‘It Wasn’t Comfortable’: Shruti Hasaan On How Her Parents’ Divorce Changed Her Life

Last Updated:April 26, 2025, 12:00 IST

Shruti Haasan said that she was determined to make her own space in the industry.

Actress Shruti Haasan recently opened up about one of the toughest phases in her life, when her parents, actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika, separated. The former couple got divorced in 2004. She also shared how that experience shaped her into the person she has become today and explained that despite coming from a family of actors, she never felt “entitled” because life had humbled her down at a very

young age.

The Ramaiya Vastavaiya actress was speaking with Filmfare when she was asked if she ever felt “privileged and entitled” while growing up. Recalling her parents’ divorce, Shruti said, “No, because a lot of people don’t know what happened to me prior to me joining the film industry. I was humbled by life with my parents’ separation. We were not living in the big mansion, and when my mom decided to leave, we moved from Chennai to Mumbai. It wasn’t comfortable.”

Further reflecting on those life-changing lessons, Shruti explained what the experiences taught her about struggles and success. She added, “I am glad for those lessons because I learnt that you can go from Mercedes to the local train… like really quick in life. Both are a journey that you can learn from.”

She also spoke about reconnecting with her father, Kamal Haasan, before starting her career in the industry. During that time, she pursued music studies abroad but remained determined to build her own identity in the industry. “I always had this sense of I want my own space, and I want to earn my own money, and I want my own independence,” she told the media outlet.

Admitting that she had a bit of an attitude in her early days, Shruti explained that it did not come from a place of superiority, but from fear of being under confident. She mentioned, “I was a bit attitude-y. it was not from a place of thinking that I am better. It was completely from a place of fear and thinking I am lesser and projecting confidence.”

For those who do not know, Kamal Haasan and Sarika tied the knot in 1988, following the birth of Shruti in 1986. A few years later, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Akshara. In 2002, the couple decided to part ways, and their divorce was finalised in 2004.

On the work front, the 39-year-old actress will be next seen in Tamil movie Coolie, starring alongside superstar Rajinikanth. The film is scheduled to hit the theatres in the second half of 2025.