Kamal Haasan, a multifaceted Indian personality, is renowned as an actor, dancer, director, screenwriter, producer, playback singer, and lyricist predominantly known for his work in Tamil cinema and Bollywood. His contributions extend to the political arena as well.
Wiki/Biography
Kamal Haasan, born Parthasarathy Srinivasan on Sunday, 7 November 1954 (age 69 as of 2023), hails from Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu. His zodiac sign is Scorpio. He completed his primary education at home before attending Sir M.Ct.Muthiah Chettiar Boys’ Higher Secondary School and Hindu Higher Secondary School in Chennai.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5’7″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste, Girlfriends & Wife
His father, D. Srinivasan, was a lawyer, and his mother, Rajalakshmi Srinivasan, a homemaker. He has two brothers, Charuhasan and Chandrahasan (both actors), and a sister, Nalini Raghu, a classical dancer. Kamal Haasan’s personal life has been the subject of much public interest. He was rumored to have dated actress Srividya. He married Vani Ganapathy in 1978, divorcing ten years later. His subsequent relationship with Sarika resulted in two daughters, Shruti and Akshara, before their divorce in 2004. He was in a long-term relationship with Gautami Tadimalla from 2004 to 2016. In addition to Shruti and Akshara, he also has a daughter named Subbalakshmi, a dancer.
Career
As an Actor
His career began as a child actor in “Kalathur Kannamma” (1960). He made his Malayalam debut with “Kannum Karalum” (1962). After a period working as a dance assistant, he returned to acting, initially in supporting roles. His breakthrough came with “Apoorva Raagangal” (1975), and he secured a place in Bollywood with “Ek Duuje Ke Liye” (1981), a remake of his Tamil film.
As a Producer
Kamal Haasan’s production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, established in 1981, produced numerous films, starting with “Raja Paarvai” (1981).
As a Director
His directorial debut was “Chachi 420” (1997), a remake of his Tamil film “Avvai Shanmughi” (1996).
As a Writer
He’s penned several of his films, including notable titles like “Raja Paarvai,” “Thevar Magan,” “Hey Ram,” “Aalavandhan,” “Virumaandi,” “Dasavathaaram,” and “Vishwaroopam.” He also publishes the magazine ‘Mayyam’ through his welfare association.
Political Career
In 2018, he launched his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (People’s Justice Centre), contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
Controversies
Kamal Haasan’s outspoken nature has led to several controversies. These include statements regarding Nathuram Godse, the use of language on a reality TV show, comments about the Mahabharata, his stance on Jallikattu, remarks following Jayalalithaa’s death, and the controversies surrounding his film “Vishwaroopam.” His film “Hey Ram” also drew criticism. A more recent claim by Suchitra Ramadurai in May 2024 added to this list of controversies. He has also faced accusations of hurting religious sentiments.
Awards & Honours
His accolades are numerous and include the Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2014), Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Chevalier) from France (2016), and numerous Filmfare Awards (both South and National).
| Award | Year | Film (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Shri | 1990 | N/A |
| Padma Bhushan | 2014 | N/A |
| Ordre des Arts et des Lettres | 2016 | N/A |
| National Film Award – Best Actor | 1983 | Moondram Pirai |
| Filmfare Award – Best Actor | 1985 | Saagar |
Favourite Things
- Food: Karimeen Fish
- Actors: Nagesh, Shivaji Ganesan, M. G. Ramachandran, Rajesh Khanna
- Actresses: Sridevi, Sripriya
- Films: Bicycle Thieves, Mughal-E-Azam, Sholay
- Musicians: Naushad, Ilaiyaraaja
- Books: Amma Vandhaal by Thi. Janakiraman, Marapasu by Thi. Janakiraman
Facts
Kamal Haasan holds several distinctions: the only Indian actor with over 18 Filmfare Awards, the only Indian actor to have seven films in the Oscars, the only one to play ten roles in a single film (“Dasavathaaram”), and the first Indian actor to earn a salary of ?1 crore. His work with his welfare association, Kamal Narpani Iyakkam, focuses on blood and eye donation campaigns. He acted in various languages and made significant contributions in visual effects and animation with “Raja Paarvai”.
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