Shruti Haasan came to Mumbai when her parents Kamal Haasan and Sarika separated. She was 16 then. She focused on cinema and music, later travelling to the US to learn music at the Musicians Institute in California, before returning to Chennai. Her Bollywood debut came in 2008 with Soham Shah’s Luck.

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Since her mother is settled here, Mumbai is like a second home to her. She tells us more about why the city is so special for her...

Now and then

“I first came to Mumbai when I was very young. My mom is from here and dad always had some work around here, so Mumbai always felt like a second home. I moved here when I was 16 and went to junior college here as well. After travelling all over the place I’ve been back here for three to four years now and have my own home here.”

First impressions

“My first impression of Mumbai has changed with time... At first, I found the city very chaotic and messy, but over time, I’ve begun to love the energy of the city. I used to live in Bandra earlier and I loved the vibe there as it’s very calm and vibrant. And though I love Chennai because it’s where I was born, Mumbai is now my home. The food is different — there is a lot more place and space in Chennai, but it’s way hotter than Mumbai.”

Why I love Mumbai

“I love Mumbai for many reasons. I love the food because of all the variety of places, the sunset because I’m originally from Chennai where the sunrises are gorgeous and the energy of the city, it makes you feel welcome and a part of it. I have some wonderful friends here in Mumbai who always make me feel so wonderful when I’m back from all my work and travels. I love the Mumbai monsoons, but it really does get messy. My memories of the monsoons are of hanging out with friends during college and walking around. I have quite a few haunts I love visiting when I am here.”

MY WISH

I just wish we could make Mumbai cleaner and more organised.

Mumbai in 5 words

Dynamic, chaotic, colourful, promising and energetic.