Kamal Haasan, Actor, Filmmaker, Politician
Actor, Filmmaker, Politician

Kamal Haasan

Born 7 November 1954 · Tamil Nadu

Founded the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam in 2018 to contest Tamil Nadu elections.

Kamal Haasan is an Indian filmmaker and politician, currently serving as a Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha for Tamil Nadu. He is an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer and lyricist who works primarily in Tamil cinema. He has also worked as an assistant director, choreographer, editor, make-up artist, narrator, television host, and a distributor of films. He founded a magazine, Maiam, which he edited, and has written over 100 poems and some books.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Kamal Haasan was named after his father's Muslim friend Hassan, who died in the freedom struggle, reflecting a unique personal tribute beyond religious lines.

The Story

1
🌟 In 1960, at the age of six, Kamal Haasan won the President's Gold Medal for his debut performance in the Tamil film Kalathur Kannamma, marking a remarkable early entry into cinema.
2
By 1975, he gained critical attention with his role as a rebellious youth in the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal, directed by K. Balachander, which broadened his acting horizons.
3🎬 Over his career, Kamal Haasan acted in more than 250 films across six Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada, and Bengali, showcasing his linguistic and cultural versatility.
4In 2007, he was appointed a United Nations ambassador for a campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society, using his celebrity to protect the rights of people living with HIV.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 2009, Kamal Haasan received the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Special Award from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for completing 50 years in cinema, marking half a century as an active artist since 1959.

🖼️

Through the Years

4 photographs from the archives
Kamal Haasan at the felicitation of filmmakers during the 39th International Film Festival in Panaji, Goa (2008).
Kamal Haasan at the felicitation of filmmakers during the 39th International Film Festival in Panaji, Goa (2008).
2008
Actor Kamal Haasan addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 44th International Film Festival of India in Panaji, Goa (2013).
Actors Gauthami and Kamal Haasan at the opening ceremony of the 15th Mumbai Film Festival (2013).
Kamal Haasan on the set during the filming of Vishwaroopam.

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu
Kamal Haasan was born Parthasarathy Srinivasan; his name was later changed to honor his father's Muslim friend Hassan.
1954
⚡
Career
Wins President's Gold Medal for child actor
At age six, he won the Rashtrapati Award for his role in Kalathur Kannamma, launching his film career.
1960
⚡
Career
Breakout role in Apoorva Raagangal
Portrayed a rebellious youth in K. Balachander's film, gaining critical acclaim.
1975
🌟
Other
Appointed UN ambassador for AIDS campaign
Collaborated with Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect HIV-positive individuals' rights.
2007
🏅
Award
Receives French Chevalier of Arts and Letters
Honored by the French government for contributions to international cinema.
2016
🌟
Other
Launches Makkal Needhi Maiam party
Entered politics by founding a party aimed at Tamil Nadu governance reform.
2018
⚡
Career
Takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP
Officially became a Member of Parliament representing Tamil Nadu in the upper house.
2025
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

He was the first Tamil actor to transform fan clubs into formal welfare associations, pioneering celebrity-led philanthropy in Tamil Nadu.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Kamal Haasan has worked in over 250 films spanning six Indian languages, a rare feat that highlights his pan-Indian cinematic presence.

03 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2016, he was awarded the French Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters, recognizing his contributions beyond Indian cinema.

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Kamal Haasan Interview | Tracing The Bullet: Cinema And Politics In A Dravidian Script
More from this archive
Kamal Haasan Interview | Tracing The Bullet: Cinema And Politics In A Dravidian Script
01
Kamal Haasan Interview | Tracing The Bullet: Cinema And Politics In A Dravidian Script
Kamal Haasan EXCLUSIVE interview | Actor, Filmmaker & MP, MNM speaks to THE WEEK
02
Kamal Haasan EXCLUSIVE interview | Actor, Filmmaker & MP, MNM speaks to THE WEEK
'Gandhi Is The Hero': Kamal Haasan Explains His Documentary’s Message
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'Gandhi Is The Hero': Kamal Haasan Explains His Documentary’s Message
"I'm Not Scared, You Also Don't Be Scared" | Kamal Haasan ft. Anupama Chopra | InFocus | THR India
04
"I'm Not Scared, You Also Don't Be Scared" | Kamal Haasan ft. Anupama Chopra | InFocus | THR India
Kamal Haasan On Caste Politics In Tamil Nadu | India Today South Conclave
05
Kamal Haasan On Caste Politics In Tamil Nadu | India Today South Conclave
Kamal hasan about K Balachandar sir🔥 #kamalhaasan #kamal #kbalachander #interview #nagesh_comedy
06
Kamal hasan about K Balachandar sir🔥 #kamalhaasan #kamal #kbalachander #interview #nagesh_comedy
The mind of a Genius: Kamal Haasan on Art, life and passion | Gobinath
07
The mind of a Genius: Kamal Haasan on Art, life and passion | Gobinath

🌱 What changed because of them

Kamal Haasan transformed Tamil cinema by pushing creative and technological boundaries, influencing film narratives and acting styles across South Indian languages. He pioneered converting fan clubs into welfare associations, catalyzing celebrity-driven social service in Tamil Nadu. Politically, his party Makkal Needhi Maiam introduced a new voice in Tamil Nadu politics, while his UN ambassadorship spotlighted HIV rights in India.

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