‘I WAS NEVER FORCED TO ACT’

Akshara Haasan says her parents guide her when she is uncertain about something, but the final decision is always hers

Actor Akshara Hassan (left) began her Hindi film career with Shamitabh (2015). The actor is equally active in the Tamil film industry. Talking about the differences between the two industries, she says that the mentality of people is very different. “It’s like how language differs from city to city. Hindi is spoken differently by a person in Mumbai than a person in Lucknow. So, the sensibilities and ideologies are different, which is a good thing. It’s interesting to know the different ideologies and mindsets. It gives you more exposure.” Ask her if she consults her parents (Kamal Haasan and Sarika) before signing a project, and she says, “I ask them for advice when I’m uncertain about something or I have a doubt. They guide me on how I can go about it. But the final call is mine. They would be like, ‘Do whatever is in your mind. You have to be happy with it. And know that you have to live with the decision’.” She adds that she is lucky to be part of such a family. “I belong to a family that tends to expose me to lot of different things. I’m proud to be a part of it. I always get to try other things. I was never forced to pick up acting. My parents said, ‘You have an option to be an actor, but that doesn’t mean you have to become one. There are other things that you might be interested in, and you can try them’.” On the other hand, Akshara highlights the struggles of being a star kid. “Creating your own identity [is a challenge]. But I don’t consider it [the pressure]. At the end of the day, people will look at you for your work. It’s exactly like how Kareena Kapoor (Khan) and Karishma Kapoor made their own identity even though they come from such a big family. It’s remarkable to take that legacy forward,” says the young actor. Is there a specific trait that she would like to imbibe from her father? “The fact that he is clear with what he wants. He is able to achieve it, and outdo himself. And I’ve learnt: ‘Whatever you do in life, be the best you can and be honest about it. If you lie, you are lying to yourself ’,” says Akshara.

Mumbai has been so beautiful to me. The city has accepted me, and the people have loved my work MONA SINGH, ACTOR My parents said, ‘You have an option to be an actor, but that doesn’t mean you have to become one.’ AKSHARA HAASAN, ACTOR

PHOTO: DEVRAJ PANDEY