When Shruti Haasan opened up about parents Kamal Haasan and Sarika's divorce: 'It taught me why it is essential for a woman to be independent'
Actress-turned-singer Shruti Haasan once reflected on her personal experiences growing up in a high-profile household, shedding light on the emotional complexities of her parents Kamal Haasan and Sarika ’s separation. Shruti spoke about how their divorce reshaped her understanding of family dynamics and the importance of independence, particularly for women.
Shruti about her parents and family life
In an old interview with Pinkvilla, Shruti said that she was born into a beautiful family where her parents were artistic and intelligent. She described it as her utmost comfort zone but opened up about the other side of it. “But I have seen the other side of it as well. When my parents split up, everything changed. That’s when I realised the value of financial independence and personality-driven independence. Especially being a daughter and seeing that Mumma walked out of a marriage, it taught me an important lesson on why it is essential for a woman to be independent,” Shruti stated.
About emotional turmoil
Though Shruti and her younger sister Akshara grew up amidst fame and privilege, she revealed how the 2004 divorce had a significant emotional impact on both of them. She also raised an important point about how societal pressure can sometimes push couples to remain in unhappy marriages, which might be even more damaging for children. “Of course, it is painful — for the children as well as the parents. This is a normal part of so many homes today. And it is not like it is painful only when the parents are getting separated. There are homes where, for society, the parents live together — sometimes there is more pain in those homes because it’s hidden,” she added.
Kamal Haasan's marriages
Kamal Haasan was first married to classical dancer Vani Ganapathy in 1978. Vani also worked as his costume designer in several films. After divorcing Vani, Kamal began his relationship with Sarika in 1988, after the birth of their first child, Shruti, in 1986. They eventually tied the knot and had their second daughter, Akshara, in 1991. Kamal and Sarika ended their marriage in 2004.
Shruti about her parents and family life
In an old interview with Pinkvilla, Shruti said that she was born into a beautiful family where her parents were artistic and intelligent. She described it as her utmost comfort zone but opened up about the other side of it. “But I have seen the other side of it as well. When my parents split up, everything changed. That’s when I realised the value of financial independence and personality-driven independence. Especially being a daughter and seeing that Mumma walked out of a marriage, it taught me an important lesson on why it is essential for a woman to be independent,” Shruti stated.
About emotional turmoil
Though Shruti and her younger sister Akshara grew up amidst fame and privilege, she revealed how the 2004 divorce had a significant emotional impact on both of them. She also raised an important point about how societal pressure can sometimes push couples to remain in unhappy marriages, which might be even more damaging for children. “Of course, it is painful — for the children as well as the parents. This is a normal part of so many homes today. And it is not like it is painful only when the parents are getting separated. There are homes where, for society, the parents live together — sometimes there is more pain in those homes because it’s hidden,” she added.
Kamal Haasan's marriages
Kamal Haasan was first married to classical dancer Vani Ganapathy in 1978. Vani also worked as his costume designer in several films. After divorcing Vani, Kamal began his relationship with Sarika in 1988, after the birth of their first child, Shruti, in 1986. They eventually tied the knot and had their second daughter, Akshara, in 1991. Kamal and Sarika ended their marriage in 2004.
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