Shruti Haasan, who awaits the release of 'Katamarayudu' tomorrow (March 24), in this interview talks about her endorsements, Pawan Kalyan's political future, her role in the movie, her voice, rumours about her dad joining politics, and more.

You have been going great in cinema. You are also seen as one of the star endorsers of products. How do you see your journey over the years?

I am just very thankful to God as always. I never had an easy start. When things go right, I am extremely thankful. In terms of the films, it's really a good place to be in. As far as endorsements go, there are a lot of opinions about whether one should do that or not. But I have always loved selling things. I am happy that I can endorse products I believe in and I myself use.

There are certain things which I don't believe in endorsing, for example, fairness products and alcohol products, tobacco and such products which are not good for health.

You have said that you didn't have an easy start. And yet you have gone on to become a superstar.

Yes, everything happens for a reason. I never thought of becoming an actor, except when I was very young. Then I thought I will be a director. Then music came and took me over.

I did my first film for financial reasons alone. People think cinema has always run in my veins. I never thought it that way. It was after the failure of my first film that cinema sank in just the way you feel stronger about your girl friend after a break-up.

Your film 'Katamarayudu' is releasing on March 24. How was it teaming up with Pawan Kalyan five years after 'Gabbar Singh'?

I feel that he is a very unique person. What I like most about him is that he is so integrated, he is so into cinema and into the audiences' minds. He doesn't take things like fame and the reach he has lightly. He seems to completely dissociate with the ego that comes with fame. He understands the power of cinema and gives his fans what they want. It's a very hard balance to strike.

To me, he has always been very special. At a time when people didn't even know me, he took me (as the co-star in 'Gabbar Singh'). He could have said no to me, but he didn't say. That changed my career.

Do you think Pawan Kalyan will make a good politician?

Oh my God! I never comment on politics. I am not in a position to given an answer. It doesn't interest me in terms of the fact that news about politics is depressing to me. I don't think on the lines of what changes can be made, etc. But when I feel strongly about something, whether it's political or social, I speak out.

What kind of a film is 'Katamarayudu'?

'Katamarayudu' has got all the elements of a family entertainer. My role is that of a village girl who is a perfect blend of innocence and naughtiness. It's a simple role of a classical dancer. It was nice to play that. She is connected to the emotions of family life.

You have scored big hits with Allu Arjun and Mahesh Babu as well.

Yes. In 'Race Gurram', I played a unique character. Bunny is one of the most hardworking and dedicated actors. He is consciously building on his strengths. It was great working with Mahesh Babu sir, who is so calm and gentlemanly.

It's good that I have got to work with writer-directors like Koratala Shiva, whose writing is nuanced. A film is a coming together of many talents.

Coming to your voice, it's seen as unique.

My voice is quintessentially Indian. Also, it's different when I am speaking and when I am singing. As a youngster, people would say about that my voice that I always have a sore throat. (Laughs)

When Rani Mukherjee became a star, I felt good to hear a different voice. Of late, people love my voice unconditionally. I have taken my cue from Marlon Brando, whose voice couldn't even be fathomed initially.

My dad has a very unique voice. It wasn't accepted very much in the beginning. In Telugu, they have to get a dubbing artiste who can match mine. I am very proud of my voice.

There are rumours that you dad may join politics. What is your comment?

I don't think it's going to happen. He has always had a very strong social responsibility. I stay far away from voicing my opinions about social topics. It takes a lot of courage and fearlessness to speak what one believes in. I don't think he wants to be political. He exercises his right to free speech.

And how do you react to gossips about you?

I don't react. I take them in my stride. I am an independent girl and have every right with regard to my personal life. A lot of gossips are amusing as they are untrue. And some of them are true! (Smiles).

The number of followers you have on social media is almost five million. This is very high for a South Indian star. Your comments?

I always believed in the connectivity of social media. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to communicate. I don't have a social media manager. All the tweets are mine. I don't know how you get more number of followers. Numbers don't matter.