Shruti Hariharan is an upcoming actress who is concentrating on Mollywood and Tollywood. Her debut film Lucia was the most talked film of the year in Sandalwood. The 24-year-old played the lead opposite Neenasam Satish in this Pawan Kumar directed flick. This classical dancer is currently working on two Kannada films, Dyaavare and Raate. Shruti, who completed her secondary and high school from Sishu Griha, pursued her PUC in Science at Christ University. She graduated in BBM from Christ University in 2009. Excerpts from an interview...
What did college teach you?
I had a lot of fun, freaked out, studied as much as required to maintain a good average but most of all college gave me a perspective on life. It taught me that the world isn’t as rosy as it seemed for the last 16 years, how to deal with people, manage attendance and meet deadlines and gave me a taste of college politics. You see Christ believes in holistic development and that was what I had — a crash course on what the world is like. Since I was a management student, I learnt a very important lesson — To be successful one needs to be an excellent businessman/businesswoman. This learning has helped me be the person I am today.
What was your proudest moment in college?
As I was a part of the cultural dance team in college, winning a fest when you have awesome teams from JNC (Jyoti Nivas College) and Mount Carmel was exhilarating. But I think my moment of pride would be the end of Espirit 2009, an international intercollegiate management fest where I was one of the three student organisers who had toiled day and night. When your hard work pays off it always fills you with pride. I experienced a similar moment when I saw Lucia being received well by film-goers.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
I am usually unabashed and very hard to embarrass so even if I did get embarrassed I do not remember. However, I am sure I embarrassed a lot of my friends by purposely teasing them loudly in front of a guy they may have a crush on.
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
I was a jumpy, bubbly, forever excited girl who could strike a conversation with absolutely anybody and I think that helped me score points with guys. But I am sure some guys hated this trait of mine.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
Before I answer this question for all the college students who will be reading this: Do learn to strike a balance — fun is important but so are exams. We need a very high attendance percentage (we’re also given credits for it) but where there is a will there is a way. So in spite of the 85 per cent attendance requirement I managed to bunk a lot of classes, thanks to extracurricular activities.
Did you have any rifts with your professors? Why?
No way! I was one of their favourites! In fact a group of friends and I also choreographed a dance for our college professors and made them dance on stage. Our lecturers were pretty cool that way!
Where did you hang out with friends?
Koramangala. I know that place in and out. Sometimes when we had money we used to visit Forum Mall. I know it so well that I can find my way in there blindfolded!
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
Almost everything especially dance. I was a part of the cultural team.
— sharadha.srinidhi@gmail.com