Shruti Haasan: “Gabbar Singh Gave Me My First Home of Success”
Shruti Haasan has credited Gabbar Singh as the turning point in her career, calling it her “first home of success” in Telugu cinema. In a recent podcast appearance, the actress opened up about her breakthrough role opposite Pawan Kalyan in the 2012 blockbuster that changed the trajectory of her career.
Speaking about how she landed the part, Shruti revealed:
“I was supposed to be in Pawan Kalyan sir’s movie Gabbar Singh, a remake of Dabangg. Then, there was some issue, and I wasn’t going to be part of it. But director Harish Shankar really fought for me. He believed I was perfect for the role—and once I did it, my life just changed.”
The film’s massive success not only catapulted Shruti to stardom but also cemented her as a bankable lead in both Telugu and Tamil cinema.
“That’s how I have the career I have today—because Telugu gave me my first home of success,” she added.
Shruti also reminisced about an emotional moment in Hyderabad when she received the Filmfare Award on behalf of her father, Kamal Haasan.
“I told the audience that I would return one day to get an award of my own. Gabbar Singh made that dream come true.”
Discussing Pawan Kalyan’s evolution from cinema to politics, she shared admiration for his grounded nature:
“He’s someone who talks about farming and being close to villages. If you think about it, a person like that—who understands both worlds—is meant to be in politics.”
Talking about her working experience with the Power Star, Shruti said,
“I was intimidated at first. He was a huge star. But he was always very sweet and respectful. Just like Vijay sir in Tamil—they’re quiet, grounded gentlemen.”
With Gabbar Singh, Shruti didn’t just find cinematic success—she found a place in the hearts of Telugu audiences that continue to support her even today.
