What began as a regular shoot day for Ram Charan and the team of Peddi spiralled into a hectic night of damage control. Nearly 53 seconds of footage from a special dance number of Peddi made its way online in the late hours of April 27. What was shocking was that the song shoot, featuring the South star and Shruti Haasan, had begun only earlier that day on a specially erected set in Janwada near Hyderabad.

Sources told mid-day that director Buchi Babu Sana and the team were stunned when they saw the clip being circulated across fan pages, Telegram groups, and X. A source said, “Usually, makers are worried about leaks during post-production, but here the footage seems to have gone out straight from the set. The unit was caught off guard.”

Murmurs are that the leak may have originated from either an on-set monitor recording or an internally circulated preview cut. The source added, “It was not a polished teaser. It looked like someone recorded the monitor playback on the phone.”

Since then, the makers have roped in anti-piracy experts, who are trying to contain the spread. An insider said, “More than 400 links across platforms have been removed. The legal and digital teams have been working continuously.”

On International Women's Day yesterday (March 08), conversations around empowerment often centre on rights, representation and opportunity. For Shruti Haasan, however, the starting point is more personal: recognising that your voice matters. The actress and musician speaks about discovering that confidence early in life, the evolving space for women in creative industries, and why feminism is often misunderstood.

She believes the ability to trust one’s voice often begins with overcoming self-doubt. She says, “We live in a time where there is so much overload of information that everyone doubts their abilities and true potential. But society does have a way of making women feel doubly unsure. At the same time, we are hearing more voices rising, with women becoming certain of who they are and how they look and finding the courage to stand against the system. I think I was around 17 or 18 when I realized that my voice matters, that I could use it and stand up for myself.”

Looking at how the space for women has shifted in cinema and music over the years, Shruti acknowledges that the industry has made visible strides, even as the larger goal of empowerment continues to evolve. She shares, “Representation has definitely been changing, and opportunities have been evolving. At the same time, I think the industry can work further towards empowering women.”

When asked what she would tell young women hoping to build careers in music or acting, she stresses that passion alone is rarely enough without persistence and direction. She says, “It’s challenging to build a career in fields like music and cinema for many reasons. But if you are passionate about something, in any field, it’s important to make a plan to pursue it. And it’s equally important to have the willpower to see it through.”

Shruti also feels that public conversations around feminism often lose nuance when the idea is presented selectively. “Feminism is misunderstood when it is wrongly represented or conveniently represented. It’s very important to understand the history of feminism, to be grateful for the rights we have today, and to remain conscious of what still needs to be done moving forward,” she concludes.

While turning 40 can be a daunting milestone for many, Shruti Haasan isn’t losing sleep over it. With her milestone birthday coming up in January, the actor-singer is embracing the idea of growing older with candour, humour and a sharp sense of self. During a recent visit to the city, she sat down with Hyderabad Times for a freewheeling conversation, opening up about letting go of ageist expectations, stepping back from the online world, her thoughts on AI and creativity, and the nostalgic joy of her first-ever recording at six.

There’s an ease with which Shruti carries herself, a quality that’s sharpened over years of living in the limelight while charting her own course. Whether it’s choosing roles that interest her or stepping back from the noise, she says her choices today are guided more by instinct than compulsion. That’s what prompted her recent digital detox.

“I’m not fond of words like attachment or detachment because they carry so many connotations, I wanted to step away from social media for a while. I think I just needed that,” she explains, adding, “I want to be honest and authentic with people. And I wasn’t in a state of mind or frame of mind to feel like sharing. You don’t have to always be sharing. Everyone should take a digital detox; and everyone should put their phone away for a whole two hours if they can.”

Technology, ironically, is something Shruti is deeply curious about, particularly the growing presence of AI in creative fields. She references her segment X-Life from the Telugu anthology Pitta Kathalu, directed by Nag Ashwin, where she played a character trapped in a tech-saturated future.

