Shruti Haasan reveals she ‘did not have a choice’ when she made her acting debut

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Shruti Haasan recently opened up about how she entered the world of acting almost by accident. Speaking at the India Today South Conclave 2026 in Kochi on Wednesday, the actor revealed that she had initially wanted to work behind the camera and pursue writing rather than acting.

Shruti Haasan reveals how she landed her first acting role

Shruti made her first screen appearance in her father Kamal Haasan’s 'Hey Ram' in 2000. At the time, she was working with her mother Sarika in the film’s costume department and had no plans to act. However, the production needed someone to play Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s daughter. With Shruti available, she was asked to step in and take up the role.“I always wanted to be behind the camera. I don’t know how I ended up here. I wanted to write,” Shruti recalled.She said she essentially had little choice in the matter. “They didn’t have a daughter and an actor available for free. I was available and that’s how I made my debut. I did not have a choice,” she said.Shruti also recalled having to put together her own costume for the first shot. Speaking about working alongside her parents, she said, “Working with your parents, fun? Not really. They both are taskmasters and it was a great experience for me.”

Shruti Haasan thought ‘Luck’ would be a one-time acting experience

Shruti went on to make her Bollywood debut with 'Luck' in 2009. Even then, however, acting was not something she initially viewed as a long-term career. At the time, Shruti was more focusedon music and wanted to earn money to buy equipment for her musical pursuits. Her rakhi brother and 'Luck' co-star Imran Khan told her about the role, which she initially regarded as a one-off opportunity.Shruti recalled wanting to leave home, earn money and buy a drum kit and mixer console for her music.

“When he said there is a role like this, I never ever thought I would do it again. That’s when the acting bug bit me,” she said.

Shruti Haasan on finding her identity amid scrutiny

After 'Luck,' watching herself on screen made Shruti take acting more seriously. She admitted that she was unhappy with her performance and realised she needed to approach the craft with the same commitment expected of her by her family and audiences.The actor also opened up about growing up as the daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika and dealing with the scrutiny that came with being part of a prominent film family.“I did not know how to navigate it,” she admitted.Over time, Shruti said she came to accept that being different was part of her identity. “I am not one to comment on someone’s journey. Scrutiny is always there. My aim from day one is to try and stand as Shruti first and that is something I continue pursuing,” she said.Shruti also addressed the impact of social media, saying it has made scrutiny more complicated for everyone.

She described it as a major impediment to individual thought, behaviour and freedom of expression.

Shruti Haasan’s work slate

On the acting front, Shruti was last seen in Rajinikanth’s 'Coolie,' released in 2025 and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film also stars Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra, Sathyaraj and Soubin Shahir, with Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde making special appearances.