Shruti Haasan shares her admiration for Ananya Panday; talks about 'Salaar 2' and 'Aakasamlo Oka Tara'

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Shruti Haasan is set to join Ananya Panday in the second season of 'Call Me Bae'. The actor recently opened up about entering the popular romance-comedy series, her admiration for Ananya Panday and the evolving relationship between theatrical films and streaming platforms.

She also discussed her upcoming Telugu projects, including Dulquer Salmaan-starrer 'Aakasamlo Oka Tara' and the much-awaited 'Salaar 2'.

Shruti Haasan praises Ananya Panday, opens up about 'Call Me Bae' Season 2

Speaking at the India Today South Conclave 2026 in Kochi, Shruti Haasan discussed her decision to join 'Call Me Bae' Season 2 and her experience of stepping into the show's world.The 'Coolie' actor admitted that the first season was not necessarily the kind of show she would have immediately gravitated towards.

However, conversations with friends who enjoyed the series prompted her to take notice. “It is just not the show that I gravitated to immediately. But it was all my friends who were like, ‘Have you seen it? It is so fun!’” she said.Shruti added that she has followed Ananya Panday's journey and has always liked the actor. That familiarity further increased her interest when director Collen D'Cunha approached her with the story.

“I’ve always liked Ananya and her journey and when Collen, our director, came to me with the story I was super excited to see how can I fit into this world and I think people will like it,” she said.

Shruti Haasan on the changing relationship between cinema and streaming

Shruti also spoke about the evolving dynamics between theatrical cinema and streaming platforms. According to the actor, the industry now needs to establish a healthier balance between the two mediums.“I think we need to now find a more healthier and symbiotic relationship,” she said.Reflecting on the early phase of streaming, Shruti said OTT platforms were initially viewed as a “new golden goose”, offering filmmakers an opportunity to explore stories and formats that may not have received the same space in theatres. She observed that streaming platforms have since gained considerably more influence over the film business, including through pre-sales.“Now we have gone back into the same loop that we always had,” she added.

What is 'Call Me Bae' about?

'Call Me Bae' stars Ananya Panday as Bella ‘Bae’ Chowdhary, a young woman who is forced to rebuild her life in Mumbai after losing her privileged lifestyle. The first season premiered on Prime Video in 2024 and followed Bae as she navigated her new circumstances, friendships, relationships and career. The series was subsequently renewed for a second season, with Shruti Haasan joining the cast. Further details about her character and the storyline are being kept under wraps.

Shruti Haasan on 'Aakasamlo Oka Tara' and Dulquer Salmaan

On the film front, Shruti Haasan will next be seen in 'Aakasamlo Oka Tara', which stars Dulquer Salmaan in the lead. During the interaction, she clarified that she will not be paired opposite the 'Lucky Baskhar' actor in the film. Shruti described her character as “super fun” and suggested that audiences will understand why she is particularly excited about the project only after watching the film. She also spoke warmly about working with Dulquer, contrasting their personalities while praising his demeanour.

“I am hyper and he is peaceful,” she said, adding that he is among the most polite people she has met.

Shruti Haasan gives update on 'Salaar 2'

Shruti was also asked about 'Salaar 2', the sequel to Prabhas' 2023 action drama 'Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire'. The actor, who was part of the first film as Aadya, did not disclose any major details about the sequel. She indicated that discussions regarding the project are underway but suggested that the makers would be better placed to provide an official update.“You should ask the makers about it, but there are some talks about it,” Shruti said.

Shruti Haasan's upcoming projects

With 'Call Me Bae' Season 2, 'Aakasamlo Oka Tara' and discussions around 'Salaar 2', Shruti Haasan has projects spanning both streaming and theatrical cinema. She was recently seen as Bella Adilakshmi in a special appearance in the song "Hellallallo" from Ram Charan and Janhvi Kapoor starrer sports drama 'Peddi'.