I love performing live says Shruti Hassan

Says Shruti Haasan, but affirms that she can't choose between acting and singing; that they go hand-in-hand

But affirms that she can't choose between acting and singing; that they go hand-in-hand

Shruti Haasan looks unrecognisable dressed in a rock-punk style. Her tresses are curled, there is lots of chunky jewellery and a tattoo on her shoulder so distinct from her look in her debut flick, Luck. The star daughter begins to touch up on her make-up as she grumbles about living in a hotel. "Finding a house of my own in Mumbai is proving to be tough", she moans as she begins her first interview of the day to promote her film. Excerpts...

Shruti Haasan. pics/ Pradeep Dhivar

How did Luck come to you?
I was considering a number of scripts and since Imran and I have been friends, he mentioned the film. When he talked about the character, it felt right for me. He asked me if I wanted to hear the script. And Soham met me and I was convinced that I had to play this role because he was so clear about it and he really had the vision for the whole project.

Are you happy with your work in Luck?
Yes! But there is always more you want to do. It is really nice.

Your family's reaction to Luck?
My family doesn't believe in too much praise because they don't want me to have a swollen head. But they were very, very supportive. There were moments: dad liked it, Gowthami loved it and my two sisters were just over the moon. (laughs)

When did you first know you wanted to be an actress?
There was no moment as such. Since I was a kid I always knew I wanted to be a performer and get into the entertainment field.u00a0
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Were your parents okay with your decision?
My dad's been very happy. He looks at the world of films or entertainment as one big family so he is very happy that I am here, in it today.

Have you seen Kidnap and Jaane Tu...?
I really liked Imran in Jaane Tu... a lot. Also it was refreshing to see somebody not being out of what is traditionally considered as a male debut. I haven't seen Kidnap but whatever I have seen of Imran, he is always committed to the work he does.

What does success mean to you?
Hard work! Lots of lots of hard work
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Success: a curse or a boon?
Success is just a word. It is not something you work towards. You work towards good work; you work towards being a better artist, a better person. When you say you want to succeed, you should know at what, so it is better to shift your focus to the action instead toward success or fame, or else you loose your way as an artist.

Do you want to be known as an actress or star?
A combination. But if I really had to choose I rather be an artist first and then a star. But I wouldn't say that I would never want to be a star because you reach more people that way.

Is your dad like a friend?
I am friends with my dad but he is my dad first. I cannot backslap him. I am pretty cool with him, and can tell him anything under the sun but he is my dad and in that way I am very traditional. I have certain lines that I will not cross with my dad.

Are you in touch with your mom?
No!

Has Gowthami become a mother figure?
No, I have a mother. I don't need a mother figure. She is a friend.
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What sort of equation do you share with your sister Akshara?
My sister is one of my dearest friends. She is one of the most important people in my life. We rarely fight now. When we were kids, we fought a lot.

If you had to choose between acting or singing, what would it be?
I wouldn't choose. I would do both.

How is your band carrying on, with acting happening now?
Well, right now we are reassembling our band because two of our musicians are going away to study. It happens with bands; it is not the most comfy things, but fortunately the lead vocalist is not going anywhere. (laughs)

How many places have you performed?
So many! I have lost count. In Mumbai, we have performed quite a bit. We have had performances in Bangalore, Kerala, Delhi. Now we are on a break with the band because two of our most important members are leaving to go study abroad. It's also important that they do that.

You will continue to be a part of the band always?
Definitely. I love performing live. It is a different high for me, it is a different energy. I also love composing in the studio and singing in the studio. I don't look at films and music as two different things. For me they go hand in hand.u00a0u00a0
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Which city do you prefer? Mumbai or Chennai?
I like both. Chennai is home, so there is no question about it. Mumbai has also been home for me for a while.

Is it painful living alone?
Most of my life I have stayed alone, so I really don't feel anything special. Doesn't really make a difference.

Fame, money, power. Put in order of preference.
Money first, because you need money to pay your bills, rents etc. And I am not saying money because I am greedy for money, but it is the most logical thing to have first. And then power, and if you have power and money, fame follows.

Are you single?
Very much single!

What is your kind of a guy?
I don't have a particular type but I think a good person who is sensible, is the first important thing.

What does love mean to you?
It is one of the most important things and it is like a pivot chord you have in music. You can use it anywhere, anyhow. It is a greedy, adaptive kind of feeling.

Have you signed anything else?
I haven't signed anything but I am considering a lot of things. I am not in a hurry.

Have you had offers from the south?
Yes but nothing interesting at the moment.

Any fav Hindi film actors and actresses
There are so many. Growing up I loved Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. These are two people who stick out in my memory. I really think so many people are so talented in so many different ways.u00a0

The sexiest man alive according to you is...
Marlon Brando, but he is dead.

Feeling lucky?
Define luck...
Hard work and opportunity

How lucky do you feel on a scale of one to ten?
100

Our lives: based on luck or hard work?
Hard work

Who is the luckiest actor in the world?
I don't believe in luck really but I think you are lucky enough to know that you want to be an artist

When was the last time you felt unlucky?
When I felt sick!

Three things that make you feel lucky
My friends, my family and my work.

Top three fav hindi films
Mughal-e-Azam
Kagaaz Ke Phool
Pushpak

Three films that have made an impression
The Godfather
Mr India
He Man cartoons