Shruti Haasan’s upcoming film, Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire with actor Prabhas is set to clash with the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dunki. With a lot of conversation taking place in the lead-up to this massive face-off, the actor remains unfazed.

She says, “I don’t think it’s a topic for discussion as I am not a distributor or a producer, who can contribute to this conversation. People will watch what they want, so, there’s not much that we can say or do.”

Being the daughter of veteran actor Kamal Haasan and having been in the industry for almost 15 years now, the 37-year-old has matured, as a person and an artiste. “Today, I have the courage to choose roles that challenge me. I don’t think about what people expect from me or what hit film I should be doing,” says the actor, who believes in giving both independent and commercial films the same amount of importance.

“I don’t judge [films] or think about these matters anymore. I take the opportunity and prove myself,” Shruti shares.

For the Veera Simha Reddy and Hi Nanna actor, it’s important that she is valued at her workplace: “I felt loved and respected while working on The Eye, and got equal amount of respect for my contribution to Salaar. Now, I try to work in situations where my contributions are valued. I keep my fingers crossed that the energies align. How a film will perform is never in our control. All I can do is give my best.”

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.

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.