Kamal Haasan
Template:Short description Template:Use Indian English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox officeholder Kamal HaasanTemplate:Efn (born 7 November 1954) is an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who predominantly works in Tamil cinema, and currently serving as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha for Tamil Nadu.<ref name="List of Members">Template:Cite web</ref> Regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile actors of all time,<ref name="KH1">
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- Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan is renowned for portraying diverse and complex roles, across multiple genres, often involving physical transformations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is also known for pushing creative boundaries<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and pioneering many new technologies in Indian cinema.<ref name="KH2">
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- Template:Cite web</ref> FilmmakersTemplate:Efn have described Haasan as "cinema encyclopedia" for his immense knowledge and mastery of various aspects of filmmaking as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, singer, lyricist, and dancer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He has also worked as an assistant director, choreographer, editor, make-up artist, narrator, television host, and a distributor of films. In his cinematic career spanning more than 65 years, he has made over 250 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada and Bengali languages.<ref>
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- Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan has won numerous accolades, including five National Film Awards,Template:Efn twenty Filmfare Awards,Template:Efn eleven Tamil Nadu State Film Awards,Template:Efn and four Nandi Awards.Template:Efn He was honoured with the Kalaimamani in 1978, the Padma Shri in 1990, the Padma Bhushan in 2014, and the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier) by the Government of France in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025 to become a member of its Actors Branch, for being an "exceptionally talented individual having made indelible contributions to global filmmaking community."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Haasan started his career as a child artist at the age of 5 in the 1960 Tamil film Kalathur Kannamma,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> which earned him the National Award for Best Child Artist.Template:Efn After playing a few supporting roles, he progressed to lead role in the 1974 Malayalam film Kanyakumari, for which he won his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor. He then earned three National Awards for Best Actor for Moondram Pirai (1982), Nayakan (1987) and Indian (1996). Haasan has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total, the most for any actor. He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 18 winsTemplate:Efn – eleven in Tamil, three in Telugu, two in Malayalam, one in Hindi, and one in Kannada.Template:Efn He has been nominated for 63 Filmfare Awards, the most for any actor.Template:Efn He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for acting, with 50 nominations. He is the only actor who has won Filmfare Awards across five different languages. Besides several acting awards for his acclaimed performances,Template:Efn he has won many other cinematic awards for producing, directing, screenwriting, singing, lyric writing, choreographing and dancing.Template:Efn Haasan is also distinguished for starring in the highest number of films submitted by India for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, with seven films – Saagar (1985), Swathi Muthyam (1986), Nayakan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Kuruthipunal (1995), Indian (1996), and Hey Ram (2000) which he directed.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He has won many awards at various international film festivals,Template:Efn including the inaugural Best Asian Film Award at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, South Korea, for his directorial Virumaandi (2004).Template:Efn His production company Raaj Kamal Films International has produced many of his films, including Thevar Magan (1992) which won him the National Award for Best Tamil Film.
Haasan's portrayal of an innocent man, scammed and imprisoned, in Mahanadhi (1994), was selected by Forbes India as one of the 25 greatest acting performances of Indian cinema.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hindustan Times hailed him as "A polymath in the truest sense, Kamal has given silver jubilee filmsTemplate:Efn in five languages. If there's one Indian actor who is a one-man industry in himself, it's Kamal Haasan."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He received the first Golden Beaver Award at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Alberta, Canada, for "transforming cinema — bridging cultures, breaking barriers, and inspiring audiences worldwide."<ref name="2025IFFA"/> He was awarded the "Original Pan-India Superstar" Award at the 2022 South Indian International Movie Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Directorate of Film Festivals organised a three-day "Kamal Haasan Film Festival" from 2 to 4 July 2010,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and showcased seven of his best films – Sagara Sangamam (1983), Nayakan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Hey Ram (2000), Anbe Sivam (2003), Virumaandi (2004), and Dasavathaaram (2008) in which he played ten distinct roles. Nayakan (1987) was chosen as one of the 100 greatest films of all time by the American magazine TIME.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Anbe Sivam (2003) was selected as one of the 25 best Indian movies of the 21st century by The Hollywood Reporter India.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On October 16, 1997, Queen Elizabeth II publicly launched Haasan's unfinished historical film Marudhanayagam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Haasan received the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Special Award, from the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, for completing 50 years in cinema in 2009. He was named as one of the 50 most powerful Indians by India Today in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was conferred two Honorary Doctorates, one by Sathyabama University in 2005, one by Centurion University in 2019. He received the first A. T. Kovoor National Award for the Secular Artist in 2005, in acknowledgment of his humanist and philanthropic activities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was the first Tamil actor to convert his fan clubs into welfare associations, and has been consistently involved in many social services, including donating food and medicines to the needy, helping with children's education, and promoting blood and organ donation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was appointed an ambassador by the United Nations in 2007, for its joint campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect the rights of people living with HIV.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 21 February 2018, Haasan formally launched a political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (lit. People's Justice Centre).<ref name="political">Template:Cite web</ref>
Early life and family
