Shurti Haasan: I have been asked this question numerous times. It’s not really about the language, just that I came across a good script and agreed to be a part of it. My decision was based on the script. I am proud to be a part of the family called Indian cinema, be it Bollywood or Kollywood.
I have been fortunate and God has been kind enough to me. I’m very excited about both the projects and I hope it’s a good year.
What’s your dad’s role in your entry into films?
Dad has been very supportive. He doesn’t really take any decisions for me, but whenever I turn around he’s there to provide moral support. So I think I’m a very blessed daughter that way.
How about a Tamil movie?
Of course. I am a Tamil girl, a Chennaite. I haven’t stumbled upon a good script yet, which makes me sad. But I want to do a Tamil film soon.
How was it working with your father?
First, as a daughter, I felt proud working with my father. He is very talented and offers suggestions and inputs when it comes to work. And as an audience and a fan of his works, I’m thankful for having had an opportunity to work with him so early in my career. He’s had faith in newcomers throughout his career which is really a blessing to us newcomers.
Has he sung in your composition?
Yup, I have and you are going to listen to it soon.
How has your American education helped you?
That’s a very abstract concept and it’s very difficult to explain. I learnt film scoring, performance, music business, album recording, Hindustani classical while I was in the US. So I can’t really say where I applied what I have learnt. Music is a very vast area and you can use your ideas anywhere you like.
Any inspirations to do the stunts part in Luck?
No inspiration, as such. I’m an adventure seeker, go-getter. So when I knew there were stunt scenes in Luck, I was ready to do it. If you ask me, I was my only inspiration.
What happened to the MJ memorial concert?
I was supposed to do it. But unfortunately since the dates clashed with my other commitments, I couldn’t do it.
Any dream role?
I don’t believe in that concept. What is dream role today is might just be normal tomorrow. I feel whatever character calls out to me, whatever inspires me, I will do that film.
Any comments about the glamour quotient in cinema?
I think packaging and marketing are important for a film. If you have a weak script, no matter how hard you try to market it, the movie won’t stand. I definitely feel glamour is an intricate part of the industry.
What is Luck all about?
Luck is basically about these people who think they have all the luck in life. This is a sort of game show, but only that lives of the characters are being betted here. It’s actually a dark idea and that’s what interested me the most in the script.
Tell us something about your first hero Imran.
I know Imran for more than 10 years. He’s a family friend. But in the set all it matters is the character he plays and off camera it was nice working together with a friend whom I have known for years.
What’s next?
Get me some good scripts. I will definitely do a project.
Your primary goal in cinema?
To improve myself and enhance my performance. That’s my goal right now.
How was it working with Soham Shah?
I think it’s nice to work with him since a director who risks with a newcomer will definitely risk with his movie. Luck has a very good combination of actors ranging from Sanjay Dutt to Imran to me. This is why I chose Luck.
Any advises from dad?
Dad usually doesn’t advice. All he says is go figure it out yourself. But he did tell me that I have to treat cinema as part of my family and to be dedicated in whatever I did.
Born to famous parents, Sruthi Hasan is sexy and smart. She began as a singer in her band, Extramentals. Though her entry into filmdom with a Tamil project was shelved, she got to make her debut in Bollywood, opposite childhood friend Imran Khan in "Luck". Talented Sruthi is now making yet another debut as a music composer in her father's film-"Unnaipol Oruvan". Sruthi talks about her dreams, music and movies.
Did you always want to enter films?
I always knew that I wanted to entertain people and perform. It did not matter which platform I chose. I did theatre in school; I was an athlete. Performance went to various levels for me. What mattered to me was to push myself to do the best.
Why did you choose "Luck" for your debut?
Well, for starters, it had an unconventional plot. So I decided to explore it. The character was interesting; not a typical bubbly girl. She has a history, a past. she's tough and the whole concept was novel.
How has the response been?
The response for the film has been pretty mixed. Touch wood, I'm happy with the kind of responses I've received for my performance. I really appreciate this. I have a Facebook page where people keep in touch with me. They have been extremely supportive and that makes me happy.
How was it acting with your childhood friend? Was it a planned debut?
No, not at all. We have been friends for over 15 years. we kept telling each other that we would become actors but never did we think we would do that act together in the same film. All can I say is, it was a wonderful coincidence and I am happy because he was a good support.
Will you do Tamil films?
