Shruti Haasan Reveals She Took Acting Break to Address Crippling Anxiety
In a candid and revealing interview, actress and singer Shruti Haasan has opened up about her decision to take a break from acting in 2018, attributing it to years of battling crippling anxiety that severely impacted her daily life. The daughter of legendary actors Kamal Haasan and Sarika, Shruti shared this personal struggle while reflecting on her journey in the entertainment industry.
Background and Family Influence
Shruti Haasan, born into a family of cinematic icons, emphasized that her parents always encouraged her to explore multiple interests. "I grew up in a home with two parents who are very multilingual in the language of arts," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "Each of them was doing multiple things. That environment of nurture that I grew up in… I was allowed to be as many things as I needed to be." This upbringing, she noted, shaped her ability to juggle singing, music-making, writing, and acting without feeling constrained.
The 2018 Break and Its Impact
The year 2018 marked a significant turning point for Shruti, as she stepped away from acting to focus on her mental health. She revealed that this period was triggered in part by her breakup with then-boyfriend, theatre actor Michael Corsale. "Only the best came out of that break," she reflected. "The worst thing was that I dumped him, but everything else was really really good." However, the core reason for her hiatus was deeper: she had been suffering from anxiety for many years, which made it difficult to carry out daily activities.
"I was suffering with crippling anxiety for many years of my life, and I was unable to proceed with daily activities with that level of anxiety," Shruti admitted. "I was unsure of what I was looking for, and who I was." This break allowed her to recalibrate and address these mental health issues head-on, leading to a transformative experience.
Rediscovery Through Music and Solitude
During her time away from the spotlight, Shruti relocated to London, where she immersed herself in music and self-reflection. She described this phase as "an amazing time" for rediscovering herself. "And also just doing my own laundry every day and cooking my own food and taking the tube to museums and coming back and sitting for two hours and practising writing again from scratch and then testing that music on a new audience with no expectation," she shared. This period of solitude and creativity helped her rebuild her confidence and sense of identity.
Post-Breakup Relationships and Moving Forward
Following her split from Michael Corsale, Shruti went on to date Mumbai-based doodler and illustrator Santanu Hazarika for a couple of years before they parted ways in early 2024. Her journey since the 2018 break highlights her resilience and commitment to personal growth, as she continues to balance her multifaceted career while prioritizing her mental well-being.
Shruti's story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing mental health challenges, even in the high-pressure world of entertainment. Her openness about anxiety and the positive outcomes of her break may inspire others to seek help and take necessary steps for their own health and happiness.
