kamal film

Kamal Haasan
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Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan Born 7 November 1954 (age 56) Paramakudi, Madras State, India Residence Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Occupation Film actor, producer, director,screenwriter, songwriter,playback singer, lyricist Years active 1959–present Vani Ganapathy Spouse Partner Children
(1978-1988)

Sarika Haasan
(1988-2004)

Gouthami Tadimalla
(2004-present)

Shruti Haasan (born 1986) Akshara Haasan (born 1991)

Kamal Haasan (Tamil: கமலஹாசன்; born 7 November 1954) is an Indian film actor,screenwriter, and director, considered to be one of the leading method actors of Indian cinema.[1][2] He is widely acclaimed as an actor and is well known for his versatility in acting.[3][4][5] Kamal Haasan has won several Indian film awards, including four National Film Awards and numerous Southern Filmfare Awards, and he is known for having starred in the largest number of films submitted by India in contest for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.[6] In addition to acting and directing, he has also featured in films as

ascreenwriter, songwriter, playback singer, choreographer and lyricist.[7] His film production company, Rajkamal International, has produced several of his films. In 2009, he became one of very few actors to have completed 50 years in Indian cinema.[8] After several projects as a child artist, Kamal Haasan's breakthrough into lead acting came with his role in the 1975 drama Apoorva Raagangal, in which he played a rebellious youth in love with an older woman. He secured his second Indian National Film Award for his portrayal of a guileless school teacher who tends a child-like amnesiac in 1982's Moondram Pirai. He was particularly noted for his performance in Mani Ratnam's Godfatheresque Tamil film Nayagan(1987), which was ranked by Time magazine as one of the best films of all time.[9] Since then he has gone on to appear in other notable films such as his own productions, Hey Ram andVirumaandi, as well as the Dasavathaaram, in which he appeared in ten distinct roles.
[edit]Career [edit]Early

career: The 1960s

Kamal Haasan as seen in his debut,Kalathur Kannamma (1959)

After shifting from Paramakudi with his family for his mother's medical treatment, Kamal was enrolled at Holy Angels school in T. Nagar. As a child, he became interested in dance.[10] There are two versions regarding his entry into films. One version has it that, as a little boy, he accompanied a doctor who went to treat an ill woman at the home of movie mogul A V Meyyappa Chettiar (father of AVM Saravanan). On hearing loud shouting from a first-floor tenant of the bungalow, the doctor became uneasy. Young Kamal Haasan strode up the stairway to ask the noisemaker not to shout over the phone as someone was ill, leaving the person astonished. An impressed Meyyappa Chettiar later provided him an entry into films.[11] The other version is that when young boy Kamal accompanied a family doctor of Meyyappa Chettiar to his house, producer AVM Saravanan noticed Kamal as a hyperactive child. He took him over and introduced to AV Meyyappa Chettiar who was looking for a young boy to play a role in the movie Kalathur Kannamma. [12]

Kamal Haasan made his film debut as a four-year-old child artist in Kalathur Kannamma, which was directed by A. Bhimsingh and released on 12 August 1959. He was cast along with the veteran Tamil actor Gemini Ganesan, winning the National Film Award for Best Child Artist.[13] He acted as a child actor in five other Tamil films in the subsequent few years co-starring with Sivaji Ganesan and M. G. Ramachandran. On seeing Kamal's interests in arts, his parents supported and helped him join the TKS Nataka Sabha, an old-style theatre. T. K. Shanmugam was Kamal's guru in the theatre. During this period, he continued with his school education at Hindu High School in Triplicane while still being a prominent part of the theatre troupe. He learned acting by watching his guru Shanmugam perform on stage and acquired his interest in make-up from Shanmugam.[10][14]
[edit]1970

- 1975: The rising actor

Kamal Haasan - Early days

Following a nine-year hiatus from films, Kamal Haasan returned to the industry with the hope of joining the technical crew in films but was selected to appear in supporting roles in several films. He re-entered the film industry playing his first adult role in Maanavan, appearing only for a dance sequence. It was followed by supporting roles in films such as, Annai Velankani for which he was an assistant director, Arangetram and Sollathaan Ninaikkiren, both co-starring Sivakumar. He played a villain in the film Sollathaan Ninaikkiren and his first character role was in Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, another female-centric film of K. Balachander. After a few more films in Tamil, he did Naan Avan Illai, which was his final supporting role before establishing himself as a lead actor.[15] He won his first regional Filmfare Award in his Malayalam debut film Kanyakumari (1974), in which he played the lead role.[16] In 1975, he won his first Filmfare award in Tamil for Apoorva Raagangal,[17] an exploration of agegap relationships. For his role, he learned the mridangam. It is considered as one of the all-time classics of Tamil cinema and was directed by his mentor, K. Balachander. The film also saw the entry of Rajnikanth, who would play prominent roles in several Kamal films.
[edit]1976–1980:

