Akshara Haasan says she is hard-headed and works on her terms and conditions. She spoke to K Bhardwaj
She exudes charm, holds her head high and wants to work on her own terms and conditions. Occasionally, she smiles, fumbles but she certainly knows what she wants from her life and career. Meet Akshara Haasan, younger daughter of Kamal Haasan, who’s set make her debut with Shamitabh that also stars Amitabh Bachchan and Dhanush in lead roles. Having rejected many offers owing to uncertainty about her acting plans, Akshara finally found her calling when R Balki offered her the film. “The reason why I rejected movies before was that I was not ready to be an actor. I wanted to explore other things so I assisted directors, did photography and pursued dancing. I did theatre and got a signal that I was ready to act in movies. Shamitabh came my way and I have put my 100 per cent into it,” she says.
Akshara wants to earn fame for herself and expresses displeasure the moment you ask about her parents or say that she is a star-kid. “I want to make a mark as an individual and I do not want to use my parents’ names. I want to earn it through my merits and I think I have got that with lots of hard work through Shamitabh. I focussed a lot and gained respect from Balki and Amitabh sir with each passing day,” she says.
Sharing screen space with Big B and being directed by Balki was not a cakewalk. “Before this film, I was kind of lost on how to perform in front of the camera but Balki sir actually helped me with the script, character and the sub text before the shoot. So when I went into the sets, I had everything in place — everything was clear in my head. I was nervous because of the star cast but Balki sir stood by me like a pillar and guided me through the entire film. At times I walked up to him and asked him to guide me through a scene. He knew exactly what I am capable of. He used to motivate me even when I doubted myself. Even with my co actors, with every passing day I could see respect in their eyes. That made me feel good. They helped me discover myself as an actor. They were kind enough to be patient with me,” she tells us.
In Shamitabh, Akshara plays a girl who discovers two talented people who she thinks can come together and succeed. Then there is an ego clash. “I see something that Amitabh sir’s character has which Dhanush’s does not and vice versa and how well they compliment each other. It is the story of teamwork, its entire process and why it is important,” she says.
Does ego feature in your lifeIJ “Everyone has ego, be it male or female. It would be silly to say that I do not have an ego. It’s a point where women are known to be strong and patient but if you push beyond a limit, then the ego kicks in and they explode suddenly. That is where ego comes in for a woman. So in those terms, yes I do have an ego,” she says. It might be too early for her to talk about her career plans but she insists that she is ready to do all kind of movies.
“If I pick a particular actor or a film then I will be limiting myself. I am open to any genre and any type of role. Five years down the line I want to be in a respectable place where people will acknowledge me as an actor,” she says. Akshara is a straight-forward person and doesn’t understand politics. “I’m honest, I can’t lie. I am also very sensitive — not only to myself but to people around me as well. I do not see myself succumbing to industry clashes. I am happy with what I am and I keep my nose out of many things. I have come here to do my work and once I am done, I move over to my own business. I don’t believe in politics and I not understand it,” she says.
What was your takeaway from the movieIJ “On the set, everyone treated the movie as if it was their first — the same drive, the passion, the hard work everything. That is one of the things out of a gazillion that I have taken from the film and I will never forget that. I had full faith in Balki sir. And I knew that when he has given a promise he won’t break that and he has given everyone an equal and fair chance to shine. I trusted him completely knowing well what my role was and how much I am there,” she says.