“I see the world shifting and it’s surreal because it’s actually happening just like how the movie predicted,” she says. Still, while she acknowledges the inevitability and power of AI, Shruti draws a firm line around what it can never emulate.

“I’m genuinely excited about AI because it’s unavoidable and will develop at an incredible pace. However, I’ve always believed that while AI can mimic human thinking and leverage immense computational power, it will never be able to replicate the human soul. The soul is the essence, and that can never be duplicated.”

From starting as a child singer to delivering chart-toppers like Odiyamma, Shruti’s had quite a journey as a singer. “My father is very supportive and he is such a pookie. My debut song as a child singer was in dad’s iconic film Thevar Magan,” she says, adding, “I remember those days when I was six, practicing in the car while driving to the shoot with my dad for my first song as a singer. Back then, I didn’t know Shivaji Ganesan as the OG. I used to call him Shivaji thatha, and Ilaiyaraaja Sir as Raja uncle. But now, looking back, I feel truly blessed to have made such a debut in singing.” She adds, “Music is my saviour, I don’t know if I’d be alive without it.”

Shruti Haasan followed her father, Kamal Haasan’s footsteps and became an actor, but not many know that during her formative years, she was inclined towards taking up direction. In fact, she reveals that what fascinated her about a director’s job was an incident that also traces back to her father.

“I always thought that my dad was the ultimate. There was He-Man (animated superhero) and there was my dad. So, I’d be like, ‘Papa is so cool’. One day, I went to a set and I saw him listening to his director. And I was like ‘Who is this person who gets to make my dad act like he is in a classroom!’. And then I was like, ‘Wow, directing is such a cool job’. It was a very silly motivation in the beginning,” she tells us on Father's Day.

The 38-year-old is now juggling roles of an actor, musician and a producer, and one wonders if she wants to resurrect her direction dreams, and maybe one day helm a biopic on her superstar father.

“Oh god no! Definitely not!” she exclaims, and shares why she won’t be the right person for the job. “It would be extremely biased from my side if I were to ever make a film on dad’s life. Also, I think there are more well-equipped storytellers who’ll do justice to his story.”

In fact, celebrating her father’s glorious journey, Shruti recently paid tribute to him at the audio launch of his upcoming film Indian 2.

Stating that it was a “great experience” performing on stage to her father’s songs, Shruti tells us, “Papa has such a prolific, insane career, so, it was like trying to find different things in the ocean. It was amazing fun to take all of these songs, and put them in a newly-produced set, which was indicative of my style and how I play it with my band. For me, to infuse my music while honouring what dad’s music means to people was really exciting,” concludes the actor, who will next be seen in Dacoit and Salaar 2.

Shruti Haasan’s latest performance may be among her most cherished ones, purely for the emotional value it holds. On June 2, the actor-musician performed at the audio launch of Indian 2, which is led by her actor-father Kamal Haasan. Through their performance, Shruti and her band paid tribute to the superstar as they belted out his hit songs from the past decades, including Potta Padiyudhu and Akadanu Naanga. After a set, Shruti even walked to her father in the audience, touched his feet and hugged him before returning to the stage. Naturally, the heartfelt moment is going viral online.

Tell her that, and she says it’s a moment of pride for her. “I had a wonderful time putting [the act] together with my band. We had to revisit all his old songs and the new ones. It has always been special to perform for my father. A lot of who I am as a musician, singer and an artiste is because of my father. He enjoys the musician side of me. It’s an honour to perform for a legend, but as his daughter, it’s sweet to do this for him,” she says.

The event took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, and was attended by director S Shankar, actors Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh and music composer Anirudh Ravichander. The fact that it was in her hometown made it even better.

“No matter where I perform in the world, singing in Chennai, in the language I grew up speaking, is unparalleled. I write and think in English. But being a Chennai girl who listens to Tamil songs, it’s special to sing them to the people.”

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).”

Released yesterday, Shruti Haasan’s latest Tamil composition is special for more reasons than one—apart from the fact that it serves as an extension of her work as an independent artiste in the regional music space, it sees her join hands with her superstar father, Kamal Haasan, who comes on board as lyricist.

