I can't control a film's fate: Shruti Haasan

After a two-year-long hiatus, Shruti Haasan will be seen in Prabhudeva's next, Ramaiya Vastavaiya. She speaks to Itee Sharma about working with a newcomer and her not-so-successful Bollywood career till date

Your next release, Ramaiya Vastavaiya, is being touted as your comeback film as you have not done a movie since Luck (2009) and Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji (2011). Do you agree?
Ramaiya Vastavaiya is not my comeback film. One may think so because of the gap between the films, but it still isn't true. I wasn't visible in Bollywood because of prior commitments.



Can you elaborate?
I have been pretty busy with films in the South. And it doesn't bother me when people call Ramaiya Vastavaiya my comeback film. I had film offers coming my way from Bollywood, but it wasn't logistically possible to take them up. And I wasn't too keen on those projects anyway.

What made you take up Ramaiya Vastavaiya?
I play a sweet character in the film, and the story revolves around me. I am paired with a newcomer, Girish Taurani (Girish is producer Kumar Taurani's son). Also, going by director Prabhudeva's success with Wanted and Rowdy Rathore, Ramaiya Vastavaiya was a brilliant opportunity. I didn't want to lose the chance.

Since you are the senior of the film's two actors, does the onus of its success rest on your shoulders?
Not really. That is the director's prerogative; not mine. We've all worked hard to create a specific feel for the film because it is Girish's debut. It is a big film for him.


How would you describe Girish?
Girish is one of the sweetest and most patient boys I have ever met, unlike his mischievous character in the film. I had great fun working with him.

Why do you think your Bollywood stint has not translated into success so far?
I try to analyse my own performances. What works for others may not work for me. I just want to do good work. One has no control over a film's fate. One just has to keep going. If I were to strategise my work, I would rather become a talent manager instead of an actor.

Don't you want a hit film to your credit?
Everyone wants a hit. But I don't use the yardstick of success to judge myself. I see my growth as an actor onscreen.

You are the daughter of veteran actors Sarika and Kamal Hasan. What is the benefit of being a star kid?
I feel that being a star kid has its benefits - people have shorter attention spans these days, so news about me may not interest people as much as news that also includes my dad in it.


So, do you have identity issues?
No, people no longer look at me as Sarika and Kamal Haasan's daughter, but as an independent actor. I have strived hard to achieve this.