Shruti is a bully, says Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan is currently directing his daughter Shruti Haasan in the Hindi-Tamil-Telugu tri-lingual comedy Sabash Kundu. He took on the role after the director Rajeev Kumar suddenly fell ill.

How are you coping with the unexpected responsibility of directing Sabash Kundu Thanks to my friend late. R.C. Shakti I am coping quite well. Shakti made me a co- writer and director in my first film as a hero. It took me a long time to realise that only a person who loved you like a brother would do such a thing. I was 18 years old when he offered me that exalted status.

You are directing and acting with Shruti for the first time. How’s the experience Shruti is a professional and a star-child. Both (former wife) Sarikaji and I were actors from our childhood. Unlike her parents who walked with apprehension, Shruti is a surefooted star already.

Are there any how-will-I-tell-her-to-do-this moments on the sets between you two Even in life, there were no how-will-I-tell-her-this moments. During her growing-up years all that was needed to be told was told to her in the right time. Same holds true in the film. By the way, for the Tamil version of Dasavthaaram she was my coach for my American accent. She had just returned from the US and was the perfect medium to help her father's Madrasi accent to be transformed into a Yankee accent. She was a bully. She made me do many retakes. And after the dubbing, she wanted me to correct some more of my accent. Everyone thought that was taking it a little too far (laughs).