Actor and singer Shruti Haasan recently opened up about a deeply painful personal decision, revealing that she had to give up her Persian kitten Aslan after developing a severe allergic reaction that affected her health, work and mental well-being.
“I thought it’s because I over ate Mangoes and my skin was reacting,” she wrote, explaining that she initially did not suspect an allergy to her new pet.
After consulting her dermatologist, Shruti said she eventually realised that Aslan’s fur and saliva could be triggering her allergic reaction. “It was the most disappointing pit in my stomach kind of dread when I realised it could be Aslan and his spit and fur that’s causing the reaction,” she said.
She eventually had to take strong medication to control the allergy. Despite the difficulties, she hoped she would eventually be able to find a way to live with Aslan. “I genuinely thought over time we could figure this out together, me and Aslan,” she said.
“It started affecting my work and my skin and most of all my state of mind,” she wrote, adding that she struggled to balance managing her allergy with giving Aslan the love, cuddles and affection he deserved.
Things came to a head after she returned from Chennai to Mumbai and suffered an even more severe allergic reaction. “After trying incessantly, I realised when I returned from Chennai to Mumbai and broke out into allergies all over again and this time even worse that I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Haasan said.
The actor also explained why she had previously asked for some quiet time, saying she had been struggling with the fear of explaining. “And for those who thought I was unwell or something else this is what it was. The fear of explaining to you’ll what happened and the guilt I felt really had me caught in the tightest bind ever,” she wrote.
“Please send Aslan all your love,” she said, adding, “For those of you who love your furry friends you know what this means.” She further concluded the post, saying goodbye to an animal can be uniquely painful because of the bond and dependence involved.
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More