After scoring hits with top actors like Pawan Kalyan, Allu Arjun and Ram Charan, Shruti Haasan has struck gold with an Akkineni hero. In this interview, the star heroine talks about her character in 'Premam', her role in 'Katamarayudu', what she thinks about gossips about her, about her new product 'Unblushed | Be The Bitch' and more.

Considering that 'Premam' was a classic and you are the only actress to not be from the original (Anupama and Madonna played the same roles in the Malayalam original), was there any pressure that you felt while reprising Sai Pallavi? Tell us about want went into etching the character.

My second name is Haasan. I have gone beyond feeling all the pressure over the years.

I didn't wear any make-up. The character, Sitara, was designed that way: to be graceful, soft, dignified. She is quite unlike me. That's why I liked the character in the first place.

My stylist Jayati Bose helped me get that simple yet elegant look. Karthik's cinematography is another factor which helped me look that way. The color palette was just right. Attention was given even to the fact that Sitara makes her own jewelry.

When compared to Malar, Sitara is a little more dominant.

How did you approach the scene where you teach dancing to Vikram (Chaitanya) and friends?

I did it spontaneously. No rehearsal went into it.

There were many comparisons with the original all along, especially on social media.

How do you know how the baby is going to be like before it's born. The same is the case with a film. Unless and until the product is out, you wouldn't know how it has turned out. From the beginning, I felt the director had a vision of his own. There are so many emotions in 'Premam' - comedy, tragedy, etc, though not action. I do keep in mind the original when I am doing a remake.

Does Sitara remember Vikram in the climax?

What do you think? It's left to your interpretation.

How was it working with Chaitu?

Since he has been one of my dear friends, it was like going on a picnic. The entire team was very positive and motivating. And Chaitanya has done a fantastic job. I am really happy for him.

You have landed another film opposite Pawan Kalyan. What is your role in the movie? Are we going to see you in saree, once again?

It feels very nice to be doing a film with Pawan Kalyan once again. I feel very honoured to work with him for 'Katamarayudu'. 'Gabbar Singh' (2012) changed everything for me. I have just shot for two days. I can't reveal much about my role. All that I can say is, she is a very likeable character. As for wearing sarees, I would be mum on it. May or may not be. (Smiles).

And it's a remake, once again.

I am a Remake Rani. (Guffaws). Even in Hindi, I got to do some remakes.

How has the experience been of working with Kamal Haasan? What is your role in 'Sabaash Naidu' and how far has your father recovered from the injury?

It was scary to work with him initially. I am playing a young, bold, modern woman. The relationship between her and the character dad is playing is really sweet. Dad is doing much better. He is playing a very physical role; he is going to be back in action soon.

How do you deal with gossips about you? There recently was a gossip about alleged differences you had with Gautami.

I deal with them by not dealing with them. The gossips don't matter to me at all. I don't even think about them.

Your sister Akshara recently signed her second movie. Do you give her advises? How are you both like?

We are like how the average sisters are. As for giving her advises, she is mature enough to take her own decisions. I am always there to support her, though.

'Unblushed | Be The Bitch' is just out. What prompted you to make it? Don't you think time has come for films like 'Pink' to be made?

I feel very strongly about women and women's issues. I felt strongly about it and did the writing myself. Yes, I do think the time has come for films like 'Pink' to be made.