Success in the south

Sigappu Rojakkal (1978)

The late 1970s was a period that saw Kamal Haasan's continued collaboration with K. Balachander, who also cast him in many of his socially-themed films. In 1976, Kamal Haasan appeared in the drama Moondru Mudichu with Rajinikanth and Sridevi, another K. Balachander film, Manmadha Leelai, and Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu, which won him his second consecutive Regional Filmfare (Tamil) Best Actor Award.[18] Avargal (1977) was one of the most sensitive movies on woman liberation, for which he learnt the art of ventriloquism.[19] The film was also remade in Telugu as Idi Katha Kaadu (1979) with Kamal Hassan repeating his role. 16 Vayathinile won him his third consecutive best actor award, where he appeared as a village bumpkin, along with Rajinikanth and Sridevi.[18] In 1977, he starred in his first Kannada film,Kokila, which was the directorial debut of another friend and mentor, Balu Mahendra. The fourth consecutive award came with Sigappu Rojakkal, an antihero thriller in which he played a psychopathic sexual killer. In 1978, he debuted in the Telugu film industry as hero with the hitMaro Charithra by K. Balachander. Few of the other famous films in this period were the youthful Ninaithale Inikkum, the snake horror film Neeya, Kalyanaraman and the Telugu film Sommokadidhi Sokkadidhi. At the end of this period, he had won six regional Best Actor Filmfare Awards, including four consecutiveBest Tamil Actor Awards and became a famous actor in South India giving hits in all the four languages.[18]
[edit]The

80s: Bollywood entry

Kamal Haasan's pairing with the actress Sridevi continued with Tamil classic Varumayin Niram Sigappu in 1980. Kamal Haasan also made a guest– cameo appearance in the Rajnikanth film Thillu Mullu. He reached his 100th film appearance in 1981 with Raja Paarvai, which also marked his debut in film production. Despite this film's relatively poor reception at the cinemas, his portrayal of a blind session violinist earned him a Filmfare Award.[20] He followed it with his debut in Bollywood, Ek Duuje Ke Liye, the remake of his Telugulanguage film, Maro Charithra, also by K. Balachandar. Following a year of starring in commercially-oriented films, he won his first of three National Awards for Best Actor with his portrayal of a school teacher who looks after an amnesia patient in Balu Mahendra's Moondram Pirai, alter reprising the role in the Hindi version, Sadma.[16] In 1983, he appeared in Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey playing a double role.

Kamal Haasan began to appear in more Hindi-language films, including Saagar, for which he was awarded both the Filmfare Best Actor Award and was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Award at the same ceremony for this role. [16] Saagar portrayed him alongside Rishi Kapoor. Kamal Haasan also appeared in Geraftaar and a few more Hindi remakes of his Tamil films, most famously Zara Si Zindagi. He featured in Tamil cinema's first sequel Japanil Kalyanaraman, which followed up his previous Kalyanaraman, and shared the screen withSivaji Ganesan, doing a guest role in Uruvangal Maralam.

Nayagan (1987), was chosen for ALL-TIME 100 best films by TIME Magazine[9]