Template:Main Kamal Haasan was born on 7 November 1954,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> in a Tamil brahmin Iyengar family, to D. Srinivasan, who was a lawyer and freedom fighter,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Rajalakshmi, who was a housewife.<ref name=DT_929>Template:Cite news</ref> His native place is Paramakudi. He was initially named after the Parthasaraty deity at the Pallava-era temple in Chennai. His father later changed the name to Kamal Haasan. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>The reason is that his father had a Muslim friend whose surname was Hassan, who died in the freedom struggle. In memory of his friend, his father named him Kamal Haasan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>His brothers, Charuhasan (born 1931) and Chandrahasan (1937–2017), have also been actors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan's sister, Nalini (born 1946), is a classical dancer.<ref name="dance">Template:Cite news</ref> He received his primary education in Paramakudi before moving to Madras (now Chennai) as his brothers pursued their higher education.<ref name=DT_929/> Haasan continued his education in Santhome, Madras,<ref name=DT_929/> and was attracted towards film and fine arts as encouraged by his father.<ref name=DT_929/>
Film career
1960–1963
When a physician friend of his mother visited A. V. Meiyappan (AVM) to treat his wife, she brought Haasan with her.<ref name="rediff">Template:Cite web</ref> Apparently impressed by his demeanor AVM's son, M. Saravanan, recommended him for their production Kalathur Kannamma.<ref name="DT_929" /> Haasan won the Rashtrapati Award (President's gold medal) for his performance in Kalathur Kannamma at age six and starred in five more films as a child. He debuted in the Malayalam film industry with Kannum Karalum (1962). Upon his father's encouragement, he joined a repertory company (T. K. S. Nataka Sabha) headed by T. K. Shanmugam.<ref name="dance" /> In the meanwhile, he continued his education at the Hindu Higher Secondary School in Triplicane. His time with the theatre company shaped Haasan's craft and kindled his interest in makeup.<ref name="Prem Paniker on Kamal">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Reluctant">Template:Cite web</ref>
1970–1975
After a seven-year hiatus from films, Haasan returned to the industry as a dance assistant, apprenticing under choreographer Thankappan. During this time, Haasan made brief appearances in some films including a few uncredited roles. His first appearance came in the 1970 film Maanavan, in which he appeared in a dance sequence. He went on to assist Thankappan in films such as Annai Velankani (1971) and Kasi Yathirai (1973). In the former he had a supporting role and worked as an assistant director.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His first full-fledged role came in K. Balachander's Tamil film Arangetram (1973). Balachander cast him as the antagonist in his Sollathaan Ninaikkiren (1973). Haasan went on to do supporting roles in films such as Gumasthavin Magal (1974), Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974) and Naan Avanillai. The same year, he played his first lead role in the Malayalam film, Kanyakumari, for which he won his first Filmfare Award.<ref name="kamalawards">Template:Cite web</ref> In Tamil cinema, he had his breakthrough as a lead actor in Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal. He played a rebellious young man who falls in love with an older woman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> For this character portrayal, Haasan learned to play the mridangam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The role won him his second Filmfare Award.<ref name="balachandar">Template:Cite webTemplate:Dead link</ref>
1976–1979
In 1976, Haasan appeared in Balachander's Manmadha Leelai; this was followed by Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu (directed by S. P. Muthuraman), which won him his third Filmfare Award. Haasan later appeared in the Balachander drama Moondru Mudichu. Avargal (1977) concerned the women's movement and, for this role, he learned ventriloquism.<ref name="Kamal top 10 - 1997">Template:Cite web</ref> It was remade in Telugu as Idi Katha Kaadu (1979), with Haasan reprising his role. 16 Vayathinile, in which he played a village bumpkin, which won him a fourth consecutive Best Actor award. In 1977 Haasan starred in his first Kannada film, Kokila, the directorial debut of friend and mentor Balu Mahendra. That year he also appeared in a Bengali film, Kabita, a remake of the Tamil film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai. In 1978 Haasan made his Telugu film debut with a lead role in the cross-cultural romantic Maro Charitra, directed by Balachander. His fifth consecutive Filmfare Award resulted from Sigappu Rojakkal, a thriller in which he played a psychopathic sexual killer. He appeared in the Malayalam film Eeta, for which he won his sixth Filmfare Award. He first played opposite to the Sridevi in the 1977 Malayalam movie Satyavan Savithri directed by P.G. Viswambharan, this combination was later on well-accepted and celebrated. In the 1979 Telugu film Sommokadidi Sokokadidi, Haasan played two parts. This was also his first collaboration with director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. He appeared in the musical Ninaithale Inikkum, a snake-horror film Neeya and Kalyanaraman. At the end of the 1970s he had six regional Best Actor Filmfare Awards, including four consecutive Best Tamil Actor Awards.Template:Citation needed
1980–1989
Haasan's films during the 1980s included the 1980 Tamil-language Varumayin Niram Sivappu, the film was simultaneously shot in Telugu as Aakali Rajyam, in which he played an unemployed youth and earned him a first Filmfare Award in Telugu. In 1980 he appeared in the drama film Ullasa Paravaigal, Guru and Maria My Darling. Haasan made his debut in Hindi cinema with Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), the remake of his own acted Telugu-language film Maro Charitra directed by K. Balachander (which earned him his first Filmfare Hindi-language nomination). He made his 100th film appearance in 1981 in Raja Paarvai, debuting as a producer. Despite the film's relatively poor box-office performance, his portrayal of a blind session violinist earned him a Filmfare Award.<ref name="rajapaarvai">Template:Cite web</ref> After a year of starring in commercial films, Haasan won the first of three National Awards for Best Actor for his portrayal of a schoolteacher caring for an amnesia patient in Balu Mahendra's Moondram Pirai, later reprising his role in the Hindi version, Sadma.<ref name="kamalawards"/> During this period he focused on Bollywood remakes of his Tamil films, including Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya and Zara Si Zindagi. In 1983 he appeared in Sagara Sangamam, directed by K. Viswanath. His portrayal of an alcoholic classical dancer won him his first Nandi Award for Best Actor and his second Filmfare Best Telugu Actor Award.Template:Citation needed
After 1984's multistarrer Raaj Tilak, Haasan appeared in Saagar (released 1985), winning the Filmfare Best Actor Award and nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award. The film was India's representative for the Best Foreign Language Oscar in 1985.<ref name="kamalawards"/> He left Bollywood temporarily after Geraftaar<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Dekha Pyar Tumhara to feature in Japanil Kalyanaraman (a sequel to his 1979 Kalyanaraman).
