Shruti Haasan is a fiercely sensitive and independent woman. Having already made a mark in the South, veteran actor Kamal Haasan's daughter is trying her luck again in Bollywood with Ramaiya Vastavaiya and D- Day. Sreya Basu chats up with the actress in Mumbai

What made you pick a script like Ramaiya Vastavaiya where you are paired with a newcomer (Girish Kumar)?
There are a lot of reasons, the main being Prabhu Sir (Prabhudheva, director) ... everyone knows about the quality of work he does. As for Girish (producer Kumar Taurani's son), he is a sweetheart.

But don't you think it's risky for an actress to be cast opposite a newcomer?
I was not at all looking at this aspect. It was absolutely wonderful to work with Girish as he has this new, young, fresh energy. He is too determined and persistent with his work on the sets. So that was inspiring to me.


How is Girish as a person?
Though his character in the film is full of naughtiness, he is one of the most patient and sweet boys I have ever met.

In Bollywood, we have mostly seen you in an western avatar. But you have tried an Indian look for this film.
There isn't a particular look an actor has and I am very happy that I got to play this role because it's a simple, innocent, pure kind of a character. So the look is similar as well.

Given your rockstar image, are you comfortable in Indian clothes?
I do wear Indian clothes in weddings and festivals. But otherwise I am most comfortable in kurta and jeans, which is an Indo-Western mix.


What's your style statement?
My style statement changes every day. For example, when I am travelling I don't care what I am wearing as long as it is comfortable. When I am in a feminine mood, I feel like wearing a dress, sometimes it's jeans or cargoes. As for colours, the only hue I don't wear is yellow. And I don't like make-up ... the less, the better.

You are an actress as well as a singer-composer. Which job are you more comfortable with?
Both aren't easy but both I am comfortable with. I have been doing music for long as I even went to learn music at Musicians Institute in California. But then, I love acting. They are both equally important to me.


Are you happy the way your career has shaped up?
See, I never knew what it is to be a star. But I dream a lot though they are very basic. I am working on my strengths and weaknesses and improving as a person every day. I am learning to embrace every aspect of me as an artist.

What is your kind of man?
He has to be real and be himself. I like guys who are intelligent, humourous and smell good.

What do you do in your free time?
I watch movies, read a lot, cook and shop. I am not a hi-fi girl, you see.


How is your relation with your father Kamal Haasan?
I am very fond of my father, not because he is may father, but I love and respect him as a person and an artist. He is always very supportive and I really appreciate that.