and the other way ’round?
SH: Patience and perseverance. Women, on the other hand, should learn how to be silly and shave properly [laughs].