Shruti Haasan on Her Main Character Energy: ‘I March to the Beat of My Own Drum’
As she turns 40, Shruti Haasan shares how she survives in an industry that silences women: by being unapologetically herself.
In a strikingly candid sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter India, Shruti Haasan proves why she continues to stand out in Indian cinema. Approaching her 40th birthday, Haasan reflects on a career that has spanned industries and genres, but more importantly, a life lived entirely on her own terms.
She has long been an outlier in an industry that often demands women be muted and palatable. “A healthy dose of insanity helps you [to survive],” she laughs. Haasan has been known to ruffle feathers with her candour and single-minded dedication to her craft. In the past, she has also faced significant backlash for opening up about undergoing cosmetic procedures, a phenomenon that remains taboo, despite being widespread.
“I am the most important person to myself,” she says emphatically. In an industry where she is constantly surrounded by noise, Haasan believes in remaining accountable to herself and her principles, above all, no matter how it may impact public perception.
The artiste pointedly notes a double standard in this regard, observing that while men are celebrated as mad geniuses, “in women, it’s called hysteria.” This reflects broader industry dynamics where female artistes who refuse to give in to the status quo are often labelled as difficult.
“I march to the beat of my own drum,” she adds, while acknowledging that paving her own way can be lonely. Despite this, she admits that the alternative of taking the easy way out felt like a lie. Early in her career, she tried adhering to stereotypes, committing to what was expected of her as an actress — and though it worked commercially, it felt disingenuous to her true self.
At the core of Haasan’s approach is a staunch refusal to adopt a victim mentality, which she views as inherently disempowering. She is consistently looking to dig deeper, in spite of criticism or creative blocks, valuing authenticity over perfection and commercial success. “I love being an artiste, for me, first,” Haasan smiles.