Shruti Haasan’s personal life has come under the radar as the actor-singer and her boyfriend, doodle artist and illustrator Santanu Hazarika, have unfollowed each other on Instagram, sparking break-up rumours.

Confirming the news, a source tells us, “They broke up last month. Since there were personal wavelength issues, they decided to part ways amicably.”

When we reached out to Haasan, she refused to comment and requested for privacy.

Haasan has deleted all the photos with her now ex-boyfriend from her Instagram. She also took a break from social media recently and marked her return with a cryptic post that read: “It’s been a crazy ride, learning so much about myself and about people. We should never be sorry for all the things we can be or need to be (sic).”

Has actress Shruti Haasan tied the knot? That was the question on people’s minds after socialite Orry addressed Shruti’s partner Santanu Hazarika as her husband in a recent session on social media. Shruti took to Instagram on Tuesday to clear the air; she wrote, “So, I’m not married. As someone who has been open about every single thing, why would I hide this? LOL. So, people who don’t know me at all, please calm down (sic).”

When we reached out to the actress, she clarified, “It’s just so silly. I wish people who don’t know me wouldn’t talk about me. I have lived my life with complete openness and honesty. If I were married, why would I hide it? I posted a clarification because my social media was spammed with this news… It was very funny. I was laughing at it.”

When asked about Orry calling her rude, Shruti said, “I don’t know who that (he) is. I am busy doing my work and living my life. My focus has always been on people who bring good energy into my life and around me. I have always said this, and I stand by it - I am like a mirror, I treat people exactly the way I am treated, and I am never sorry for it.”

During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Orry was asked whether any celebrity had shown him an unnecessary attitude while posing for a photo. He replied, “Shruti Hasan. Not for posing cause I never asked her, but she was very, very rude to me at an event that I had actually got her into and I don’t even know her! Felt very bad, but there was probably some misunderstanding cause I am good with her husband and I adore him. This will get sorted out in time. However, I heard from the rumour mill she called me a ‘Pune’ like a spot boy or something (sic).”

Actor Shruti Haasan has been a regular subject of pap attention for her relationship with her partner, musician Santanu Hazarika. While their closeness has left fans curious about the prospect of marriage, Haasan has clarified that there are “no plans as of now”.

She expresses her reservations about the institution of marriage, stating, “The word marriage scares me a lot. I am happy being with him, doing good work in collaboration with him and having a great time together. Isn’t it better than most marriages?”

Describing the unconventional nature of her relationship with Hazarika, Haasan highlights their commitment to a life free from societal norms: “We don’t care if people approve of us not getting married, or not. As long as we are best friends, great collaborators, treat each other well, and respect each other, there is no problem.”

Notably, the couple has not only found love, but also a successful working partnership. They recently collaborated on Haasan’s latest song under their production house: “We worked to create Monster Machine. In the workplace, while we both are disciplined, there is a huge difference in our personalities. I am always on my toes, always anxious, and want to get things done right then and there. On the other hand, he is very calm and relaxed.”

As the daughter of powerhouse performers, Shruti Haasan, who’s known for her no-nonsense attitude, has carved out an identity for herself as an actress and musician. She has also lent her voice and support for the cause of mental health. In a candid chat, she talks about her forthcoming projects, why she advocates mental health issues and her thoughts on love and marriage. Read on...

Salaar is a film which took a very long time for us to make, and I am extremely happy to be part of it. Usually, there are many characters in Prashanth Neel’s films, but everyone has their own importance. Even in KGF, none of the characters appear randomly, and it’s the same in Salaar. My character, Adya, is pivotal to the story.

When the script came to me, I simply enjoyed reading it. It’s a beautiful story of women that needs to be told. I enjoy films that take patience and time to show women’s perspectives and make us understand what they are going through. Sometimes, we feel lost in stories, but this had a great impact on me. It’s written, directed, and produced by women. I mean, what else do I need to feel great about?

