Happy Birthday to Kamal Haasan — a true legend whose talent spans acting, directing, dancing, singing, and beyond.
Celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and revered figures, Kamal Haasan marks his 70th birthday today. Known for introducing bold innovations, Haasan has pushed the boundaries of filmmaking with his passion for experimentation. Known for his experimentation, the Chennai-born auteur embodies the idea that cinema can be a profound, lifelong passion. Among Tamil megastars, Haasan stands as a uniquely multi-talented powerhouse, excelling in many roles beyond acting. Beyond being an actor, he’s a film director, film producer, screenwriter, choreographer, playback singer, lyricist, television presenter, social activist and politician — a true polymath in the truest sense.
Kamal Haasan began his journey in cinema as a child artist in the 1960 Tamil film ‘Kalathur Kannamma,’ earning the President's Gold Medal for his performance. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the big screen with a breakthrough role in the 1975 drama ‘Apoorva Raagangal,’ directed by K. Balachander, which won him his first Filmfare Award. Haasan’s career soared with acclaimed performances in films like ‘Sagara Sangamam,’ ‘Michael Madana Kama Rajan,’ ‘Dasavathaaram,’ and ‘Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu.’ Beyond acting, his production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, has produced many of his films. He has also directed notable films, including ‘Chachi 420,’ ‘Hey Ram,’ and ‘Virumaandi,’ and contributed as a writer to several of his projects.
Kamal Haasan has also been a popular host and guest on various television shows, including ‘Bigg Boss Tamil’ and ‘Bigg Boss Ultimate.’ His presence extends beyond Tamil TV, as he has appeared as a guest on shows across Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi television as well, showcasing his widespread appeal across languages.
Even before Kamal Haasan stepped into acting as an adult, he was involved in Tamil cinema as an assistant choreographer, learning under the legendary Thangappan Master. His passion for dance took root even earlier—at just 12 years old, after watching a Kuchipudi performance with his mother, he decided to pursue dance seriously. This early training in Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak equipped him for the memorable roles that defined his celebrated career, especially in dance-heavy films like ‘Sagara Sangamam,’ ‘Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu,’ ‘Enakkul Oruvan,’ and ‘Punnagai Mannan.’ Alongside his talent for dance and choreography, Haasan also showcased his versatility as a singer with songs like ‘The Blast.’
Kamal Haasan founded the centrist political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in Tamil Nadu, officially announcing its formation on February 21, 2018, in Madurai. He launched his political journey from the residence and memorial of former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram. In the 2019 Indian general election, MNM contested 37 seats, though the party did not win. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, Haasan ran for the Coimbatore South constituency but narrowly lost to Vanathi Srinivasan, President of the BJP Mahila Morcha.
