“IF I START BOTHERING ABOUT RUMORS, I CAN’T WORK” SHRUTI HAASAN

Sharing her happiness about her father Kamal Haasan being honored with the Chevalier, Shruti Haasan talks about working with him, his speedy recovery from his injury, offering to help him plan the rest of the Sabash Naidu shoot and lots more

It's a moment of pride for any daughter when her father is awarded for their contribution to the arts. For Shruti Haasan, the feeling was no different when she learnt her father Kamal Haasan received the Chevalier. "I got a text from my dad saying, 'It's not announced yet, but I wanted you to know before that I've got the Chevalier.' Reading this first thing in the morning made my day. I respect him as an artist and I know how dedicated he is to his craft. He has given his everything to cinema and in his journey, he has tried to change things for the better. To see him applauded makes me happy", says an elated Shruti.

The shooting of Sabaash Naidu came to a halt due to the unforeseen leg injury that Kamal suffered post which he was hospitalized. On learning this Shruti rushed back from her shoot in Norway for her upcoming release Premam to be by her father's side.

"My father is my pillar of strength and learning about his injury really unnerved me. I'm so used to seeing my father fit as a fiddle and running around to make things happen. So seeing him lying in the hospital bed was just the toughest thing to digest. But he's a fighter and is now home, well on the road to recovery, showing results faster than I've ever seen with anyone before" says Shruti.

She has been spending every free moment with her father and in fact, has even offered to help him with planning the next shoot schedule of Sabaash Naidu. "My dad's a passionate artist and being the captain of the ship for our film, his mind is constantly working on various elements of the shoot. I've been talking to him about it, requesting him to just take it easy and focus on his health, but like they say the show has to go on. My father truly lives that philosophy. Hence, while he has a fantastic production team backing him, in order to help him relax, I've offered my help in whatever way dad may deem appropriate. Our focus is his health. So we are willing to extend ourselves as much as required to help him. I am really really excited about Sabaash Naidu and I'm hoping people love it too", elaborates Shruti.

As regards her alleged spat with Gautami on costumes for Sabaash Naidu, Shruti states, “There were discussions on what style would go well with my character in the film. And I think we have come up with a great look. It was a team effort, we have a good product in hand and that's all that matters. If I start bothering about the rumors, then I wouldn't be working as much as I am now. On the personal front, I've always said that my dad is one of the most important people in my universe and if someone's important to him, I respect that person" and signs off.