Stereophonic Sannata must be very special for you, given that you've sung for Ilaiyaraaja. Also, your sister Akshara Haasan debuted with the film. How did you land the offer?
It's indeed a special song for me.(Director) Balki sir called me up and said that he and Raaja sir wanted me to sing for the film. This happened months ago when I was shooting in Mumbai. So, I immediately went to Chennai to record it. I sung the track at Raaja sir's studio.

The song is based on one of Ilaiyaraaja's Tamil hits, Aasaya Kaathula Thoothu Vittu, which incidentally featured Rajinikanth.
I wasn't looking at it that way. For me, the Tamil song is an iconic one, a number which I love listening to. I felt honoured to be a part of its Hindi version.

How was the experience of recording this Hinglish number?
I'm glad they chose me for this number. I was amazed with the fact that the same composer who came out with the Tamil original years ago could redo the song so effectively to cater to today's listeners. And Raaja sir has made this new version equally successful, which, obviously, is because of his brilliance. I'm happy to add whatever flavour I could to this song.

Did you have inputs?
Not at all. Not to Raaja sir.

Did he have anything to say to you after the recording?
As long as he doesn't say something is wrong with the way I've sung, I'm happy (smiles).

You started your music career with Ilaiyaraaja when you sang for him in Thevar Magan. From then to now, do you find any difference in his style of working and music?
Honestly, I am in no position to comment on his method of working or music. It was an honour for me to start my career with him and sing for him today. I'm not in any position to analyse his style. I can just say he is a genius.

You've had two releases this year already - ­ Joganiyan (Tevar) and Stereophonic Sannata. How do you strike a balance between acting and singing?
Both are my passion, and I could do it, all thanks to time management. I know I can't have a full-time career in music when I'm acting. I have a slew of releases lined up for this year alone. So, I'm happy I am able to at least dabble with playback singing.

Does it leave you with any time for composing?
Nope. Not at all. I am doing seven films this year and it's difficult to manage them alone. If I have to start composing as well, then there will have to be two Shrutis!

You have collaborated with artistes like David Kushner of Velvet Revolver fame and Assamese composer Joi Barua. What do you think of the non-film music scene in India?
It has grown and improved in the last few decades. In the 90s, alternative music was hugely popular and so many such albums had released. And these days, there are more venues for musicians to play and people to listen to such kinds of music. Then there's the influence of the digital media. It's a huge platform where people freely share music, leading to its increasing popularity.

Has international music influenced Indian films?
Ours is a globalised country and there's great mix of what we hear and like from other countries. Indian music is deep, rich and comprehensive. So, the influence of world music is finely balanced.

Do you have plans of dabbling with classical music on screen?
I haven't thought about it till now.I'm trained in classical music. So, at some point, I hope to try my hand at it.