Shruti Haasan on Standing Out in a Rajinikanth Film and Discussing Acting with Dad Kamal Haasan!

For most actors, sharing the screen with Rajinikanth is the pinnacle of a career—a rare opportunity that blends exhilaration with an unspoken challenge: how do you stand out next to a living legend? For Shruti Haasan, that challenge came wrapped in what she calls a “full-circle moment”. With Coolie, she steps into the Tamil superstar’s cinematic universe, not just as another face in the cast, but as Preethi, a character with a presence strong enough to hold her own amid larger-than-life personalities.

First Impressions of Rajinikanth

Although Shruti grew up in the same industry as Rajinikanth, she never had the chance to know him truly. “People assumed I grew up around him because of my father,” she says. “But the truth is, I only knew him as the phenomenon on screen, not the person.”

It was only on the Coolie sets that Shruti discovered the man behind the superstar image. She describes him as shrewd and razor-sharp in observation, yet incredibly approachable. “He has this calm clarity in the way he sees people and situations. He’s warm, super chill, and doesn’t carry himself with the heaviness of his fame.”

What surprised her most was how Rajinikanth could switch between being the powerhouse everyone reveres and the humble, light-hearted colleague who puts people at ease. “When he walks in, everyone feels the weight of his aura,” Shruti recalls. “But within minutes, that nervous energy transforms into positivity. That’s a rare gift.”

The Responsibility of Preethi

In Coolie, Shruti plays Preethi, a role that is not autobiographical, but deeply resonant for her. “She’s not like me at all, but she carries a quiet strength that I relate to. She’s the kind of woman who doesn’t need to announce her power; it’s just there in how she moves through life.”

As one of the few prominent female characters in a male-driven ensemble, Shruti felt an added responsibility. “When you’re the only woman in certain spaces on screen, your performance isn’t just about your arc, it’s about representing an energy, a perspective. Preethi had to feel real, not like a decorative element.”

She praises director Lokesh Kanagaraj for giving her the space to explore those subtleties. “He wasn’t looking for a stereotype. He wanted layers, and that made the role both challenging and rewarding.”

Rajinikanth’s Off-Camera Lessons

Beyond the script, Shruti says the Coolie experience taught her life lessons she’ll carry forward. She recalls how Rajinikanth could quietly retreat to his thoughts between takes, almost meditative, yet return to a scene fully present. “He’s mastered the art of balance, being still without disconnecting. In this industry, that’s survival wisdom.”

Another moment that stayed with her was Rajinikanth sharing a personal memory about Kamal Haasan. On a past film set, Kamal had saved him from injury during a stunt by offering a mattress for protection. “Rajini Sir told me he’s always been thankful for that. Hearing that story was special—it reminded me that these icons are also just people who look out for each other.”

Growing Up with Kamal Haasan as Dad

Being the daughter of Kamal Haasan means growing up with both privilege and pressure. Shruti is candid about it: “Yes, I got my first breaks because of who my father is. But in Tamil and Telugu cinema, the audience eventually demands substance. Your launchpad doesn’t carry you forever.”

Kamal’s influence on her career is undeniable. From him, she learned that performance is not about mimicking others but finding your truth in a role. “He never forces advice on me, but when I ask, his feedback is incredibly constructive. He’s the king of telling you what’s not working without breaking your spirit.”

Her father also nurtured her love for music, teaching her that the stage should feel like home. “That confidence to own a space without apology—comes directly from him.”

Forging Her Path

Despite her lineage, Shruti spent much of her early career trying to establish her identity separate from her father’s name. In her younger days, she even used the pseudonym “Pooja Ramachandran” when introducing herself to strangers. “I just wanted to know what it felt like to be seen without that baggage.”

Today, she no longer runs from that connection. “I’ve realized my father’s legacy is part of my DNA. Rejecting it doesn’t make me more independent—it just erases a part of myself.”

This acceptance comes after a journey with highs and lows. There were periods when Shruti stepped back from films, focusing on her music. When she returned with hits like Krack and Salaar, she did so on her terms, bringing both her artistic instincts and her resilience to the screen.

On Acting With Her Father

While the industry has often speculated about a film where Shruti and Kamal share significant screen time, the few moments they’ve worked together have been more about learning than performing. “Watching him work is like a masterclass you can’t pay for. His dedication, his ability to reinvent himself… It’s inspiring.”

But she’s careful not to blend their careers in people’s minds. “I want the audience to appreciate me for my choices, my work. If we ever do a film together in a bigger capacity, it should be because the story demands it, not just because of the novelty of a father-daughter pairing.”

The Challenge of Standing Out in a Rajinikanth Film

One of the biggest fears for any actor in a Rajinikanth film is being overshadowed. Shruti approached this not as a competition, but as a collaboration. “You can’t ‘outshine’ Rajini Sir, it’s not even the goal. The goal is to bring truth to your part so that when the audience leaves, they remember you alongside him, not instead of him.”

She credits the writing for giving her the tools to achieve that. “Preethi wasn’t written as a background figure. She had agency; she influenced the story. That makes all the difference.”

Lessons From the Two Pillars of Tamil Cinema

Working closely with Rajinikanth while being the daughter of Kamal Haasan means Shruti has an intimate view of the two biggest pillars of Tamil cinema. What unites them, she says, is not their fame, but their discipline and humanity.

“Both of them have had decades of superstardom, but they show up to set prepared, respectful, and open to the process. That’s why they’ve lasted. Talent might get you noticed, but character keeps you relevant.”

What’s Next for Shruti Haasan

With Coolie set to be one of the year’s most anticipated releases, Shruti isn’t resting on the publicity wave. She continues to balance her acting career with her music, which remains a core part of her identity. “Music keeps me grounded. Acting can be chaotic; you’re constantly pretending to be someone else. Music is where I’m the most myself.”

As for future collaborations, she remains open-minded but clear on one thing: “I don’t want to repeat myself. Whether it’s a role opposite Rajini Sir, with my father, or something completely unexpected, I want it to challenge me.”

Final Reflection

For Shruti Haasan, Coolie has been more than just another film credit; it’s been a meeting point of legacy and individuality. It allowed her to share the screen with a man she had once only known as a distant icon, and to reaffirm the values her father had instilled in her.

In a cinematic world where star power often overshadows subtlety, Shruti’s approach is refreshingly grounded: don’t compete with the light, just make sure your own shines true. And in Coolie, that’s exactly what she’s done.