By nature, I’m a detached individual

Says Shruti Haasan as she talks about her role in ‘Srimanthudu’, Mahesh Babu and why she doesn’t believe in doling out tips to her sister Akshara

Actress Shruti Haasan isn't the diplomatic type. For instance, when asked if it was a conscious decision on her part to concentrate more on Bollywod for the last six months, she says, “I’ve done more Telugu films than Tamil or Hindi films. It’s that I’m balancing other languages too off late.”

The actress is currently awaiting the release of ‘Srimanthudu’ in which she is paired opposite superstar Mahesh Babu. She insists that she chooses a character if it offers something new. “It has been my constant endeavour to do different characters. When makers narrate me a character that I’ve already done before I politely decline them, saying that it (the role) doesn’t excite me anymore,” she avers.

Admittedly, her role in ‘Srimanthudu’ is in complete contrast to what she had done in her last year release ‘Race Gurram’, where she played a lively Spandana. “Charuseela (her character in Srimanthudu) is sensible, independent, well educated and traditional. She is calmer compared to the roles that I’ve essayed before,” she smiles.

“To work with Mahesh was an exciting proposition but icing on the cake was the way director Koratala Siva etched my character.” The actress is in awe of the way Mahesh has gone about his business. “He is committed, well-mannered and disciplined. He doesn’t have any airs about being a big star. He makes sure everyone is comfortable on sets.”

Ask her how difficult it is for her to get out of a character; she replies nonchalantly, “By nature I’m a detached person. I’m attached only to moments and it always helped in my career. Moreover, I’m not a method actor who says ‘today I’m doing a serious scene, let no one disturb me’.”

Unlike some of her peers, Shruti converses in Telugu fluently but hasn’t dubbed for her characters yet. Put that to her, she responds, “That, you have to ask the directors. I wanted to dub for Charuseela but since she has roots from a village, the makers felt my voice won’t suit her.” With her younger sister, Akshara, starting her career recently, Shruti has no piece of advice for her.

“My father always said to me it’s your life and live it the way you want to. And I pass on the same advice to her. However, if she needs me I’m there but at the end of the day she has the liberty to do whatever she wants to,” signs off Shruti who has started production house Isidro to encourage short films, digital films, musical and multimedia based modern content.