Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 2, 2018)

Shruti Haasan, who recently celebrated her birthday, is intent on pursuing a career in music. Although acting remains one of her passions, she wants to “take a step back” from juggling film assignments and instead, concentrate on scoring and singing a few ditties.

“Music is my focus right now,” she tells mid-day, emphasising that it has a calming effect on her. “As an artiste, I can’t be constricted. It is essential that I constantly keep reinventing myself. This year will see me come up with my own singles.”

Haasan points out that the monotony of churning out films nudged her towards exploring her creative streak beyond acting. “Three industries and multiple films simultaneously were leaving little time for me to find myself. People were forming opinions about me, almost to the point of pigeonholing and that’s the last thing I want,” says Haasan, who has previously several films.

The actor, who divides her time between Los Angeles and London, is in a happy space with beau Michael Corsale, but is in no hurry to tie the knot. “I’m tired of the marriage rumours. Everyone knows about him, but I don’t see why I should speak about him.”

Despite coming from an unconventional family set-up, Haasan says that her parents’ marriage has not made her cynical. “That was their life, this is mine. I know how to hold on to my relationships.”