I strongly believe that discussing mental health is crucial, particularly in this day and age. It’s not just about seeking therapy, but also about various stigmas that surround mental health. I have suffered from a debilitating anxiety disorder. I saw other artistes and actors my age handling the same sets of issues, deadlines and more, with ease, whereas, it was physically impossible for me to cope. Initially, I didn’t understand what was happening. I just thought I was inadequate. At one point, I decided to take a break and address the issues I had been facing. I also realized that many people go through this, but are afraid to speak about it. Fourteen years ago, in the Indian media, I was taught not to share any of this. Even now, some people are questioning why I am being so open about it. It’s my life, and I am old enough to speak about it. If my story can change someone’s life, isn’t that amazing?

Previously, I was not very open about my private life. However, things have changed now. There is a significant paparazzi culture in Mumbai, and even if I deny a rumour, they will release a photo to prove it. So, I decided that there was no point in hiding things. Regarding Santanu Hazarika, he is someone I am incredibly proud of. The kind of person he is and his achievements in the world of art are truly inspiring. In an era where we post pictures with random people whom we don’t even know, why shouldn’t I be proud of the person I spend every day with?

We don’t believe in the institution of marriage, but we do believe in commitment and loyalty very much, perhaps even more than married couples (laughs). Marriage may happen, or it may not. It’s not really our priority. We are already living a beautiful life together, and we are very happy with it.

I t’s holiday season and with New Year’s Eve just around the corner, getting ‘what’s your plan’ questions are inevitable. At the airports, paps are stationed to capture celebs heading to exotic locations for a vacation. However, for those who travel extensively, staying at home is a luxury and a vacation in itself. Actress-singer Shruti Haasan, who lived out of a suitcase for the major part of the year due to her professional commitments, is looking forward to a quiet and relaxing New Year’s Eve at home with her boyfriend Santanu Hazarika and pet Clara.

The actress, who was recently in Athens working on her upcoming Hollywood film The Eye, has been shooting round the clock for her South movies — Salaar with Prabhas, NBK 107 with Nandamuri Balakrishna and Chiru 154 with Chiranjeevi. These last few days of 2022 are a welcome break for Shruti, who will gear up for backto-back releases next year.

Talking about her simple New Year plan, the actress told Bombay Times, “I have no mental pressure about where I need to travel for New Year’s. I have only been out of the country. I spent two months in Greece recently for the shoot of my English film. There is nothing more exciting than staying at home. I don’t have any FOMO (fear of missing out). This year has been busy and I’m very grateful to be working on some amazing projects. I’m looking forward to an easy New Year’s eve at home with Santanu and my pet Clara. New Year’s Eve is best enjoyed with your near and dear ones, and I’m really looking forward to spending it relaxing and chilling at home.”

Actor Shruti Haasan and her beau, artist Santanu Hazarika, are going strong. But, she is often asked about when she plans to settle down — by everyone except her family.

“It’s hilarious,” Shruti, the daughter of actors Sarika and Kamal Haasan, tells us. She adds, “We have never had this pressure from my parents. They say, ‘Do what makes you happy, stand on your feet, find a love that makes you happy’.”

To those asking about her marriage plans, the 36-year-old has no answers. “People’s mums, chachis and neighbours are telling them to get married. In my case, I have random strangers asking me.” But she, in turn, has a question for all such people: “Are they going to help me with catering or decorations? I am really curious to know.”

The actor, who will next be seen in Salaar, adds, “I do understand the curiosity about my life; it’s human nature. Even if you’re not a celebrity, you want to know what’s going on in your neighbour’s house... I am grateful to have a wonderful professional and personal life. You can balance both — that is what I want the takeaway to be for people.”

Shruti has, however, never shied away from sharing pictures of her and Hazarika on social media, as she believes she has nothing to hide. “I discussed it with my partner. There are ways to go about this. I like saying this is who I am,” she explains.

