Shruti Haasan on legacy, nepotism and why social media worsens scrutiny

Actor-singer Shruti Haasan spoke about legacy, nepotism and the scrutiny around her family background on Day 2 of the India Today South Conclave 2026 in Kochi, saying her effort from the beginning had been to be recognised as herself first. She also said social media had become a major obstacle to behaviour, individual thought and freedom of expression, and that the problem was not limited to children from film families. Speaking about legacy and nepotism, Shruti, the daughter of Kamal Haasan and Sarika, said, “I did not know how to navigate it, I was just like because I have so much of an influence as a musician. People have always looked at me differently not because of my legacy but because I am a peculiar person, so from school I have always been the slightly odd one out. What would have triggered course correction just made me be like that is what people have always thought about me.” She added, “See, I am not one to comment on someone's journey. Scrutiny is always there. My aim from day 1 is to stand the sruthi first and that is something I continue pursuing. But i would say yeah social media is a huge impediment to everyone’s behaviour, own thought and freedom of expression; it is not just about industry child things.” During the session, she also reflected on her accidental start in acting, her long relationship with music, her work across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu cinema, her interest in Malayalam films, her views on politics, streaming and women-led stories, and her upcoming projects, including a film with Dulquer Salmaan and talks around Salaar 2.