Shruti Haasan Returns With a Roar

The actor took a break from films to focus on writing, producing and following her bliss. And it’s done wonders for her, finds Sandipan Dalal.

- Sandipan Dalal

For 31-year-old Shruti Haasan, 2017 turned out to be a big year. After the release of Behen Hogi Teri (Hindi) and Katamarayudu (Telugu), she chose to take a step back from the movies to reassess her career and make space for other things. She recalls the epiphany that led her here: “I think it happens to people when you step into your 30s, but it happened to me on a larger scale. I have never felt the urge to be in the race for stardom, but I found it challenging to maintain the kind of success I saw with my Telugu films. I realised I wasn’t happy.” So she turned her attention to running her production company Isidro Media and writing music. This process of revaluation has been hugely satisfying, says Haasan, who works out of her father Kamal Haasan’s office in Chennai. “I love bringing creative people together even if they are different but their ideas work beautifully together. The office is of great sentimental value because this is where my father and uncle (the late Chandrahasan) started their journey, too.” On the personal front, she has found love in British actor beau Michael Corsale. Though, all she’ll say about it is that she’s in a happy place. Haasan sat down with Femina to discuss the year that was and what future may hold.