The Lovely Samantha Ruth Prabhu Who Turns A Year Older On April 28 Speaks To  Subhash K Jha 

This birthday is a work day for you.Is that the way you like it?

Yeah this is the way I like it. What I love to do is  act. I’d rather be doing what I love on my birthday. I’ve  never been the sort who throws big parties, never been that way.If  I am not shooting on my birthday it’d be  a small intimate  family  thing.

How are you ushering in your birthday otherwise?

I am ushering in my birthday with the Citadel team .I love them  they’re like my family. So I’m definitely getting that family feeling on my birthday.  We are  in a wonderful place. And we are shooting something awesome. I think this is the  best way to celebrate .

Tell me about your early childhood memories of your birthdays…the cakes balloons,parties?

I’ve two elder brothers. Growing up,there was a  lot of cake, yes. We always  fought for cake. I  remember  fighting  with  my elder brothers  for cake on our birthdays.

The last two years have not been easy on you.How have you coped with all the scary setbacks?

I am okay. I am  at point in my life  when  it can only  get better(laughs mirthlessly). Like you  said, there have been scary setbacks. So I think the only way  forward  is…up!

You have a massive fan following and yet there is a section that is constantly attacking you.How do you manage to not let the vitiated sections get to you?

Yes,I am blessed  to have so many supporters. They  love me. I think the hate is a part of the deal. You can’t have  just the love. The roses have to come with the thorns.   There are  people out there who  disagree with and  disapprove of everything I do. It is natural in a high-profile profession like mine.If I have chosen to be  an  actor, I am  kind of signing my  life off to those who love  and hate in equal measures.

You have your career in both Hyderabad and Mumbai.Do you ever unpack your suitcase?

I am blessed to be working with great teams. I am blessed to now have a wider reach and bigger opportunities.I am very happy with the quality of work that I am getting. Every day I enjoy my work,because it is enriching. You know, the kind of parts that  are  coming to me  pose new challenges for me.And I’m enjoying that. I enjoy  challenges.  I get bored easily. I have my hands full  with challenges  every single  day. It’s a good place to be. I am looking forward  to the release  of  Citadel and Kushi.

How do you intend to balance out the separate geopolitical work cultures?

I think I go where a good script and character invites me.. I think  these are the only criteria for selection. The language no  longer matters.Because of all that has happened  in the recent past, I’ve become even more picky about the work I do. I will be  doing very selected projects.I will take it a lot slower now than I used  to.

Considering your disillusionment with love are you open to finding love again in the future?

I don’t want to be pessimistic or negative  about anything in life.Whatever has to  happen, will happen. I don’t think anyone has control over  destiny.I  didn’t have any control over  the  things that happened in my life. So I wouldn’t say a vehement  no(to love). I’d just say, que sera sera.

To all the girls who look up to you,your advice and message?

Life is  too short to live it for others. Ask yourself who  the real you is, and live that life truthfully and unabashedly. That’s my advice.