“I first conceptualized this song as an English number. I wanted to write a song about the ups and downs of love, and I felt that it should have a Tamil chorus. My dad’s producing partner believed that the entire song should be in Tamil. When we started to think of a lyricist for the composition, he said, ‘You should ask your father’. I wasn’t sure that was an option, but having him [Kamal] on board was an honour. He is one of the most gifted lyricists [of our time]. Subsequently, I started to work on the music video,” shares Shruti of the track, Inimel, which translates to ‘from now on’.

While the composition had been crafted before she approached her father, Shruti reveals that she made a few tweaks to “retain appa’s style of writing”. “His style enhanced the song. My biggest takeaway from working with him is that he is not someone who settles after [writing] one or two [versions]. He will give me 10 options for the lyrics. That level of excitement for the art is something I always find inspiring.”

Inimel, she reveals, speaks of modern love and its complications. “It’s about being comfortable in continually searching for love, and knowing it’s a bit of a delusion. I wanted to create a moment in the lyrics and visuals [with which I could show] an entire relationship in four minutes. This song is a continuation of my celebration of indie music on a large scale, and in my regional language.”

Shruti Haasan is enjoying the current phase in her film and music career. Her last release, Prabhas-starrer, Salaar was a hit at the box office, and she recently signed her third Hollywood film, Chennai Story.

But on the former, she has a rather unique take. “I was honoured to be a part of a successful film like Salaar. It is always great to be part of such a team. With films like this, these are really male driven. I don’t think there’s any debate. It’s not a love story, it’s an action entertainer through and through, the stress is much more for the male lead actor and producer. I am really happy that it’s a massive success for everyone involved,” says the 38-year-old.

Haasan doesn’t mind playing such roles, because there are other projects where she gets to lead too. “When people say ‘it is just like a wallflower role’, I don’t take offence because I understand these are the films which help the industry sustain economically as well. Actors who are part of such projects, not just male, but the supporting cast, technical departments, everyone benefits, no two ways about it. We are the planets that orbit around the lead character. This film could also have had a female lead... if I was in it as that, it would have been the same story. It is just about the screenplay,” adds Haasan, who also has a music video lined up next.

It’s the Indian film industry”, has been the rallying cry of the cross-pollination movement taking place across film industries in India. After the Telugu film RRR (2022) saw cameos from actors Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt, actors Shah Rukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor fronted two of 2023’s biggest films: Atlee’s Jawan and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal.

The shift is turning stratospheric in 2024, with actor Prithviraj Sukumaran playing the baddie in Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, actors Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan joining hands for actor Prabhas’ Kalki 2988 AD, actor Varun Dhawan’s collaboration with filmmaker Atlee for Baby John and actor Emraan Hashmi featuring in the Adivi Sesh-starrer Goodachari 2.

Actor Tiger Shroff says, “It really opens up the market, and we get a large audience with such collaborations. I would love to work with (actors) Allu Arjun, Ram Charan and Jr NTR, all of whom I am a huge fan of.”

Recently, Hanuman, starring Teja Sajja, a virtually unknown name in the north, went on to collect more than Rs. 50 crore in the region despite next to zero promotions. “There have been a couple of (Hindi) offers after Hanuman, which was also like a Hindi film. I am happy to do films for the national audience, if the subject is relevant,” he says.

Trade expert Atul Mohan, however, feels that cross-pollination has come and gone earlier, too. “In the ’70s and ’80s, actors such as Jeetendra and Sridevi would work in so many southern-language films, and the same amount in Hindi, too. Directors and producers would work here. And then it slowed down.”

However, exhibitor Akshaye Rathi doesn’t see this as just a trend. “This did happen a lot in the past — and it’s coming back now. And it will stay forever. Just look at (actors) Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR teaming up for War 2. When this happens, two massive markets get harnessed together,” he says.

It’s a matter of when that one film comes and collaboration across industries all starts again. If films like these don’t work as much, we might stop seeing the fascination with pan-India films.