In 1986, Haasan produced the technically brilliant Vikram and collaborated with Kodandarami Reddy for Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu and then K. Viswanath in Swathi Muthyam, playing a cognitively disabled person who tries to change society and won him his second Nandi Award for Best Actor. it was India's entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards in 1986.<ref name="kamalawards"/> These Tollywood films found him a large audience in Andhra Pradesh, and many of his later Tamil films were dubbed into Telugu.<ref name="Kamal love"/>
Following Punnagai Mannan (in which he played two roles, including a satire of Charlie Chaplin as Chaplin Chellappa) and Kadhal Parisu, Haasan appeared in Mani Ratnam's 1987 film Nayakan. He received his second Indian National Award for his performance; Nayakan was submitted by India as its entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1987 Academy Awards,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and is on the Time's All-Time 100 Movies list.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Haasan appeared in his only silent film to date: Pushpaka Vimana (1987) a black comedy film, in which he played an unemployed youth and earned him a first Filmfare Award in Kannada.<ref name="kamalawards"/> In 1988 he appeared Unnal Mudiyum Thambi, Malayalam film Daisy and Sathyaa which were his own productions. Haasan's all four films of 1989 were major success, Apoorva Sagodharargal, where he played a dwarf,<ref name="kamalawards"/> then Chanakyan, an original Malayalam film, later Vettri Vizhaa (where he played an amnesiac) and finally Haasan played two parts in Indrudu Chandrudu, winning the Filmfare Best Actor and won him his third Nandi Award for Best Actor for his performance. By the end of the 1980s Haasan was successful in the Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi film industries, with Filmfare Awards in each industry and two national awards.<ref name="Kamal love">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
1990–1998
In 1990, Michael Madana Kama Rajan saw Haasan build on Apoorva Sagodharargal by playing quadruplets. It began as a collaboration with writer Crazy Mohan for future comedy films.<ref name="crazym">Template:Cite news</ref> Haasan won successive Best Actor awards for his portrayal of deranged, obsessive protagonists in Gunaa and Thevar Magan (which was remade in Hindi as 1997's Virasat). He was credited with the story for the latter. Haasan won his third National Film Award this time as a producer for Thevar Magan. The film was India's submission for the Academy Awards that year. A series of films followed: Singaravelan, Maharasan, Kalaignan, Mahanadhi, Nammavar, and Sathi Leelavathi Produced by Haasan, it featured himself alongside Kannada actor Ramesh Aravind and comedian Kovai Sarala. Haasan resumed his collaboration with K. Viswanath in the Telugu film, Subha Sankalpam, and starred in the police story Kuruthipunal (Tamil) simultaneously shot in Telugu as Drohi with Arjun Sarja and won Filmfare Best Actor. Haasan's success in the latter was followed by his third National Film Award for Best Actor for Indian.<ref name="natawards">Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan also won Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor and Filmfare Best Actor for Indian. The film was India's submission for the Academy Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
After Indian, Haasan played a woman in the comedy Avvai Shanmughi, which was inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire.<ref name="aunty">Template:Cite web</ref> He chose Shantanu Sheorey to direct the Hindi remake of Avvai Shanmughi, Chachi 420,<ref name="Chachi">Template:Cite web</ref> but after dissatisfaction with five days of shooting Haasan took over as director.<ref name="Kamal Interview">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="direct">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1997 Haasan began directing an unfinished biopic of Dilip Kumar, Marudhanayagam; a forty five minutes of film and a trailer was shot.<ref name="short">Template:Cite web</ref> Marudhanayagam was expected to be the biggest, most expensive film in Indian cinematic history and his magnum opus; a number of well-known actors and technicians had been signed, and it was launched at a public ceremony by Queen Elizabeth during her 1997 visit to India.<ref name="queen">Template:Cite web</ref> Although the film failed to materialise due to budget constraints, Haasan expressed an interest in reviving the project.<ref name="ambition">Template:Cite news</ref> In 1998, he appeared in Singeetam Srinivasa Rao's romantic comedy, Kaathala Kaathala opposite Prabhu Deva. The film was a commercial success and was dubbed in Hindi as Mirch Masala, which was never released.<ref>Housefull, a remake of Kaathala Kaathala? . Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com (11 May 2010). Retrieved 19 May 2015.</ref>
2000–2009
After a two-year hiatus from Indian cinema, Haasan decided against reviving Marudhanayagam. He directed his second film, Hey Ram,<ref name="Hram">Template:Cite news</ref> a period drama, told in flashback, with a fact-based plot centering on the partition of India and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Haasan produced and choreographed the film, writing its screenplay and lyrics; it was India's submission for the Academy Awards that year.<ref name="ffg">Template:Cite news</ref> Hey Ram was a box-office failure in India but was successful worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also in 2000, Haasan appeared in the comedy Thenali as a Sri Lankan Tamilian with PTSD who is under a psychiatrist's care. Thenali, starring Malayalam actor Jayaram, was a box-office success. Haasan's next film was 2001's Aalavandhan, in which he played two roles: For one he had his head shaved and gained ten kilograms. To play the other Army major in Aalavandhan, he went to the NDA for a crash course.<ref name="madhu">Template:Cite web</ref> The Hindi version was distributed by Shringar Films.<ref name="Abhay">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AbhayMusic">Template:Cite web</ref> Despite pre-release publicity, the film was a commercial failure.<ref name="lossesss">Template:Cite news</ref>
