Deepika’s a darling: Akshara Haasan
She answered a few questions in the run-up to Shamitabh's release
By : subhash k. jha
Update: 2015-02-04 01:59 GMT
Mumbai: With her debut film Shamitabh hitting the theatres this week, Akshara Haasan answered a few questions for us in the run-up to its release:
What prompted you to become an actress?
I learnt the ropes of filmmaking from Mr Rahul Dholakia and several ad filmmakers; filmmaking was my focus. But acting was in my genes. Subconsciously, I knew I’d be an actor one day. I just didn’t know when.
Your father Kamal Haasan once said that just like him, you would make your way from behind the camera, to being in front of it...
He was right. I think I decided about two-and-a-half years ago that I wanted to be an actor. This is what I want to do.
Are you ready to sign other films?
Oh yes, Shamitabh has made me a hungry actor. I want to try out various characters in different languages. I just want to do good cinema.
Were you nervous about working with Mr Bachchan?
I was the baby on the sets! Everyone mollycoddled me. I never dreamt I’d share screen space with actors of the calibre of Mr Bachchan and Dhanush in my first film.
What was your reaction when you were offered a film with Mr Bachchan?
I was like, ‘Oh my God! Are you serious?’
Mr Bachchan has praised you...
Yes, it was one of my biggest moments. He was very helpful on the sets. All newcomers need their seniors to help them get used to the camera. It was a blessing to have a cast and crew which completely supported me. Every day, I learnt something new on the sets from Balki sir, Mr Bachchan and Dhanush.
Your favourite films of your parents:
Of mom’s (Sarika) it’s Parzania. And for dad, it’s Hindustani. I connect with the variety of roles they have done.
Are you a singer like your sister Shruti?
I’m a terrible singer! But I am trained dancer and I love dancing.
Which other actors would you like to work with?
Mr Shah Rukh Khan and Ms Deepika Padukone. I love her performances and she’s such a darling!
Do you live alone in Mumbai?
I live with my mom. I am a very independent-minded girl and she respects that. She has given my sister and me the freedom to do what we want with our lives.