- Atul Mohan, Trade Expert

Before Baahubali, people (in the north) would watch southern-language films on a TV channel and say ‘Achchi thi film’. Today, OTT has opened up things more.

- Shruti Haasan, Actor

Just look at Hrithik Roshan teaming up with Jr NTR for War 2. When this happens, two massive markets are harnessed at the same time.

- Akshaye Rathi, exhibitor

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).”

Sometimes, a year is so special that you don’t want it to end. For Shruti Haasan, 2023 was just that. But now that it’s coming to a close, the actor-musician is making sure she ends it with a bang. In other words, with Salaar: Part 1—Ceasefire that hits the marquee tomorrow. The action thriller, led by Prabhas and helmed by Prashanth Neel, is touted to be an immersive experience for the audience. Haasan says she will remember Salaar as the project that earned her friends for life, besides being a creatively enriching experience.

“We have been shooting it for quite a while. So, we feel like friends and family now. It’s one of the most anticipated films and rightfully so, considering the [awe-inspiring] world that Prashanth Neel has created,” she smiles.

The movie is set for a wide release. Does she feel an added pressure when it comes to the performance of such big-scale offerings? Not really, says the actor. “I’ve starred in all kinds of films—big, small, and medium. I want all my films to do well,” she grins. Fortunately, her movies have been faring well. Her debut English feature, The Eye, opened to acclaim at the BFI London Film Festival in October. Up next, she has the pan-India offering, Dacoit, with Adivi Sesh.

The year has also been significant for Haasan as she opened up about her sobriety journey. The actor says she knew she would be judged for her past habits, but she deemed it important to share her experience, which could be the reality of so many.

“We still live in a society where people pretend they don’t drink or don’t party. But honestly, [alcoholism] is not something to judge; it’s something to talk about. I knew that people would judge me, but I’m not wired to worry about judgment. I’m more concerned with saying something of value in any way, big or small. This was a journey I wanted to talk about. For those who don’t understand it and want to judge, they will never get it. For the rest of us, this conversation is important.”

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.”

Shruti Haasan has been consistently spreading the word on mental health and the benefits of therapy. In a conversation with us, the actress spoke about how therapy saved her life, her early years of battling mental health issues and how she’s on a mission to destigmatise it in our society.

For me, it started when I was in school, and my parents had separated. As my parents (Kamal Haasan and Sarika) were so well-known in Chennai, the whole school knew what was happening and the press was writing about it. I got a lot of unsolicited comments and sympathy. I learnt early on that this is something I’m going to be exposed to, though I had no plans of joining films at that point. That incident gave me a strong base to realize what opinions are important and which aren’t. Entering the movies was a different beast, the first few reviews and maybe rightfully so, were negative, and again, I had to ask myself if I wanted to listen to this or take constructive criticism and move forward. So, I’ve always had a healthy relationship with my mind in that aspect.

In 2017, when I was doing well, particularly in Telugu cinema, I left for London and got into therapy. Only I knew the kind of pressure I was going through. I gave up alcohol and have led a sober life ever since. When I came back, I knew I had to talk about therapy, and its benefits because I feel it saved me. In an interview I spoke about choosing a sober life and people tried to shame me for saying I drank. That’s when I started to read about how many closeted alcoholics there are in the country because of the social stigma around women drinking. There were some supportive people who felt I should share my story, but others said I would lose out on movies and come across as crazy, which is precisely why I had to speak about it. Removing alcohol from my life greatly helped my state of mind and taught me how to socialize without these crutches.

What affects me and even people outside the film industry across ages is the comments section on social media. The world runs like a giant comment section box today and that concerns me for everyone.

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Talking about how mental health continues to be a stigma in our society, Shruti says, “Recently, I could not make it to an event because of the flu and people said I was having mental issues. So, my daily goal is to destigmatize mental health. When I was in therapy, I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and chose not to take medication for it, but I never judge those who need medication because each one’s body is different.”