After a number of successful comedies<ref name="comedyhit">Template:Cite web</ref> including Pammal K. Sambandam and Panchatanthiram and guest appearances, Haasan directed Virumaandi, a film about capital punishment which won the Best Asian Film Award at the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.<ref name="Kamal Virumandi"/> He also appeared in Anbe Sivam with Madhavan. Priyadarshan, its original director, left and Sundar C completed the film. Anbe Sivam tells the story of Nallasivam, portrayed by Haasan as a communist. His performance was praised by critics, with The Hindu saying that he "has once again done Tamil cinema proud".<ref name="anbesivam">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2004 Haasan appeared in Vasool Raja MBBS, a remake of Bollywood's Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., with Sneha which was a box-office success. The following year, he wrote and starred in the comedy Mumbai Xpress. Released during Tamil New Year, it was a disappointment at the box office despite positive reviews. He appeared in a Kannada comedy film Rama Shama Bhama with Ramesh Aravind. In 2006 Haasan's long-delayed project, the stylish police story Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, was a success. Directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, the film is about a police officer sent to the US to investigate a series of medical murders. In 2008's Dasavathaaram, he played ten roles; the film was released in a number of languages (including Tamil, Telugu and Hindi) throughout India and overseas. Dasavathaaram, written by Haasan and director K. S. Ravikumar, is one of the first modern science-fiction films made in India. Starring Haasan and Asin, it was the highest-grossing Tamil film (Template:As of) and his performance was critically praised.<ref name="thehindu1">Template:Cite news</ref> In Canada, Dasavathaaram was the first Tamil film distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
After Dasavathaaram, Haasan directed a film tentatively titled Marmayogi, which stalled after a year of pre-production. He then produced and starred in Unnaipol Oruvan, a remake of the Bollywood film A Wednesday, where he reprised the role originally played by Naseeruddin Shah with Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal playing Anupam Kher's role.<ref name="UPOwriter">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="UPO">Template:Cite web</ref> It was released in Telugu as Eeenadu, with Venkatesh reprising the role played by Kher.<ref name="eenadu review">Review: Eenadu is almost like A Wednesday – Rediff.com Movies Template:Webarchive. Rediff.com (18 September 2009). Retrieved 19 May 2015.</ref> Both versions were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.<ref name="eenadu review"/><ref name="ipos">Template:Cite web</ref>
2010–2019

Haasan collaborated for the fifth time with Ravikumar in Manmadan Ambu, for which he also wrote the screenplay. The story concerns a man who hires a detective to find out if his fiancée is cheating on him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The film was released in December 2010 to mixed reviews, with Behindwoods calling it "an entertainer, but in parts"<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Rating</ref> and Sify saying it "lacks the punch to captivate the audiences".<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Rating</ref>
Haasan's next film after Manmadhan Ambu was 2013's Vishwaroopam, released in Hindi as Vishwaroop. It won two National Film Awards (Best Production Design and Best Choreography) at the 60th National Film Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu demanded the ban of the film and claimed, that the film would hurt Muslim sentiments.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Although the film was cleared by Central Board of Film Certification of India, district collectors in the state of Tamil Nadu gave orders to the theatre owners to not show Vishwaroopam, citing law and order problems. However, the film was released in other states with greater Muslim populations than in Tamil Nadu. A mutual agreement with the Muslims of Tamil Nadu was finally settled on 2 February 2013, when Haasan accepted to mute five scenes. Vishwaroopam was the 2nd highest-grossing Tamil film of 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In May 2014, he was appointed as the official Indian delegate to the 67th Cannes Film Festival.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As of July 2014, he was working on three films: Uttama Villain, Vishwaroopam II, the sequel of Vishwaroopam<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Papanasam.<ref>Kamal Haasan to start shooting for Drishyam remake . The Times of India. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.</ref> After 2 years of Vishwaroopam's release, Uttama Villain was released on 2 May 2015 with exceptional critical reviews and on 3 July 2015, Papanasam a Tamil remake of Malayalam film Drishyam<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> was released with positive reviews and became a huge success<ref>'Papanasam' (Papanaasam) Movie Review: Live Audience Response Template:Webarchive. Ibtimes.co.in (4 July 2015). Retrieved 14 July 2016.</ref> followed by the bi-lingual Thoongaa Vanam and Cheekati Rajyam,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> both doing moderate business.
He was set to reprise his role of Balram Naidu (a Telugu RAW Officer) from Dasavathaaram in a spin-off film directed by himself titled Sabaash Naidu. The film was to be made in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi (as Shabhash Kundu). The film's release date has been delayed owing to Haasan's entry into politics, and he pledged that he would focus on working on Indian 2 instead.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2020–present

On 17 September 2020, Director Lokesh Kanagaraj announced through his Twitter handle that his next venture will have Kamal Haasan in lead role with Anirudh handling the music with the movie titled as Vikram. It was Kamal Haasan's 232nd film as an actor. It also Stars Fahadh Faasil, Vijay Sethupathi in the leading roles along with Suriya makes a cameo appearance in the film.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The film was released on 3 June 2022 and was a huge commercial success grossing Template:INRConvert and went on to become the 2nd highest-grossing Tamil film of the year and third highest-grossing Tamil film of all time by beating the collections made by other Tamil films like Beast, Valimai, Etharkkum Thunindhavan and Don etc.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The first single of Vikram titled "Pathala Pathala" received several million views from Kamal Haasan's fans and was the most viewed song on YouTube.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The song also received praise for Kamal Haasan's dance performances which went viral. Despite facing controversies from the song, it became an instant hit.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In August 2022, the filming for Indian 2 resumed, after a break of almost a year. The film was released on July 12, 2024, to negative reviews from critics and bombed at the box-office.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In June 2023, he was cast in Kalki 2898 AD as the antagonist, marking his comeback in Telugu cinema. It was the first film in Indian cinema to attend San Diego Comic-Con, in July 2023. Along with the director and producers of the film, Nag Ashwin, C. Aswani Dutt, and Swapna Dutt, he presented the panel of the film with Prabhas and Rana Daggubati. In October 2023, he gave a voice-over for his character in Leo, the third entry in the Lokiverse.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Indian 2, he will be collaborating with H. Vinoth, for his 233rd film, However the film was shelved due to creative differences.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
He has also announced his reunion with Mani Ratnam for his 234th film, entitled Thug Life, which was released in theatres on the 5th June 2025 and received negative reviews and it became a box office bomb.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Off-screen contributions
