'I am a curious cat'

In conversation

Her lineage is awe-inspiring and has placed her in the public eye ever since her childhood. Daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika Thakur, Akshara Haasan made her Bollywood debut in 2015 with the movie ‘Shamitabh’. Her screen presence won her praise and made her a popular face in the industry.

The young actor was in the city recently for ‘Kanyathon’, an event aimed at promoting  women empowerment. In a chat with Surupasree Sarmmah, she gets candid about life and her love for photography and football.

Working with Amitabh Bachchan is a dream for many and you made your debut with the megastar. How was the experience?

It was brilliant. I learnt a lot  about the various things that make him who he is today. He once told me that whatever films I do, I should treat it as my first and work as hard as I would in my first movie. This is something that will always be fresh in my mind.

How was it growing up with superstars as parents?

It was entertaining. My sister and I had a great time growing up with such liberal-minded parents. They never pressurised us to be actors. Instead, we were encouraged to be what we wanted to be as individuals. The only advice they gave us was ‘do your best and be the best’. Being honest to ourselves was something that was imbibed in us  and this has kept us grounded till today.

What is your inspiration?

I motivate myself to take up new things and challenge myself to do my best. However, I gather my inspiration from various artistes from different fields. My parents top my list. I look up to Shah Rukh Khan and admire the work he has done. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was also someone who inspired me a lot with his words and actions.

Any turning point in your life yet?

I believe there is never one turning point. Each phase of my life has directed me to choose the right path. Each point has made me one notch more mature and become more exposed to life.

Of course, there have been highs and lows too but they are all part of growing up. However, I am happy with most of the decisions I have made till now.

Apart from acting, how else do you like to spend your time? 

I make short films where my friends collaborate. And dance is something that I am always interested in. I have a keen interest in photography as well and I play a lot of football.

An advice that changed your life...

I am a curious cat and I ask a lot of questions. A lot of things that people say and do impact me in a huge way. For instance, some of the powerful stands my family and people I know have taken in certain situations have impacted my life. So it’s not an advice but real life incidents that broaden my perspective towards life.

Was it a conscious decision to follow your parents’ footsteps?

I initially wanted to play football professionally but then I realised, this may not be what I would want to do all my life and I am glad I realised that. I shifted my
focus to dance thereafter and that’s when I came across acting.

 What is in your basket as of now?

As of now, I am working in a Tamil film with Ajith Kumar which is due to release this year.