'I try to stay grounded'

Actor Sruthi Hariharan was noticed after her impressive performance in ‘Lucia’ and she has since managed to keep that tempo going.

She attributes her success to her choice of projects. She has never rushed into accepting any project but has taken time to mould her career. The actor has a slew of releases both in Kannada and in other languages coming up.

She has ‘Tarak’ opposite Darshan releasing on September 29, which is the big ‘Dasara’ bonanza for all Darshan fans. This will be followed by ‘Upendra Mathe Baa’ and ‘Humble Politiciann Nograj’.

In an interview with Nina C George, Sruthi talks about her latest releases and how she has evolved as an actor.

Were you excited when you were offered ‘Tarak’?

Who wouldn’t be? I am thrilled to be playing one of the two leads opposite Darshan sir. I play his friend in the film and it’s my first experience working with him.

Tell us about your role?

I am called as Sneha in the film. She is a gardener’s daughter but her eagerness to complete her education and stand on her own feet takes her places. She is smart, intelligent and is a very giving person. These virtues impress the character, played by Darshan. He turns to her for advice whenever he is in trouble.

How was it acting opposite Darshan?

I was bowled over by the number of people who would gather at the shooting location everyday just to catch a glimpse of Darshan. He has through sheer hardwork won the love and admiration of so many people. I too admire him because he came up the hard way and his humility shows in everything that he does.

Where do you meet Shanvi, the other actor in the film?

Shanvi plays Meera in the film. And I meet her in a scene that is set in Europe. In fact, there’s a twist to the tale after we meet. The story is not only about love, but it also has a family angle. I can’t reveal more than this because then I will be giving away the script.

‘Tarak’ has a huge starcast. Did you feel out of place?

Never. Director Prakash Jayaram has conceptualised his characters very well and each actor has a well-defined part in the film. It was an honour to share screen space with veterans in the Kannada film industry. There were a few scenes where 10 or more actors had to come together in one frame and the director has done well to accommodate them all.

How have you evolved as an actor?

I never set out to be actor. I started getting offers to act and it has been a non-stop journey after my first project. The characters that I have played so far have made me who I am today. I try to stay grounded, keep my head firmly on my shoulders and focus on my work.

Are you a star at home too?

I come from a middle-class home where mothers worry about what to make for breakfast. I am just like anybody else when I am at home and that’s the only place where I get to be myself.