Of course, I will. After all I'm a Chennai girl. Bollywood is a nice industry to work in but Tamil cinema is also important because this is my home. Actually I don't like to split it up. it's Indian cinema at the end of the day I'm happy to be a part of this industry.
Your dad must have been a huge influence in your life.
I know a lot of people see him as a celebrity first. But for me he's never been like that. He's been a wonderful dad-extremely supportive, open-minded and encouraging. That was what helped me grow as a person, as an artist and become what I'm today.
What's next - movies, musci...?
Right now I'm very busy recording for "Unnaipol Oruvan". It's consuming my soul every day. I'm looking at a whole bunch of movies and more music. Right now my plans are up in the air; I don't like to over-plan. I'm not 43 or 45... I have time so I like to make wise choices for myself.
What is it like to be a part of your father's film?
Challenging, fun, wonderful... there are so many things I can say. I have just come back from a recording and all I can say is am elated to be working on such a wonderful project. To be working with a director who is so open-minded is great and to solloborate with my father in my own way is a big achievement, not just because he's my dad but because he is one of the most talented actors in India has today.
What's it like to be a star kid?
I don't know. I was never treated like one. I went to a normal school where nobody was bigger than the other. Even at home we had the same rules and regulations, same control over watching TV. The only time I felt that I was a star kid was when I attended dad's premiers. In fact, we were very removed from the stardom and I'm like anyone else-a very Chennai girl.
Tell us more about your band.
The band was formed because my best friend Krishna and I have known each other since we were four. he was the bass player and that's how we got around to starting it. But he's leaving now to study in the same school I studied in - Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. Another member is also going off to study. Right now I'm at a phase where I am reassembling the band. But music will never die. It's very much a part of my life.
How was it been a part of your Dads project and scoring music for the first time?
It was a great feeling , At this point of my career, I coul'd have asked for more and it's not just because it is my Dad's film. He has an ear for music and treats it like anyother discipline of film making. He tld me, "The reason I hired you was because you have a different perspective on things."
It was a great feeling , At this point of my career, I coul'd have asked for more and it's not just because it is my Dad's film. He has an ear for music and treats it like anyother discipline of film making. He tld me, "The reason I hired you was because you have a different perspective on things."
Will you take it up as a profession and continue other banners as well?
If an inspiring script comes my way, why not!
Being a daughter of Kamal and Saarika, was your bollywood debut a planned move?
Not at all. There is no such divide as to Hindi being better than Tamil. It was just coincidence. I am happy to be a part of cinema irrespective of the language. To some extent, Bollywood films have a national wide visibility. But, just because I am an actor's daughter, the doors to bollywood did not open for me. At the end of the day, it is talent that matters.
Does having the Haasan tag mean more responsibility or fear?
None of the above. It is my surname and I am proud of my family and its lineage.
A new crop of star daughters, Soundarya Rajnikanth and Varalakshmi Sarath Kumar are entering the film Industry and proving their talents. Do you feel competitive in one way or the other?
It's a delight to see that the industry is poised for change and heading in the right direction. I don't feel that I am threatened in any way. No two people are similar. When my first film was released, there were hardly any big releases in Hindi. So, I did'nt feel the pinch. I believe I am a different product altogether. I have put in my best and thats all that matters to me.
This is a male dominated Industry. An Actor's career lasts forever while actresses fades away. Do you agree?
I don't adhere to such rules, Just look at brilliant artste's like Shabana Azmi, Suhasini and Revathy who are still doing great work. One can not supress anyone's creativity . I agree - to some extent, the Industry is male dominated.In any case, I am not concerned about all these things.
You are rumoured to have an affair with your drummer Jerry.Please clarify.
The only common thing between us was that we were playing in the same band. We are just friends and there is nothing more between us. I got busy with my assignments and I hardly have time for these so called 'romances'.
You belive in Boyfriend Girlfriend culture?
I am not pretending to be a moralistic nun. But it really hurts the family when people write such false things and I do believe in certain things the society expects out of me. I do not want to offend someone and I guess that is what makes you grounded here.
Don't you fear that your bold opinions would land you in trouble?
People have always appreciated me for my honesty. The trait has become a rarity these days. But trust me, never ever has it landed me in trouble.
Who is your role model?
I admire lot of people. Even in day-to-day life, I observer something interesting to each and every person I meet. As an Artiste, Madonna is my all time favourite, for me she is a complete entertainer.