In the mid-1980s, Kamal Haasan appeared in two Telugu-language films, Sagara Sangamam andSwathi Muthyam, directed by Telugu legend Kasinadhuni Viswanath. While the former film portrayed him as a drunkard classical dancer, Swathi Muthyam portrays him as an autistic person attempting to change society and was India's representative for the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film in 1986.[16] The enormous response to these films in Tollywood helped him capture a strong audience in Andhra Pradesh, and many of his later Tamil films were regularly dubbed in Telugu.[21] Following Punnagai Mannan, in which he portrays dual roles including a satire of Charlie Chaplin as Chaplin Chellappa and Vetri Vizha as an amnesiac, Kamal Haasan appeared in Mani Rathnam's 1987 film Nayagan. Nayagan portrays the life of an underworld don in Bombay. The story revolved around the life of a real-life underworld don calledVaradarajan Mudaliar, while sympathetically depicting the struggle of South Indians living in Mumbai.[16] He received his third Indian National Award for his performance and Nayagan was nominated by India as its entry for the Best Foreign Language Film for the Academy Awards in 1987. It was included in the Time top 100 movies list. In 1988, Kamal Haasan appeared in his only silent film to date, Pushpak, a black comedy.[16] In 1989, he appeared in three roles (one of which was that of a dwarf) in Apoorva Sagodharargal.[16] He then performed dual roles in Indrudu Chandrudu, winning the regional Best Actor Award for his performance. In 1989, Kamal Haasan starred in his last original Malayalam film as hero to date, titled Chanakyan. The film was critically acclaimed and was a huge hit.

Kamal Haasan as Appu, the dwarf inApoorva Sagodharargal (1989)

The 1980s saw the transformation of Kamal Haasan from a young heart-throb performer in Tamil films to a nationally acclaimed star appreciated for his method acting. By the end of 1980s, he had entered and tasted success in Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi film industries, had received Filmfare awards at each of these film industries, three National awards and had his performances recognized at international film festivals.[2][21][22][23][24][25]
[edit]The

1990s

Kamal Haasan playing a mentally affected person in and as Guna (film) (1991)

In 1990, Michael Madhana Kamarajan saw Kamal Haasan go one step further from Apoorva Sagodharargal, acting in four different roles as quadruplets. It started an ongoing collaboration with Crazy Mohan, a dialogue writer, for future comedy films.[26] The film became a blockbuster, and his portrayals were all critically praised; one cook role formed the crux for a future venture by his production house.[27] Kamal Haasan won successiveBest Actor awards for his portrayal of the deranged, obsessive protagonist in Guna and Thevar Magan, where he played the son of actor Sivaji Ganesan. Guna met with critical acclaim but failed commercially, while the latter became a big success and was remade into Hindi as Virasat. Kamal Haasan was credited for the story and became India's submission for the Academy Awards that year. After a series of successful commercial films such as Singaravelan,Maharasan and Kalaignan, he played a cheated villager in the emotionally draining and underrated classic Mahanadi. Six years after it released, it was premiered at the Rotterdam festival.[28] He then began to appear in comedies such as Sathi Leelavathi, based on theEnglish film She-Devil. The film, his home production, featured him opposite comedienne Kovai Sarala and its success led to further regional remakes. He also renewed his collobaration with Kasinadhuni Viswanath in his last Telugu-language film to date, Subha Sankalpam. In 1996, Kamal Haasan starred in the police story Kuruthipunal. His success in Kuruthipunal was followed by his third National Film Award for Best Actor, for the film Indian.[29] Playing dual roles of a freedom fighter and his untrustful son, the film also won Kamal Haasan regional awards and plaudits for his portrayal.[30] Moreover, both films were also selected as India's submissions for the Academy Awards in their respective release years.

Kamal Haasan in and as Chachi 420(1998)

Kamal Haasan appeared as a woman in Avvai Shanmughi, inspired by the Hollywood productionMrs. Doubtfire.[31] He initially chose noted adfilm maker Shantanu Sheorey to direct the Hindi remake of Avvai Shanmughi, titled Chachi 420.[32] But unhappy with the complaints after five days of shoot and after checking the actual result, he took over as director.[33][34] In 1997, Kamal Haasan began his first directorial venture, the biopic of Mohammed Yusuf Khan,Marudhanayagam, which failed to complete its schedules with only half an hour and a trailer being recorded during its shoot.[35] Marudhanayagam had been speculated to be the biggest and most expensive film in Indian cinema with a number of high profile actors technicians signing up for roles. Moreover, the film was launched in a highly publicized ceremony by Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom during her visit to India in 1997.[36][37] Due to budget constraints, the film failed to materialize into a feature film, but he has since stated his interest in building up funds for the project.[38]
[edit]2000s:

Hey Ram and onwards

Kamal Haasan as Nandhu in Aalavandhanaka Abhay (2001)

