Everybody needs a hit, but at the same time, people have to like

Hear, O seeker of wisdom, the words of Shruti Haasan, who spoke with clarity of heart: “Everybody needs a hit, but at the same time, people have to like my work, too. I'm more thankful for the fact that people appreciated my work in every film, and I work hard to earn that.” This is not the boast of one intoxicated with fame, but the confession of an artist who knows the tension between worldly success and true fulfillment. For in these words we hear the ancient struggle between recognition and integrity, between the applause of the crowd and the satisfaction of honest labor.

The origin of this utterance lies in Shruti Haasan’s journey through cinema, where she carried both the weight of legacy and the burden of expectation. In an industry that exalts numbers and box office success, she acknowledges the truth that “everybody needs a hit.” The world demands proof of value through its measures of wealth and popularity. Yet Shruti lifts her eyes beyond these fleeting crowns, declaring that what endures is not the hit, but the appreciation of the work itself, earned by discipline, authenticity, and devotion to craft.

This wisdom has long been spoken in the stories of old. Consider the tale of Sophocles, whose plays were staged in Athens during festivals of great competition. Many poets sought victory, hungering for the prize wreath of ivy. Yet Sophocles declared that while the wreath was sweet, the deeper joy lay in moving the hearts of the people, in crafting words that would echo through centuries. And indeed, while the ivy crowns withered, his works endure to this day. In the same way, Shruti Haasan’s gratitude for appreciation over mere “hits” reflects the truth that real triumph lies in lasting impact, not passing glory.

Notice also her humility: “I work hard to earn that.” She does not attribute appreciation to chance or entitlement, but to effort, to the sweat of discipline. This is the essence of the artist’s path—to labor not only when praised, but also when unseen, so that each work bears the mark of sincerity. To be thankful for appreciation is noble, but to pair it with relentless effort is the mark of true greatness.

The lesson here is profound: measure not your worth by fleeting trophies alone. A “hit” may open doors, but it is the quality of your work that builds a legacy. The applause of the moment may fade, but the respect of those who see your honesty and diligence will remain like a stone foundation through the storms of time. If you strive for recognition only, you may achieve it but remain empty; if you strive for meaningful work, recognition—when it comes—becomes a blessing, not the goal itself.

Therefore, O listener, embrace this wisdom in your own path. Whatever your field, do not labor solely for the “hits,” the quick victories, or the immediate applause. Instead, work with integrity, pour yourself into your craft, and honor those who receive your work with appreciation. Let your joy be in the knowledge that you have given your best, and let your gratitude rise for every person who has seen and valued your effort.

So let the words of Shruti Haasan endure: “I’m more thankful for the fact that people appreciated my work… and I work hard to earn that.” In them lies the eternal teaching that true success is not measured in numbers but in hearts touched, not in speed but in endurance, not in luck but in labor. Carry this truth, and you will walk with dignity, knowing that the legacy you leave behind will outlast the fleeting echoes of applause.