In addition to acting, Haasan is noted for his involvement in other aspects of filmmaking.<ref name="Kamal Interview"/> He has written many of his films, including Raja Paarvai, Apoorva Sagodharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan, Thevar Magan, Mahanadhi, Hey Ram, Aalavandhan, Anbe Sivam, Nala Damayanthi, Virumaandi, Dasavathaaram, Manmadan Ambu and Vishwaroopam. Haasan's production company (Raaj Kamal Films International) has produced several of his films, and he directed Chachi 420, Hey Ram, Virumaandi and Vishwaroopam. He considered directing full-time if Hey Ram was successful, but changed his mind when the film failed at the box office.<ref name="Stardustpg2">Template:Cite web</ref> In his earlier career, he choreographed for MGR in Naan Yen Pirandhen, Sivaji Ganesan in Savaale Samaali and Jayalalithaa in Anbu Thangai<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2010 Haasan said he wanted to do more directing, since young actors wished to work for him. When he played supporting roles early in his career he wanted to become a technician and joked: "Film makers like K. Balachander told me that I won't be able make much money by being a technician. So the result is that the star Kamal funds the technician Kamal in pursuing his dreams".<ref name="Kamal Haasan wanted to be Technician">Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan attended workshops for makeup technicians in the US for several years, and trained as a makeup artist under Michael Westmore.<ref name="Marudhunayagam">Template:Cite web</ref>
Haasan has written songs for his films. He wrote the lyrics for a single in Hey Ram, songs in Virumaandi and Unnaipol Oruvan and the album for Manmadhan Ambu. Haasan's musical work has been well received by his peers in Tamil film.<ref name="Kamal writes lyrics">Template:Cite news</ref> He is also a playback singer,<ref name="Kamal singer">Template:Cite news</ref> singing in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and English.<ref name="Kamal English">Template:Cite news</ref> Haasan also wrote the lyrics for a song about the COVID-19 pandemic in India and released its music video, "Arivum Anbum". The album, composed by Ghibran and directed by Haasan, featured Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja and a number of other contemporary performers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2021, Haasan featured in a song 'Shades of Blue: A Musical Tribute to Venmurasu' composed by Raleigh Rajan and released by Director Mani Ratnam in honor of Venmurasu, the longest novel ever written in any language.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Earlier, he has spoken in appreciation of Venmurasu and writer Jeyamohan on Bigg Boss during his book recommendations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2022, Haasan was the lyricist and the playback singer for the song "Pathala Pathala" from Vikram.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Bigg Boss Tamil
Haasan made his return on Star Vijay TV, hosting the first season of Bigg Boss Tamil in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The show soon went onto become one of the most watched television series in Tamil Nadu and gained positive reviews among audience from season 1 onwards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan also hosted the second season of Bigg Boss Tamil 2 which started its telecast on 17 June 2018,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bigg Boss Tamil 3 which started its telecast on 23 June 2019<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Bigg Boss Tamil 4 which started telecast on 4 October 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He hosted Bigg Boss Tamil 5 which started to telecast from 3 October 2021.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Then, now he is the host<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to the Bigg Boss Ultimate (Season 1) which is to be launched on Disney+ Hotstar<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> from 30 January 2022.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> He exited the show after the third week owing to scheduling conflicts with his film Vikram. Later, Silambarasan replaced him as the host from week 4 onwards. Then, Kamal Haasan returned as a host in Bigg Boss Tamil Season 6. Next, Kamal Haasan is returning as a host in Bigg Boss Tamil(Season 7)
KH House of Khaddar (KHHK)
Kamal Haasan launched his personal fashion line, called KH House of Khaddar (KHHK).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> It is a sustainable fashion brand co-founded by Kamal Haasan and designed by Amritha Ram, focusing on blending India's Khadi handloom heritage with Western silhouettes for a contemporary global audience. The brand was first introduced at a high-profile launch in Chicago in November 2021, followed by its Indian debut on Republic Day 2022.
Personal life
Family
Haasan was born into a Tamil family<ref name="indiatimes1">Template:Cite web</ref> in the town of Paramakudi, in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, to criminal defence lawyer D. Srinivasan and Rajalakshmi, a housewife.<ref name="father">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2013 his daughter Shruti Haasan appeared on an episode of Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi, where she availed the "phone a friend" option to call her father Kamal, he stated that his parents named him Parthasarathy before he was called as Kamal Haasan and his mother always used to call him by his birth name.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In an interview with Karan Thapar, Haasan said his father was literate in Sanskrit. Haasan is the youngest of four children; his siblings are Charuhasan, Chandrahasan and Nalini (Raghu). His two older brothers followed their father's example and studied law.<ref name="yaakob" /> Haasan continued his education in Sir M.Ct. Muthiah Chettiar Boys Higher Secondary School<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and Hindu Higher Secondary School in Madras (now Chennai).Template:Citation needed
Haasan has alluded to his parents in some of his works, notably Unnaipol Oruvan and in the song "Kallai Mattum" in Dasavathaaram.<ref name="familfy">Template:Cite web</ref> His eldest brother Charuhasan, like Haasan, is a National Film Award-winning actor who appeared in the Kannada film Tabarana Kathe. Charuhasan's daughter Suhasini is also a National Film Award-winning actress married to director (and fellow award-winner) Mani Ratnam, who collaborated with Haasan on 1987's Nayakan.<ref name="maniy">Template:Cite web</ref> Chandrahasan has produced several of Haasan's films and was an executive with Raaj Kamal Films International. He died in March 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Chandrahasan's daughter Anu Hasan has had supporting roles in several films, including Suhasini's Indira. Haasan's sister, Nalini Raghu, is a dance teacher for whom he named an auditorium (Nalini Mahal).<ref name="sistyer">Template:Cite news</ref> Her son, Gautham, played Haasan's character's grandson in "Hey Ram".