Following a two-year hiatus in Indian cinema, he opted against reviving his magnum opus,Marudhanayagam, and filmed his second directorial venture, Hey Ram, a period drama told in flashback with a semi-fictional plot centering around India's Partition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Kamal Haasan also took on roles as the writer, the lyricist and the choreographer as well as producing the film under his home banner. The film, also featuredShahrukh Khan and was India's submission for the Academy Awards that year.[39] His following film was Aalavandhan, where he portrayed two distinct roles, for one of which he had his head shaved bald and gained ten kilograms. To play the other army major in Alavandaan (Abhay, in Hindi), he went to the NDA for a crash course.[40] The Hindi version Abhay was distributed by reputed Shringar Films. [41][42] Despite much publicity prior to release, the film failed commercially, and he opted to repay distributors who had suffered losses with the film.[43]

Kamal Haasan in and as Virumaandi(2004), which won the Best Asian Film award at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (South Korea)

Following a series of successful comedies[44] in Thenali, Panchathantiram and Pammal K. Sambandam and a couple of guest appearances, Kamal Haasan directed his third feature film inVirumaandi, a film about the death penalty which won the Best Asian Film award at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.[45] Kamal Haasan also appeared in Anbe Sivam alongsideMadhavan. Priyadarshan, who started the film, departed allowing commercial director Sundar C to complete the film. Anbe Sivam told the story of Nallasivam, enacted by Kamal Haasan as a communist. Kamal Haasan's performance was highly lauded by critics with The Hindu stating that he "has once again done Tamil cinema proud".[46]

Kamal Haasan as Nalla Sivam in Anbe Sivam (2003)

Kamal Haasan then appeared in the remake filmVasool Raja alongside Sneha. In 2006, Haasan's long delayed project, Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu emerged as a blockbuster.[47] In 2008, he appeared in K. S. Ravikumar's Dasavathaaram portraying ten distinct roles in the venture, which remains one of the most expensive Indian films ever made.[48] Featuring him opposite Asin Thottumkal, the film became the highest grossing film ever in Tamil cinema, beating the previous 2007 record, and won him critical praise for his performance.[49][50] In Canada, the film was distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, the first Tamil film to be done so. The film ultimately grossed more than 250 crores worldwide.[50][51] He had written the story and screenplay for the project. Following the completion of Dasavathaaram, Kamal Haasan opted to direct his fourth directorial venture, with a film tentatively titled Marmayogi, which after a year of pre-production became stalled.[52] He then opted to produce and star in a venture, Unnaipol Oruvan, co-starring him with Mohanlal. The film, which had Shruti Haasan appear as the music director, became a successful venture for him the box office.[53] Kamal Haasan worked on his fifth collaboration with Ravikumar, in Manmadan Ambu, for which he also wrote the dialogues and screenplay. The film also featured Madhavan and Trisha Krishnan and was released in December 2010.

[edit]Behind

the camera

In addition to acting, Kamal Haasan has also played various roles behind the camera and is known for his involvement in several aspects of film-making.[10] [33] He wrote the story and/or screen-play for many of his films including Raja Paarvai, Apoorva Sagodharargal, Guna, Thevar Magan, Mahanadhi, Hey Ram, Aalavandhan, Anbe Sivam, Nala Damayanthi, Virumaandi, Dasavathaaram and Manmadhan Ambu. His film production company, Rajkamal International, has produced several of his films. He also directed the films Chachi 420, Hey Ram andVirumaandi. He considered taking up film direction full time, if Hey Ram was a success, but did not do so as the film was a box office failure.[54] In 2010, he stated his intention to direct more films as many young actors had wished to work under him and gain his direct guidance. [55] He wanted to turn a technician after his comeback into adult roles. Speaking about it in a lighter vein, he once said, "Film makers like K. Balachander told me that I won’t be able make much money by being a technician. So the end result is that the star Kamal funds the technician Kamal in pursuing his dreams".[56] Kamal has attended workshops for make-up techniques in US for several years and once trained as a make-up man under Michael Westmore.[57] Kamal Haasan is also a playback singer. He has sung close to 50 songs in various languages and some of them have become hits, like "Ninaivo Oru Paravai" (Sigappu Rojakal), "Sundhari Neeyum" (Michael Madana Kama Rajan), "Inji Iduppu Azhagae" (Thevar Magan), "Kanmani Anbodu" (Guna), "Kaasu Maele" (Kaathala Kaathala), "Poottu Vaitha" (Singaravelan), "Ram...Ram" (Hey Ram), "Yaar Yaar Sivam" (Anbe Sivam), "Neruppu Vayinil" (Pudhupettai), "Kombula Poova Suthi" (Virumaandi) and "Neela Vaanam" (Manmadhan Ambu). He is also a song writer. He wrote the lyrics for the song "Unna Vida" in Virumaandi, and also for five out of the six songs of the filmManmadhan Ambu. They were well received by his peers in the Tamil film industry.[58]
[edit]Personal [edit]Family

life

Kamal Haasan filmed with M. G. Ramachandran

Kamal Haasan was born in the village of Paramakudi in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu, to a criminal lawyer named D.

