Shruti Haasan talks about numbers, her hero Vishal and returning to Tamil cinema

She’s Kamal Haasan and Sarika’s daughter, but she’s determined to make her own space in the film industry. Her first appearance on camera may have been a little one — she played a cameo in Hey Ram! — and her proper debut in 2008 wasn’t particularly well-received, but Haasan didn’t lose heart. She has since worked hard and since 2012, luck has favoured her decision to focus on Telugu films rather than those in Tamil. Haasan played the female lead in Gabbar Singh, the Telugu remake of Dabangg. Last year, she had a super hit with the Telugu film Balupu and 2014 has been a good year for her, with two back to back hits. This Diwali, Haasan returns to Tamil cinema with Poojai. You are back in Kollywood with Poojai. Tell us a bit about the role and working with actor Vishal and director Hari. The role I’m playing is of a very sorted girl who’s very modern yet family-oriented. It’s a mix of looking modern and contemporary as well as traditional and simple. Everyone knows Hari sir has a mix of various emotions in his films — drama, action, comedy, sentimentality — and this film is no different. It was very interesting to work with him! Vishal was a fabulous co-star and his company VFF was an absolute pleasure to associate with. Overall, it’s been a great experience. [caption id=“attachment_1747135” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Courtesy: Facebook[/caption] Your previous two outings in Tamil - 7aum Arivu and 3 - didn’t do well at the box office. What are your expectations from Poojai? I’m very happy I debuted with a film like 7am Arivu and was honoured to work with Murugadoss sir and Suriya sir for my first Tamil film. Till date, 3 will be one of my favourite films of what I’ve done. I’ve never been one to count figures and numbers. I care that my role stays with the audience and that responsibility is in my hand. I know that that’s the case with all the films and will be with Poojai as well. Your biggest hits have been in Telugu. I’m happy about that the Telugu industry has graciously appreciated me and my work. It will always mean a lot to me. Is it true you declined an item number in your dad’s film, Viswaroopam 2? I was never approached for this by my father ever. This is fabricated. What’s your next in Bollywood after Welcome Back? I have Gabbar, Rocky Handsome and Yaara. Will we see you in a woman-centric film like Queen at any time? Not like Queen… but yeah, sure. What are the types of roles you enjoy doing? I always look to try something new … different genres… it’s a joy to explore new characters and that’s something I will continue to do. You recently gave your support to the ‘Reach for the sky campaign’. What do you think we can do to end the atrocities and discrimination against women? Especially for the safety of women and the atrocities against the girl child, the smallest steps make the biggest difference and I think as women we can start by empowering the women around us in our day-to-day lives.