Relationships

In 1978, at age 24, Haasan married dancer Vani Ganapathy.<ref name="Kamal-vani">Template:Cite news</ref> She acted with Haasan in the 1975 movie Melnaattu Marumagal. After marriage, Vani worked as Haasan's costume designer for several movies. They divorced ten years later.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Haasan and actress Sarika began living together in 1988, marrying after the birth of their first child, Shruti (born 1986).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Shruti is a singer and a Tollywood-Kollywood actress. Their younger daughter, Akshara (born 1991), is an assistant director and actress. Sarika stopped acting soon after their marriage, Sarika worked as Haasan's costume designer for the movie Hey Ram and won the National Film Award for Best Costume Designer.<ref name="47thaward">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="47thawardPDF">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2002, the couple filed for divorce, which became final in 2004.<ref name="sarika">Template:Cite news</ref> After their divorce, Sarika acted in movies and TV serials, winning the National Film Award for Best Actress for the 2005 film Parzania.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
From 2005 to 2016, Haasan was in a relationship with actress Gautami, he co-starred with her frequently during the late 1980s and early 1990s.<ref name="IT Gautami split">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Early in his career, he co-starred in several films with Srividya with whom he was in relationship. Haasan visited Srividya on her deathbed in 2006.<ref name="srividya">Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:AnchorViews
Haasan is a rationalist and has often questioned the existence of God and has highlighted the theme in his films like Anbe Sivam and Dasavathaaram.<ref name="rediffreview">Template:Cite web</ref> He was mistaken to be Muslim because of his Arabic-sounding name, most notably when he was denied preclearance to travel to the United States by Customs and Border Protection authorities at Toronto Pearson International Airport in 2002.<ref name="islamname">Template:Cite news</ref>
In Sanskrit Kamal means "lotus", but it was rumoured that his name originated with a friend of his father (Yaakob Hassan, a Muslim freedom fighter who was imprisoned along with Kamal's father by the British). In a BBC interview with Karan Thapar, Haasan said that his last name derives from the Sanskrit word hasya, and although the Yaakob Hassan connection was publicised by the media it was only "a story".<ref name="yaakob">Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan is considered left-leaning or independent. Although he initially abstained from politics, he entered regional politics in Tamil Nadu in 2018.<ref name="Kamal red">Template:Cite news</ref> He also said that his entering politics would result in his death within a year.<ref name="Kamalpolitics">Template:Cite news</ref>
Humanitarian work
Haasan is the first Tamil actor to convert his fan clubs into welfare organisations<ref name="Kamal clubs">Template:Cite news</ref> and is involved in social-service activities through the clubs under the name Kamal Narpani Iyakkam (Kamal Welfare Association).<ref name="Kamal Narpani Iyakkam">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="I believe in excellence">Template:Cite web</ref> His fan clubs help organise blood- and eye-donation drives, and donate educational materials to students.<ref name="Kamal eyedonation">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Kamal Haasan helps 30000 students">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Kamaldonates">Template:Cite news</ref>
Haasan received the first Abraham Kovoor National Award for his humanist activities and secular life in 2004.<ref name="awards">Template:Cite web</ref> He was project ambassador for Hridayaragam 2010, which raised funds for an orphanage for HIV/AIDS-affected children.<ref name="Kamal Hasan supports cause of Aids affected kids!">Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2010 Haasan launched a children's cancer relief fund and gave roses to children with cancer at Sri Ramachandra University in Porur, Chennai.<ref name="Kamal does it again">Template:Cite web</ref> He has pledged his product-endorsement income to social causes.<ref name="Kamal pledges support">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Kamal in Ads">Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan, along with his partner Gautami, won Template:INR 5 million on Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi in March 2013 and donated the prize money to Petral Thaan Pillaya, a nonprofit organization supporting cancer patients.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Haasan was nominated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the Swachh Bharat campaign. He chose to clean the Madambakkam lake in Chennai with the Environmentalist Foundation of India's Arun Krishnamurthy on 7 November 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Known for refusing any kind of brand endorsement, Haasan endorsed Pothys for the first time in 2015.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His daughter, Shruti has previously endorsed Pothys. In the past, Haasan has stated that should he ever act in commercials, the revenue earned from them would be donated to HIV affected children.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:AnchorWritings
Haasan publishes the magazine Mayyam, by the Kamal Haasan Welfare Association (Narpani Iyakkam). His views on cinema, child and drug abuse, and the Kashmir conflict have been published as Thedi Theerpom Va (Come, Let's Find and Solve) by his fan club.<ref name="Kamal's Mayyam">Template:Cite web</ref> He is also interested in Tamil literature.<ref name="Kamalpoems">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Kamalwriter">Template:Cite news</ref>
Political career
He formed the centrist party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a regional political party in Tamil Nadu. He formally announced the party's formation on 21 February 2018 in Madurai. The party's flag displays six joined hands in a circle in alternate red and white colours with a white star at its centre in a black background. Haasan began his political journey from late President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam's residence and his memorial at Rameswaram.<ref name=political /> His party contested in 37 seats in 2019 Indian general election and lost. Makkal Needhi Maiam's vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha election was 3.72% (in the seats it contested).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
He unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Coimbatore South and lost to BJP Mahila Morcha President Vanathi Srinivasan by a narrow margin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Awards and honours

Civilian Honours
Haasan was conferred with the following civilian orders:
- The Padma Shri (lit. 'Lotus Honour') by the Government of India in 1990<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Padma Bhushan (lit. 'Lotus Decoration') by the President of India in 2014
- The Chevalier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (The Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the Government of France in 2016
State Government Awards
Haasan has been honoured by State governments of India with the following awards:
- The Kalaimamani (lit. 'Jewel of Arts') by the Government of Tamil Nadu (1978)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The MGR Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu (1989)
- The Sivaji Ganesan Award by the Government of Tamil Nadu (1999)
- The NTR National Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh (2014)
Movie Awards
Haasan has won five National Awards, including four for acting, and one as a producer:
- Best Child Artist for Kalathur Kannamma (1960)Template:Efn
- Best Actor for Moondram Pirai (1982)
- Best Actor for Nayakan (1987)
- Best Tamil Film for Thevar Magan (1992)
- Best Actor for Indian (1996)