Srinivasan and his wife Rajalakshmi.[59] He was born as anIyengar Brahmin.[60] [61] Kamal Haasan was the youngest of four children, the others beingCharuhasan, Chandra Haasan and Nalini Raghu. His father was a martinet. He wanted all his sons (Chandrahasan, Charuhasan, Kamalahaasan) to study and do well. The two elder brothers followed their father’s example and studied law. Kamal spent his childhood learning everything except staying focussed on his studies. Kamal Haasan had referred to his parents in couple of his films, with references being made inUnnaipol Oruvan as well as in the song Kallai Mattum from Dasavathaaram.[62] His eldest brother Charuhasan, like Kamal Haasan, is a National Film Award-winning actor, who appeared in theKannada film Tabarana Kathe, among others. Kamal's niece (Charuhasan's daughter), Suhasiniis also a National Film Award winner and is married to director and fellow Award winner Mani Ratnam, who collaborated with Kamal Haasan on 1987's Nayagan.[63] Chandra Haasan has appeared as the producer for several of Kamal Haasan's films as well as being an executive of Kamal Haasan's home production company, Rajkamal International. His brother's daughterAnu Haasan has appeared in several films in supporting roles, most notably in Suhasini's Indira.[64] His sister Nalini Raghu is a dance teacher. Kamal Haasan later named an auditorium after his sister as Nalini Mahal.[65] Her son, Gautham, played Kamal Haasan's grandson in his directorial venture, Hey Ram.
[edit]Relationships

Despite his celebrated film career, his personal life had some setbacks which have been exploited by the media. In his early career, he co-starred in several Tamil and Malayalam films with actress Srividya. The pair were reported to have been a part of a notorious affair in the 1970s, with their relationship being explored in the 2008-released Malayalam film, Thirakkatha by Renjith, with Anoop Menon portraying Kamal Haasan and Priyamani playing Srividya. Srividya, who died in 2006, was visited by Kamal Haasan at her bedside during her final days. [66] In 1978, at the age of 24, Kamal Haasan married danseuse Vani Ganapathy, who was older than he was. Vani put on the mantle of costume designer for her husband's movies and was publicized for walking along with Haasan into the Filmfare Awards South ceremony of 1980 immediately after their wedding. However, the couple split after ten years together, after Kamal Haasan began dating fellow actressSarika, confirming in a later interview that he and Vani have never been in touch since their divorce.[67]

Subsequently, Kamal Haasan and Sarika lived together from 1988, opting to marry only after having their second child. Of the two children:Shruti Haasan (born 1986) and Akshara Haasan (born 1991), the former is a singer as well as an upcoming actress, while the latter is pursuing higher studies in Bangalore. Sarika took a break from acting soon after her marriage with Kamal Haasan. However, she replaced his ex-wife, Vani Ganapathy, as Haasan's costume designer, with acclaimed work in Hey Ram. The couple filed for divorce in 2002, with Sarika estranging herself from Kamal Haasan by the end of the procedure in 2004.[68] His intimate relationship with co-star Simran Bagga, who is twenty-two years younger, became the reason for the split.[69] However, Haasan's relationship with Simran, who appeared opposite him in two consecutive ventures with Pammal K. Sambandam and Panchathantiram, was short-lived as Simran went on to marry her childhood friend in late 2003.[69] Haasan now lives with former actress Gouthami Tadimalla, who co-starred with him in several films in the late 80s and early 90s. He had helped her during her traumatic experience suffering from breast cancer and the pair have been in a domestic relationship since 2005. Along with Shruti and Akshara, Gouthami's daughter, Subbalakshmi, from an annulled marriage also lives with them.[70]
[edit]Religious