In 2018, she took a sabbatical for two years and moved to London. Cut to two years later, Shruti Haasan came back to India, fully recharged and ready to dive into work again. From making her debut in the OTT space to bagging interesting projects down South, the actress has been on a roll. In conversation with Bombay Times, she opens up about this new professional journey that she has embarked on, the new chapter in her personal life and why the thought of marriage makes her nervous. Read on…

It is going really well this time around. I feel rejuvenated and energized to take up new challenges. I must say 2022 is looking quite promising. It began with the release of my web show Bestseller, for which I got immense love and appreciation. With that, I do look forward to taking up more Hindi projects. I have a few South projects, including Salaar with Prabhas, Chiru 154 with Chiranjeevi and NBK 107 with Balakrishna. I am also glad about the kind of reception South Indian films are getting today.

Recently, there have been several discussions with Hindi filmmakers. As I said, my recent web show has coaxed me to do more Hindi projects. See, I started my journey as an actor with the Hindi film Luck (2009), and since then, I have only tried to balance my career by doing films in multiple languages.

After Behen Hogi Teri in 2017, I took that break. After returning to India (in 2020), I picked up a few South projects that released consecutively. When it comes to me, people are looking only at the surface. I am glad that I was approached for the web show. I want to work across languages and mediums, but I will pick stories that entice me. I understand that Mumbai feels like the centre of the universe to so many people, but it isn’t the centre of some people’s universe. I feel nobody should feel apologetic about where they choose to spend most of their time working. I have been in that race where people say that as an actor, you must do one Hindi film a year. I moved to Mumbai ever since my parents split. I have been living here for many years. I speak in Hindi with my mother. So, when I consider Mumbai my home and the city considers me its own, then how can someone from the Hindi film industry say things like, “Oh, but you are a South Indian.”

It was necessary because I wanted to realign myself. I felt like I was doing things that weren’t making me happy, personally and professionally. At that time, a lot of people thought that it was an insane step that I was taking, but it was important to step off the treadmill back then. There was a time when I stopped enjoying movies and music. I needed some an artiste.

I took off on a path where I aimed to cleanse my mind, body and spirit. I wanted to start from scratch. So, I moved to London. I focused a lot on music. I started writing my own music again and collaborated with music producers. I started performing live and enjoyed doing gigs at my favourite venues. There used to be some Indians there, and they would sweetly ask me why I wasn’t performing my film songs. But I was on the route of making and presenting my original creations. I wanted to test my music, and if it wasn’t good, I knew that I would get an honest response from the audience. Now, I am in talks with people, and something interesting is coming up soon with respect to my music projects.

Yes, because anxiety definitely hampered my journey. Initially, when I was diagnosed with anxiety, I thought I should deal with it on my own. After so many years of struggle, it was in London that I turned to therapy and found answers to discussions I wasn’t even willing to have with myself. I recommend therapy to those who are also facing anxiety. After all, your parents, siblings or friends are not certified professionals to help you deal with your stress. Professional guidance can be of great help. It took me 10 years to find my own way through anxiety. The two things that always get misconstrued as noise or violence — heavy metal music and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) — are the only things that gave me balance during those difficult times.

Santanu and I had some common friends. Our friendship blossomed because of our mutual appreciation for the love of art, music and cinema. People like him are rare. He is very kind and talented. He is a visual artist... an illustrator, and I find his art really inspiring. I have met many people who don’t prioritise kindness and good behaviour, especially in our business. I have dated actors before, and it was terrible. For some actors, it may work. But when it comes to me, I consider myself a creative musician first. I am a bit of an oddball. I love my heavy metal and my dark graphic novels. I have never met anyone in the business who liked the same thing as me. The actor I dated just didn’t get me. It was only after I dated outside the film community was when I started discovering like-minded people.

The thought of marriage makes me nervous at this point. It is something that I wouldn’t jump at right away.

I think my parents had the most beautiful intentions for their marriage. When it worked, it was a fantastic marriage and that’s what I chose to take away from it. Things may or may not work out. I always like to look at what was the good side of it. My parents went through a lot, and they stuck it out. Just because their marriage didn’t work, it doesn’t mean that I would write off the idea of marriage. When it worked, they were a brilliant couple, and that’s what I chose to look at.