Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; January 30, 2014)

We’ve heard, in all probability, Shruti Haasan will be seen alongside Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in Mani Ratnam’s next, which has been touted as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s comeback. Interestingly, Ratnam’s wife Suhasini happens to be Kamal Haasan’s niece. 

About Shruti, the source added, “She is on board now, unless there are some last-minute changes. She will be mostly paired opposite Mahesh Babu.” When contacted, Shruti answered our call, but couldn’t talk as she was in the middle of a shot. We also texted the actress, but there was no reply. She put us on to her manager, who said, “I wouldn’t like to comment except that she hasn’t been signed on as yet, so let’s not speculate. I am sure various actors are vying for that role. Obviously, she is interested.” 

We also called and texted Mani Ratnam, but there was no response from him. 

As far as Aishwarya is concerned, we are told her character will apparently have negative shades. “You will see her in a new avatar,” revealed a source. Aishwarya, too, has kept mum about the project. When asked about her comeback to films at a recent press conference, she had said, “If there were (any plans), I would have announced them.”