Shruti Haasan reflects on parents Kamal Haasan and Sarika’s ‘painful’ divorce, says they were ‘most beautiful couple’ in happier times

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Kamal Haasan and Sarika’s love story began on the set of the 1984 film Raaj Tilak, and they eventually tied the knot. However, their marriage was not without its challenges. Despite their efforts to make it work, they ultimately decided to go their separate ways. Their divorce was finalised in 2004. Shruti said that her parents were mature enough to have an open and honest conversation about their decision, and they prioritised their children’s well-being above all else.

“We always see how men’s independence is greatly celebrated,” Shruti noted, emphasising the importance of women’s independence. “I would also like to say that we don’t need to announce, ‘I am an independent feminist’… we don’t need to do it every day, it is a very silent, ‘un-applauded’ battle, truly. A lot of women relate to this one topic that there is no one to applaud for us, we’ll have to do it ourselves, we have to live every day and pay our bills and it’s a normal part of life.”

Kamal and Sarika’s divorce was undoubtedly a painful experience for the entire family, especially Shruti and her younger sister Akshara. “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,” Shruti said, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of family relationships.

“For me, when they were together and happy, they were the most beautiful couple I have ever seen because they used to work together, go the sets together, mumma would do her costumes… The whole family was into movies… I was also in the costume department, my sister (Akshara) was in the AD (assistant director) department, she also worked in the art department. So we were all a family of film people,” Shruti fondly recalled.

In the end, Shruti said that Kamal and Sarika made the difficult decision to part ways, but they remain committed to her and her sister’s well-being. “But when they weren’t getting along, they were matured enough and spoke to each other and decided, ‘we can’t’. They tried a lot (to be together), but they couldn’t. Individually, they are two very talented people. I am happy they are still my parents. If they are happy separately, then it is good for us also,” Shruti concluded.