Haasan has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total, the most for any actor. He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 18 wins – eleven in Tamil, three in Telugu, two in Malayalam, one in Hindi, and one in Kannada. He has been nominated for 63 Filmfare Awards, the most for any actor.Template:Efn He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for acting, with 50 nominations. Haasan holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor – Tamil, with a total of 11 wins. He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for Best Actor – Tamil, with 35 nominations. He is the only actor who has won Filmfare Awards across five different languages:
- Best Actor – Tamil for Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu (1976), 16 Vayathinile (1977), Sigappu Rojakkal (1978), Raja Paarvai (1981), Gunaa (1991), Thevar Magan (1992), Kuruthipunal (1995), Indian (1996), Hey Ram (2000), and Vikram (2022)Template:Efn
- Best Actor – Telugu for Aakali Rajyam (1981), Sagara Sangamam (1983) and Indrudu Chandrudu (1989)
- Best Actor – Malayalam for Kanyakumari (1974) and Eeta (1978)
- Best Actor – Hindi for Saagar (1985)
- Best Actor – Kannada for Pushpaka Vimana (1987)
- Best Film – Tamil for Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989)
- Best Story – Hindi for Virasat (1997)
Besides National Awards and Filmfare Awards, he has won several acting awards for his acclaimed performances in other movies, including Varumayin Niram Sivappu (1980), Swathi Muthyam (1986), Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Chanakyan (1989), Michael Madana Kama Rajan (1990), Chachi 420 (1997), Pammal K. Sambandam (2002), Anbe Sivam (2003), Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Dasavathaaram (2008), Vishwaroopam (2013), Uttama Villain (2015), Papanasam (2015), Thoongaa Vanam (2015), and Kalki 2898 AD (2024).Template:Efn
He has won many other cinematic awards for producing, directing, screenwriting, singing, lyric writing, choreographing and dancing.Template:Efn
He has also won many awards at various international film festivals,Template:Efn including the inaugural Best Asian Film Award at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, South Korea, for his directorial Virumaandi (2004).<ref name="Kamal Virumandi">Template:Cite web</ref>
Other movies for which he has received Filmfare Award nominations are: Avargal (1977), Maro Charitra (1978), Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu (1978), Ninaithale Inikkum (1979), Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), Vaazhvey Maayam (1982), Sadma (1983), Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (1985), Punnagai Mannan (1986), Sathyaa (1988), Unnal Mudiyum Thambi (1988), Kalaignan (1993), Mahanadhi (1994), Magalir Mattum (1994), Sathi Leelavathi (1995), Subha Sankalpam (1995), Avvai Shanmugi (1996), Aalavandhan (2001), Panchatanthiram (2002), Vasool Raja MBBS (2004), Eenadu (2009), and Unnaipol Oruvan (2009).
Other Honours

- Haasan was conferred two Honorary Doctorates, one by Sathyabama University in 2005,<ref name="Dr Kamal">Template:Cite web</ref> one by Centurion University in 2019.
- Haasan received the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Special Award, from the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, for completing 50 years in cinema in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan was appointed an ambassador by the United Nations in 2007, for its joint campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect the rights of people living with HIV.
- Haasan was ranked the 2nd biggest and most famous Indian actor of all time by the British magazine Time Out in 2025.
- Haasan was awarded the Henri Langlois Prize in 2016, a French honour, for his contributions to international cinema.
- Haasan's portrayal of an innocent man, scammed and imprisoned, in Mahanadhi (1994), was selected by Forbes India as one of the 25 greatest acting performances of Indian cinema.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Nayakan (1987) was chosen as one of the 100 greatest films of all time by the American magazine TIME.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- Anbe Sivam (2003) was selected as one of the 25 best Indian movies of the 21st century by The Hollywood Reporter India.
- The Directorate of Film Festivals organised a three-day "Kamal Haasan Film Festival" from 2 to 4 July 2010,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> presided over by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting of India, Smt. Ambika Soni, and showcased seven of his best films – Sagara Sangamam (1983), Nayakan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Hey Ram (2000), Anbe Sivam (2003), Virumaandi (2004), and Dasavathaaram (2008) in which he played ten distinct roles.
- Haasan was honoured by the Chief Minister of Kerala, V. S. Achuthanandan, for his 50 years in Indian cinema, during the inauguration of Onam celebrations organised by the Government of Kerala in 2010.<ref name="Kerala honours Kamal">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Haasan was invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025 to become a member of its Actors Branch, for being an "exceptionally talented individual having made indelible contributions to global filmmaking community."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Haasan received the first Golden Beaver Award for "transforming cinema — bridging cultures, breaking barriers, and inspiring audiences worldwide" at the Indian Film Festival of Alberta, Canada (2025).<ref name="2025IFFA">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Haasan was one of 20 Indian cinematic icons, whose extraordinary achievements were acknowledged in the 24th edition of the Limca Book of Records (2013).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan was the first Indian actor invited aboard an American ship, as a special friend of the United States in 2012.<ref name="Kamal Ship">Template:Cite news</ref>
- Haasan was awarded the "Original Pan-India Superstar" Award at the 2022 South Indian International Movie Awards.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan received the first A. T. Kovoor National Award for the Secular Artist in 2005, in acknowledgment of his humanist and philanthropic activities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan was named as one of the 50 most powerful Indians by India Today magazine in 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan became the first South Indian actor to speak at the Harvard University, United States in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan was awarded the Mirchi Music Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music (2014).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan was honoured with the Maestro Award for lifetime achievement by Whistling Woods International in 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Haasan received the Living Legend Award from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry in 2007.<ref name="FICCI Living Legend Award">Template:Cite web</ref>
Legacy

Actor Jackie Chan expressed his desire to star in a Tamil film with Haasan,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> saying, "Kamal can do stunts, sing, dance, fight and romance. He's incredible."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Director Ang Lee said, "I am totally stunned by Kamal Haasan's brilliance. He is not only an amazing actor, but a great human being who knows everything about world-class cinema."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Producer Barrie M. Osborne said, "It is such an honour to know Haasan, because his knowledge of literature and films is like that of an encyclopedia."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Composer A. R. Rahman also called Haasan an "encyclopedia", and said, "Ulaganayagan is a university by himself."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Actor Amitabh Bachchan said that Haasan is "much, much greater than all of us. The kind of work Kamal has done is very difficult to achieve. Each one of his films is filled with so much reality and effort that he puts in. It is an honour to be in the same film as him."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Actor Aamir Khan said that he was a big fan of Kamal's work, has learned from his acting and that he has always looked up to Haasan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Actor Shah Rukh Khan said, "I asked Haasan if I could touch him when I first met him. I find him greater than Dustin Hoffman and De Niro put together. He's a technician par excellence. That kind of knowledge and control every actor should strive to get."