While actor Kamal Haasan calls himself a rationalist, his daughter and popular actress Shruthi has openly expressed her faith in a spiritual power.

Says Shruthi Haasan, “I differ from my dad when it comes to spiritual ideas.”

The actress, who is part of Mahesh Manjrekar’s Bollywood film, says, “Cinema is a safe place for women. If you work hard, you will be respected.”

Excerpts from the interview:

WOMEN’S SAFETY

I think cinema is a safe career option for women. I feel secure here. People give you respect for your hard work. Casting aspersions on a successful woman is demeaning her hard work and success.

CHOOSING MOVIES

I do what I like the most. Having completed a decade in cinema, I confidently say that I did movies which impressed me the most. If the script is not convincing, I will never do that movie. Quality matters more than quantity. You are remembered by the movies that you act in.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

I differ from my dad (Kamal Haasan) here. I believe in a spiritual power. People may call it church, mosque or temple. It is their convenience. I don’t have any answer for it. But for me there is something supreme.

UPCOMING FILMS

I am playing the lead in a Hindi movie directed by Mahesh Manjrekar.  Vidyut Jamwal is the hero. It is a thriller and has come out well so far. Shooting for ‘Sabaash Naidu’ will resume soon. It is a delight to work with my dad.

HAPPIEST MOMENT

To be part of India’s Independence Day celebrations in USA recently was a proud moment for me. I also sang a few patriotic numbers.

LOVE FOR MUSIC

I am passionate about music. I wanted to become a musician. I would love to balance acting and music in future.