A bevy of Indian beauties have been seen at the Cannes Film Festival over the last few days, soaking the sights and sounds of cinema and the French Riviera. Shruti Haasan tells us what makes her Cannes visit so special this year. Excerpts:

My previous experience at Cannes was completely different. This time around, I’m truly excited as I’ll speak about my international film, The Eye, which is very close to my heart. Cannes is a melting pot of culture and incredible talent, and I’m proud to represent my country through an international film.

That’s amazing for her. The rest of us are waiting and working towards catching up. I hope someday we reach a level of pay equality, where this topic isn’t even required to be discussed. Honestly, there’s a huge and long bridge for us to cross. I’m excited and honoured to be conversing with an amazing group of people at the session Breaking Through the Lens, pioneered by my director, Daphne Schmon. In order to achieve pay parity and gender equality, changes need to happen strategically and organically. The first step, as always, is to talk about it.

Honestly, I’m never as excited about walking on the red carpet as I should be. I have fun, and I see others who take it more seriously, and I applaud that. My sense of style and fashion has always been a bit different, and I like to be myself. I have always loved the way Cate Blanchett dresses on any red carpet.

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Six years after she first turned up on the Cannes red carpet to promote a film she had eventually dropped out of, Shruti Haasan is set to return to the gala. This time around, Haasan, in the capacity of the chief guest of honour, will participate in a round-table discussion on gender parity. Titled Activating Change, and hosted by Breaking through the Lens, the talk will focus on challenges and opportunities that the under-represented genders in the film industry face.

“I have spoken to my co-stars about [gender parity] but, it is not a conversation we get into in detail, because it is still awkward and hasn’t been dealt with openly. I am happy to start talking about it. A lot of us are in the process of [effecting] change, be it about mental health, or pay parity. I was always influenced by musicians who spoke about their struggles, or of their triumphs and tribulations,” she says.

In an industry that dotes over its male actors, is Haasan often dissuaded by the lack of parity? “I never forget the fact that I am privileged. In India, we still don’t have proper health or sanitation for girls, or access to education and clean water. When I look at it through that lens, I feel, those are the first things that we should be speaking about. I have focused on raising awareness about the larger good and questioning patriarchy.”

The actor, who fronts the Hollywood movie, The Eye, admits that she often finds herself juggling between choosing promising opportunities, and raising her voice against discrimination. “I have also been part of films where my roles have been cut at the editing table, or have been seen as the second lead to the man. But, when I get the opportunity to do female-driven subjects, I will do them.”

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.

In her latest film, Chiranjeevi-starrer Waltair Veerayya, actor-singer Shruti Haasan shot for a song against a snow-capped mountain. While she was in a white and blue saree, her co-star wore a blazer, T-shirt and denims. Recalling the experience, the actor recently admitted “it’s really difficult” to dance in the snow in just a saree.

During an interaction with her fans, Haasan said, “I don’t like dancing in the snow. It’s really difficult. The hero can wear a jacket. We don’t even have a jacket, coat, shawl. [We have] absolutely nothing except a blouse and a saree, in the snow.” A clip of the same has been doing the rounds on social media.

Requesting filmmakers to stop making their female actors go through this, the Veera Simha Reddy actor added, “I would like to make a petition, a request and ask people to stop doing that. I just did recently (the song; Sridevi Chiranjeevi).”

Meanwhile, the actor recently wrapped up shooting her part for the upcoming Telugu film, Salaar, co-starring Prabhas.

Shruti Haasan’s recent trip to Kodaikanal was among one of her many solo adventures. While travelling solo, which means exploring a new place alone, eating by yourself and meeting new people — pushes you out of your comfort zone, the actress feels these experiences are important and liberating.

Shruti shares, “I’ve always loved travelling alone or doing things alone. Be it eating a meal or watching a movie in a theatre, exploring a city, doing things by myself and meeting new people — it’s extremely empowering and enriching to be able to do things on your own. You wouldn’t have the conversations you have with locals when you travel in a group.”