<ref name="S. Shiva Kumar">Template:Cite news</ref> Actor Mohanlal said, "Kamal Haasan is a wonderful actor and deserves more appreciation than he has been endowed now."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Director Anurag Kashyap said, "Kamal sir is not just one of the greatest actors of all time, but also one of the greatest minds."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Leading film production company Vyjayanthi Movies stated that Kamal Haasan is "the greatest actor, the only one whose shadow could cover the Earth."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Actor Venkatesh said, "Kamal sir is an actor par excellence. He was the first pan-India star. Today, he is the global star with unparalleled talent. South Indian cinema has two eras - before Kamal sir, and after Kamal sir."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Actor Pawan Kalyan said, "Haasan's exceptional command over every aspect of filmmaking as a writer, singer, director, producer, and actor is truly inspiring. He is a true master of the craft."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Director Quentin Tarantino said he was inspired by Haasan's Aalavandhan (2001) which depicted violence as animated.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Director K. Balachander said, "It is often argued that had Haasan been born abroad, he would have won the Oscar many times over. I have never ceased to be amazed by the limits and standards he sets for himself — standards that nobody else imagines even exists!"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Director Mani Ratnam said, "There are some things he can do that others can, but there are many things Kamal can do that no other actor can."<ref name="S. Shiva Kumar"/> Actor Nagesh, when asked who is the best actor, replied, "It's Kamal Haasan. Without him, there's no cinema."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Director Bala said that Haasan's Anbe Sivam (2003) had inspired him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Director Gautham Vasudev Menon said, "Haasan is an institution as far as acting is concerned. He's right up there at the top."<ref name="S. Shiva Kumar"/> Director Ameer Sultan said, "Of late, no one in Tamil cinema is making a movie without the influence of Kamal Haasan or his movies."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Actor R. Madhavan said, "Kamal ji isn't just a brilliant actor, he is a phenomenon that defies analysis. I call myself a sincere disciple of Kamal Haasan."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1994, Haasan became the first Indian actor to get paid Rs. 1 Crore as his remuneration for a single film.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On October 16, 1997, Queen Elizabeth II publicly launched Haasan's unfinished historical film Marudhanayagam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan is also distinguished for starring in the highest number of films submitted by India for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, with seven films – Saagar (1985), Swathi Muthyam (1986), Nayakan (1987), Thevar Magan (1992), Kuruthipunal (1995), Indian (1996), and Hey Ram (2000) which he directed.
Controversies
Haasan has been involved in several controversies.
In 2015, Haasan was criticised by the-then Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam, who stated that Haasan was "confused" and had "blabbered", unaware of the ground reality for his statement on the government's response to rain relief efforts.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Haasan was also criticised by NayakanTemplate:'s producer Muktha Srinivasan for his article in The Hindu taking unnecessary credit for that film.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Directors like Bharathan, who was irked by the unnecessary interferences of Kamal during the filming of Thevar Magan, and Balachandra Menon, who criticized Kamal for making his film, Kanden Seethaiyai, shelved by leaving the project, were some of the filmmakers who had rifts with Kamal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sibi Malayil was supposed to direct the film Gunaa. But when he understood that Kamal Haasan would take the decisions regarding the making of film, Sibi withdrew from the project.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Haasan has been accused of self-indulgence,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> and has been criticised for sexually explicit scenes and themes, offending religious sentiments and superficiality on social issues depicted in his films.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Kamala Haasan – Nigazha Marutha Arputham (The Miracle that never happened) by Charu Nivedita, India Today, Jan 2009</ref> There have also been complaints about his obsession with perfection, which may have caused some of his films to run over budget.<ref name="Curse of talent">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He was also accused of kissing actress Rekha Harris without her consent in a scene during the shooting of Punnagai Mannan. Many, including singer Chinmayi Sripaada, consider it as sexual harassment.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> His former partner Gautami had said that Kamal Haasan hasn't paid her salary dues since 2016. She also accused Haasan of hurting her film prospects by preventing her from working with others.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In November 2017, Haasan said that right-wing Hindus have started employing extremism to propagate their communal agenda.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In May 2019, he passed a controversial remark that independent India's first terrorist was a Hindu during his election campaign.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In May 2025, Haasan made a statement that "Kannada was born out of Tamil<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>", which offended Kannadigas and Pro-Kannada activists. His refusal to apologise sparked wide spread protests in Karnataka and led to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce calling for ban on the release of Thug Life. On 3 June 2025, the Karnataka High Court, warned Haasan that he cannot use his right to speech "to hurt sentiments".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In August, 2025, Haasan made controversial remarks on the necessity of education in Chennai, "Education (is the) only weapon that can break (the) chains of dictatorship and Sanatan".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Elections contested and positions held
Rajya Sabha elections
| Elections | Constituency | Political party | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tamil Nadu | MNM | Template:Party color cell | Template:Won |
Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections
| Elections | Assembly | Constituency | Political party | Result | Vote percentage | Opposition | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Political party | Vote percentage | ||||||||||
| 2021 | 16th | Coimbatore South | MNM | Template:Party color cell | Template:Lost | 33.26% | Vanathi Srinivasan | BJP | Template:Party color cell | 34.38% | ||
Positions in Parliament of the Republic of India
| Elections | Position | Elected constituency | Term in office | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assumed office | Left office | Time in office | |||
| 2025 | Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha | Tamil Nadu | 25 July 2025<ref name="Kamal Haasan, three DMK MPs take oath as Rajya Sabha members from Tamil Nadu">Template:Cite news</ref> | Incumbent | Template:Age in years and days |
Bibliography
See also
- Kamal Haasan filmography
- Kamal Haasan discography
- List of awards and nominations received by Kamal Haasan
- Kamal Haasan's unrealized projects
- Raaj Kamal Films International
- Makkal Needhi Maiam
- Haasan family
Notes
References
External links
Template:Kamal Haasan Template:Navboxes Template:Raaj Kamal Films International
- Kamal Haasan
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