views

Kamal Haasan, despite being born into a Hindu Brahmin family, has declared himself as an atheist; many of his films, notably Mahanadi and the two films cowritten by Kamal Haasan (Anbe Sivam and Dasavathaaram), have featured antitheistic views.[71] Kamal Haasan, has also been mistaken for a Muslim due to the Islamic nature of his surname, and was famously stopped for his name at Toronto Pearson International Airport in 2002.[72] The name originated from a friend of his father, Yaakob Hassan, a Muslim freedom fighter who spent time in prison with Kamal Haasan's father while imprisoned by the British. Yaakob Hassan had protected Srinivasan from other prisoners who hated the Brahmins. Later, he paid tribute to his friend by incorporating part of his name into his sons’ names.[73]
[edit]Social

service

Kamal Haasan is actively involved in several social service activities through his fan clubs under the banner Kamal Narpani Iyakkam. (Kamal Welfare Association) [74][75] His fan clubs are involved in organising blood and eye donation drives and donating education materials to school students.[76][77][78] [79] He received the first Abraham Kovoor National Award for his Humanist Activities and Secular Life in 2004.[80]He has turned his fan associations into

social service organisations. He was also the project ambassador of Hridayaragam 2010, a fundraiser to set up an orphanage for HIV/AIDS-affected children.[81] In September 2010, Kamal Haasan launched a children’s cancer relief fund and presented roses to children with cancer at Sri Ramachandra University in Porur on the outskirts of Chennai.[82] He has also pledged to endorse consumer products and use the money for social service.[83]
[edit]Literary

contributions

Kamal Haasan was involved in running the magazine Mayyam, which was run by the Kamal Haasan Welfare Association (Narpani Iyakkam). His views on a wide range of issues including cinema, child and drug abuse and the Kashmir conflict, have been collected and published as a book titled Thedi Theerpom Va (Come, Let's Solve Together), by his fan association.[84] His interest in Tamil literature and his own writing skills are well known.[85][86]
[edit]Awards

and honors

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Kamal Haasan Kamal Haasan, a Padma Shri holder, is the most decorated actor in terms of awards in the history of Indian cinema.[80] He holds the record for the most National Film Awards for an actor (four), three awards for Best Actor, and one for Best Child Artist. Moreover, Kamal Haasan holds a record nineteen Filmfare Awards, ranging across five languages. After his latest award in 2000, he wrote to the organization requesting exemption from further awards. [80] In 2003, his films Hey Ram, Pushpak, Nayagan and Kuruthipunal were showcased under the "Director in Focus" category at the Rotterdam Film Festival. [87] In 2004, Virumaandi won the very first "Best Asian film" award at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan).[45][87] In 2005, Sathyabama Deemed University awarded Kamal Haasan an honorary doctorate.[88] He received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema at the 2006 ceremony of the inaugural Vijay Awards.[89] He received the Living Legend Award in 2007 fromFICCI, which recognizes outstanding personalities from the entertainment arena and honors them with awards at their annual global convention, FRAMES.[90] In 2010, the United Progressive Alliance government organised a retrospective of Kamal Haasan's films. During that event, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said the actor fell under a special category, as his cinema broke barriers of language and region.[91] The same year, the Government of Kerala honoured him

for completing 50 years in Indian cinema during the inauguration of statewide Onam celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram. A light-and-sound show titled “Suvarna Kamalam” to mark Kamal’s 50 years in Indian cinema, conceived by director T. K. Rajiv Kumar, was the highlight of the evening.[92] Kamal Haasan is also a recipient of the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1980. Other recognitions includes a string of Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Nandi Awards, Screen Awards and Vijay Awards, including four separate awards for his performance in Dasavathaaram. In 2009, Kamal Haasan was appointed as the chairman of FICCI Media and Entertainment Business Conclave, organised by the entertainment division of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).[93]
[edit]Acclaim