Safety is of utmost importance to female solo travellers. The actress is aware of it and ensures she does her homework before choosing a place. She elaborates, “I travel solo to places that I know are safe. I prefer destinations that I have been to a couple of times before and where I know a few people. If you are a solo female traveller, you should get onto the forums online where other female travellers share their experiences. It helps you prepare better for a trip as you know what kind of environment you are going to enter.”

London has been one of Shruti’s favourite destinations to travel solo. “Discovering London on a solo trip was lovely. You can walk around and discover the history of the place and also the not-so-touristy belts. In fact, my first solo trip was to England and Europe many years ago,” she shares, adding, “I really needed to take a break from the situation I was in, the people I was around and needed to rediscover who I was as a person. I learnt to enjoy my own company and be alone. We are often conditioned to depend on others for emotional validation or just to keep us company, but to be able to sit down, not use your phone, read a book, enjoy nature and make conversation with new people… it is very empowering and enriching. You learn what is safe and what isn’t. It was really fulfilling and that’s the reason I love taking solo trips.”

For the actress, taking breaks and travelling is as important as staying focussed at work. She reasons, “It’s good to reset and restart your life. Getting away, taking a break and changing my routine has always helped me immensely, physically and mentally. You can get back to your routine with better energy. When you are working, you are perpetually focused, so when you take a break, you tend to laze around at home, binge-watch content on streaming platforms and not cook food. After some days, you realize you could have travelled on some of those days for a more enriching experience. If you plan your breaks as well as you plan your work life, you won’t feel that guilt of not living enough. Focus on your work, but also focus on taking time to recharge your batteries.”

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.”

Having advocated for environmental causes for several years, Shruti Haasan was only delighted to be part of a film crew that took measures to reduce carbon footprint, while working on her next. The makers of the psychological thriller, The Eye, shot in Corfu and Athens, partnered with a sustainability consultancy to reduce environmental damages.

Haasan says, “Melanie Dicks [co-founder of the consultancy, Greenshoot, and the film’s co-producer] has had a successful run when it comes to educating and helping production houses to function in environmentally friendly ways. Here, we didn’t have generator-run vanity vans, and had separate trash recycling bins. Small steps go a long way in helping a company reduce [carbon] footprint.”

While vanity vans were replaced with tents powered by natural heaters, the cutlery was made of wood. “Even in my personal life, I practice recycling, including that of my clothes.” The Eye is a female-led thriller that is centred around a young widow who returns to the island where her husband died.

“It is about the woman’s search for answers. The role is among the best one’s I have played. I am drawn to women whose complexities are celebrated. The team is pretty much all-female, including the director, producer and writer. Since those who envisioned the project are also women, the experience has been amazing.”

Meanwhile, Haasan will be seen in Veer Simha Reddy, with Nandamuri Balakrishna, and in Waltair Veerayya, with Chiranjeevi.

The last few months saw many calls for boycott emerge online, prior to the release of several major Hindi films. But, actor Shruti Haasan feels the cancel culture that is prevalent today is an extension of what’s happening in society, and not just restricted to the film industry.

“It’s not just films,” she points out, adding, “I am trying to understand where this is coming from, why this is happening. There are many layers to it. We all need to take a step back and understand why those people are losing it. Nothing what we see is what it appears to be.”

Haasan, who came out with a single, She is a Hero, recently, believes that what’s happening is essentially “bullying”. “The cancel culture is an extension of bullying, exposing or attacking with a group of people, digging up words from the past. We are seeing it because of the film industry, but people need to realise that the culture online is a representation of what’s happening in society.”

The 36-year-old, too, is no stranger to vicious attacks online, and has often been on the receiving end of terms such as ‘chudail’ (witch).

“Everyone is like, ‘Tu chudail jaise kapde kyun pehenti hai?’ And I respond saying, ‘Oh my God, I am a chudail?’ Appearing like a witch is like the coolest thing for a goth on this planet! To turn it (hate) around and make it positive for yourself is important,” says the actor, who will next be seen in the film Salaar.