Sixteen years. Dozens of films. Multiple languages. Actor. Singer. Songwriter. Shruti Haasan is not just Kamal Haasan’s daughter anymore — she’s carved an identity that’s unapologetically her own. And now, she’s stepping into one of the most exciting phases of her career.
In this exclusive conversation, Mai Barathiraja, Shruti opens up about working with Superstar Rajinikanth in Coolie, her unique connection with director Lokesh Kanagaraj, and why a personal moment with Rajini about her father will remain a memory she holds close — and never shares.
“To work with Rajini sir is not just a dream fulfilled — it’s something I will hold in my heart forever,” says Shruti, her voice lighting up.
“He doesn’t just act — he radiates energy. Everyone on set feels his presence. And when he compliments you, it’s not just appreciation — it’s a blessing.”
But beyond the performance and the spotlight, it was a quiet conversation off-camera that made the deepest impact.
“We spoke about his deep friendship with my father. What he shared with me about Appa was beautiful. I will never reveal those words to anyone. Because I know what it means — as Kamal Haasan’s daughter, I treasure it. It gave me a rare glimpse into a timeless bond between two legends.”
Funnily enough, Shruti’s journey into Coolie didn’t begin with a film script.
“I was working on a music album and wanted someone interesting to feature in it. I had seen Lokesh Kanagaraj on the sets of Vikram and thought, ‘He’s got a vibe. Let me ask him.’ When I did, he laughed and said, ‘I won’t act.’”
But a surprise came her way.
“Soon after, he said, ‘Raj Kamal has asked me to be part of the album. I’ll do it. But I want to talk to you about a film — with Rajini sir. Will you act in it?’ I had no idea asking him to act in a song would get me into a Rajinikanth film!”
“The set changes the moment Rajini sir is about to arrive. There’s a buzz, a hush. And then — silence. It feels sacred, like a temple. But the minute he walks in, it turns into calm, positive energy,” Shruti shares.
“All the days I shot for Coolie were filled with good vibes. And not just from him. Ameer sir, Nagarjuna sir, Sathyaraj sir — everyone treated me with kindness and respect. I felt like I belonged.”
Shruti’s admiration for Lokesh Kanagaraj goes beyond his directorial prowess.
“There’s a brotherhood on his sets. He gives his actors complete clarity and freedom — a rare combination. He’s surrounded by a technically solid, emotionally tight-knit team. And he’s Mr. Cool on set,” she smiles.
About Sathyaraj, she says, “He’s a longtime family friend. Our father-daughter dynamic in Coolie came out naturally. It was beautiful.”
“Nagarjuna sir — I’ve met him at Telugu events. But acting with him for the first time, and in a negative role, was a new experience. He’s magnetic.”
Shruti also has a guest role in Mysskin’s upcoming film Train — which, funnily again, began as a music collaboration.
“He called me to sing. But when I went there, he asked, ‘Why don’t you act too?’ That’s how it happened. Working with Mysskin sir was unforgettable. He’s so immersed in world cinema — he would talk endlessly about Japanese and English films. He called me ‘Papa’ all through the shoot. That warmth stays with me.”
Shruti was by her father’s side when Kamal Haasan was sworn in as a Member of Parliament earlier this year.
“I’m not someone deeply into politics. But once Appa entered that space, I started listening, observing. I’ve stood by him in all his journeys — so how could I miss that moment? It was one of the proudest days of his life.”
After a gap, Shruti is back in Tamil cinema with a bang — Coolie, Train, and multiple music releases.
“This year, I did the track It’s a Break Da with AR Rahman sir, and then Space Nayaka from Tak Life. I’ve been doing Telugu films too. I don’t look at language. Whether it’s acting or music, I just want to keep creating.”
What’s next? A concert in London, featuring only her songs and songs sung by her father.
“The prep is in full swing. It’s emotional, exciting, and creatively fulfilling.”
“Anything Balachander sir directed — Moondru Mudichu, Thalapathy — those are classics. But if there’s one Rajini film we’ve watched the most at home, it’s Padaiyappa,” she laughs.
“I never imagined becoming a heroine. In school, I wanted to be a writer or a director. My first film happened so casually — Imran Khan just asked me, ‘Will you act?’ And that was that.”
“But today, 16 years later, I’ve found my rhythm. I’m not chasing fame. I’m chasing fulfilment.”
From shy beginnings to powerhouse performances, Shruti Haasan has embraced every shade of her identity — daughter, artist, performer, creator. And as her cinematic journey turns a new page with Coolie, she remains grounded in her roots, guided by her passion, and fuelled by the quiet wisdom of two legends who’ve shaped her life — Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
(This article originally appeared in Ananda Vikatan magazine, dated August 13, 2025.)