and criticism

Kamal Hassan, widely respected and admired in the Indian film industry, is often praised as someone who would have won many Oscars, if he had been born outside India. His mentor K. Balachandar, while agreeing with such sentiment, says in that case Kamal would not have been able to have a diverse acting career and the adulation he has now.[94][95] Mani Ratnam, who directed Kamal in Nayagan, has claimed he has missed working with Kamal.[96] Veteran Tamil actor Nagesh rated Kamal Hassan as the best actor he had seen.[97] Kamal Hassan's contributions to films have been lavishly praised by his peers in the Indian film industry like Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachan and Aamir Khan.[98] [98][99] Younger actors and film makers like Surya, Madhavan, Bala and Gautham Menon consider Kamal Hassan as their inspiration.[100][101][102][103][104] His list of admirers go beyond cinema. M. F. Husain has claimed, he found Kamal Haasan as the most exciting Indian film-maker/actor.[105] Kamal Hassan has been accused of reusing story lines, plot elements from Western films without crediting them and also for using sexually explicit scenes and themes. He has also been accused of elitism, of offending religious sentiments and of being superficial about the social issues he depicts in his films. [106][107][108] He has also been dubbed as an actor who consciously overshadows his co-artists.[100][109] Other criticisms of Kamal Hassan include complaints about his obsession with needless perfection, which has caused some of his films to overshoot their budgets. Prem Panicker once observed that Kamal Haasan suffers from "the curse of talent".[110][111]

[edit]Notable

filmography
Notes Winner, National Film Award for Best Child Artist Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award Winner, Filmfare Best Malayalam Actor Award Winner, National Film Award for Best Actor Winner, Filmfare Best Telugu Actor Award Winner, Nandi Award for Best Actor Winner, Filmfare Best Hindi Actor Award Winner, Nandi Award for Best Actor Winner, National Film Award for Best Actor Winner, Filmfare Best Kannada Actor Award Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Film Award Also producer and screenwriter Portrayed three roles; one was a dwarf Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award Also producer and screenwriter Winner, National Film Award for Best Actor Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award

Further information: Kamal Haasan filmography Year Film Role Language 1959 Kalathur Kannamma Selvam 1975 Apoorva Raagangal 1976 Manmadha Leelai 1977 16 Vayathinile 1978 Maro Charitra 1978 Sigappu Rojakal 1978 Yaetta 1981 Ek Duje Ke Liye 1982 Moondram Pirai 1983 Sagara Sangamam 1985 Saagar 1986 Swathi Muthyam 1987 Nayagan 1988 Pushpak 1989 Apoorva Sagodharargal Prasanna Madhu Chappani Balu Dileep Ramu Vasudeva Srinivasan Balakrishna Raja Sivayya Velu Nayakkar Pushpak Sedhupathy, Raja, Appu Shakthivelu Thevar Tamil Tamil Tamil Tamil Telugu Tamil Malayalam Hindi Tamil Telugu Hindi Telugu Tamil Silent Tamil

1992 Thevar Magan 1996 Indian

Tamil

Senapathy Bose, Tamil Chandra Bose

Portrayed a dual role 2000 Hey Ram 2003 Anbe Sivam 2004 Virumaandi 2006 Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu Saket Ram Nallasivam Virumaandi Raghavan Ten different roles Kamal Major Raja Mannar Tamil Hindi Tamil Tamil Tamil Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor Portrayed 10 different roles Also screenwriter Nominated, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award Also screenwriter Winner, Filmfare Best Tamil Actor Award Also producer, director, and screenwriter Also screenwriter Winner, International Award for Best Asian Film Also director and screenwriter

2008 Dasavathaaram

Tamil

2009 Unnaipol Oruvan 2010 Manmadhan Ambu

Tamil Tamil

Actor (167 titles)
2010Manmadhan Ambu Major. R. Mannar

2010Four Friends Kamal Hassan 2009Someone Like You 2008Dasavatharam Rangaraja Nambi / Govind Ramasaamy / The United States President / … 2006Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu Raghavan 2005Rama Shama Bhama Shama 2005Mumbai Xpress Avinash/Mumbai Express 2004Vasoolraja M.B.B.S Vasool Raja 2004Virumandi Virumandi 2003Love is God Nallasivam 2002Pammal K. Sambandam Pammal K. Sambandham 2002Panchatanthiram Ram 2001Aalavandhan Abhay Kumar/Major Vijaykumar 2001Paarthale Paravasam Guest appearance 2000Thenali Tenali Soman 2000Hey Ram Saketh Ram (as Kamal Haasan) 1998Kadhala Kadhala Lingam 1997Chachi 420 Jaiprakash Paswan/Laxmi Godbhole (as Padmashri Kamal Haasan) 1996Hindustani Senapathy/Chandra Bose

