‘Want to bring appa, Rajini uncle together in a film’

After making a disappointing start in Tamil with Ajith starrer Vivegam, Akshara Haasan is all geared up with her second outing Kadaram Kondan with her dad Kamal Haasan bankrolling it in his home banner Raaj Kamal Films International.

The movie with Vikram playing the lead protagonist in the titular role is directed by Kamal’s protégé Rajesh M. Selva.

Akshara, paired opposite Abi Hassan (actor Nasser’s son), essays a pregnant woman and she says she took a lot of advice from her mom Sarika. “I had lots of doubts and each time I asked mom, she would patiently explain to me. I even got trained on how to walk, sit and speak dialogues with towels tied around my tummy. I did a few stunts with a pregnant belly as well,” Akshara who plays Akira says.  

The effervescent actress says her illustrious father also tutored her. “Even before I was born Raaj Kamal banner was started and I am proud to be working in their project.  At home, we are dad and daughter. Outside, I call him only ‘sir’ or Mr Haasan. At home we converse in Tamil, English and Hindi.  But my mom prefers to speak only in English.”

So how did you get paid for KK, we ask. “Oh, whatever I deserve, I got it from my father.”

She is just four films old and she reveals that Kamal tells her to treat each film as her first film and work. “Irrespective of the number of movies, treat every film as your debut and give your sincere and best effort. I have been following it truly. Though my Tamil is not good, I still tried my level best and dubbed myself in the Tamil version for Kadaram Kondan.”

Despite such efforts, the 27 year old still struggles to land more opportunities. “I know that being the daughter of Kamal and Sarika is not enough for me to succeed in the industry. I have to work hard and prove myself..”

Though she says she is not keen on politics, she loves her dad’s both avatars. “Yes, I admire my dad as an actor as well a politician. I do read a lot about his Makkal Neethi Maiam’s news. There are lot of issues which need to be addressed in India.”

Shifting the topic to her becoming a victim of cyber crime in one incident, she says in an assertive manner. “Malicious content on social media has been on the increase. It is disturbing and upsetting. It is up to you to take it in your own stride and move on. But, yes, you have to be bold and raise your voice. Like my appa tells me, ‘you have be brave and stand individually in society’, that incident helped me to grow as a person.”

Having started as an assistant director, her big dream is to direct her dad one day. “Direction is my passion. I did assist in Sabaash Naidu.

Now, I am busy with acting. In Bollywood, I want to direct Amitabh, Shah Rukh and Ranveer Kapoor. In Tamil I want to wield megaphone for Karthi and Vikram films. However, my big ambition is to direct my dad. But, given the fact that there’s no character on earth that he has not done, I am confused if I would get a fresh genre. Oh yeah, may be a superhero subject? I also wish to get a chance to bring both appa and Rajini uncle together for one of my projects,” is how she signs off on a positive note.