1996Avvai Shanmugi Pandyan/Avvai Shanmugi 1996Kuruthipunal S. Adinarayanan (as Padmasree Kamal Haasan) 1995Nammavar Selvan 1995Sathi Leelavathi Shaktivel 1995Subha Sankalpam Dasu 1994Duet Guest 1994Ladies Only 1994Magalir Mattum Boss from Head Office 1993Kalaignan Indrajeet 1993Mahanadi Krishna 1993Maharasan 1992Guna Guna 1992Singaaravelan Singaravelan 1992Thevar Magan Shaktivelu 1991Michael Madana Kamarajan Michael/Madan/Kameshwaran/Raju 1990My Dear Marthandan (Guest Appearance) 1989Apoorva Sagodharagal Raghupathy/Appu/Raja 1989Chanakyan Johnson

1989Indrudu Chandrudu Mayor Rayudu/Chandran 1988/IDaisy James 1988Sathyaa Sathyamurthy 1988Soora Samhaaram A V Pandian 1988Unnal Mudiyum Thambi Udhayamoorthi 1987Pushpak Unemployed graduate 1987Kaadhal Parisu 1987Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu 1987Nayakan Velunayakan 1987Per Sollum Pillai 1987Vetri Vizha 1987Vrutham Balu 1986Naanum Oru Thozhilaali 1986Punnagai Mannan Chaplin Chellappa 1986/IVikram Arun Kumar Vikram 1985Dekha Pyar Tumhara Vishal 'Vishy' (as Kamal Haasan) 1985Geraftaar Kishan Kumar Khanna 1985Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu 1985Saagar Raja (as Kamal Haasan) 1985Andha Oru Nimidam

1985Kaakki Sattai 1985Mangamma Sabatham 1985The Pearl Sivayya 1985Uyarntha Ullam 1984Karishmaa Sunny (as Kamal Haasan) 1984Pyasa Shaitan 1984Yaadgaar Rajnath 'Raju' (as Kamal Haasan) 1984Ek Nai Paheli Sandeep (as Kamal Haasan) 1984Aakhri Sangram Raja 1984Enakkul Oruvan 1984Jappanil Kalyanaraman 1984Oru Kaidhiyin Diary David - Shankar 1984Raaj Tilak Suraj 1984Yeh Desh Inpsector Mathur 1983Benki Alli Aralida Huvu 1983Poikkal Kuthirai 1983Sadma K. Somprakash 'Somu' (as Kamal Haasan) 1983Sagara Sangamam Balakrishna 1983Thoongathey Tambi Thoongathey 1983Uruvavugal Maralam 1983Zara Si Zindagi Rakesh Kumar Shastri

1982Sanam Teri Kasam Sunil Sharma (Sunny) (as Kamala Haasan) 1982Moondram Pirai Teacher 1982Vazhve Mayam Raja (as Kamalhassan) 1982Afsana Do Dilon Ka (as Kamal Haasan) 1982Agni Sakshi 1982Dil Ka Sathi Dil (as Kamal Haasan) 1982Pyara Tarana 1982Raniththeni 1982Sakala Kala Vallavan 1982Simla Special 1982Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya Ratan Chander/Ajay Saxena 1981Ek Duuje Ke Liye S. Vasudevan 'Vasu' (as Kamal Haasan) 1981Aakali Rajyam 1981Do Dil Diwane 1981Ellaam Inbamayam 1981Kadal Meengal 1981Meendum Kokila 1981Prema Pichchi 1981Raaja Paarvai Blind Musician 1981Rama Lakshman 1981Savaal 1981Shankarlal 1981Thillu Mullu Cameo

1981Tik Tik Tik 1980Guru 1980/IMaria My Darling 1980Natchatiram 1980Ullasa Paravaigal 1980Varumayin Niram Sigappu 1979Idi Kathakaadu Johnny 1979Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum Alauddin 1979Andamaina Anubhavam 1979Azhiyatha Kolangal 1979Kalyanaraman Kalyanaraman and his brother 1979Neela Malargal 1979Neeya 1979Ninaithale Inikkum 1979Sigappukkal Mookuthi 1979Thayillamal Nannilai 1979Yerra Gulabi 1978Sigappu Rojakkal 1978Amara Prema 1978Aval Appadithaan Arun 1978Chattam En Kaiyil 1978Eeta Ramu 1978Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu

1978Madanolsavam Raju 1978Maro Charithra Balu 1978Nizhal Nijamakirathu 1978Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi Rangadu & Dr.Shekar 1978Thappitha Thala 1978Vayasu Pilichindi 1977/IAaina Prem Kapoor (uncredited) 1977Aadu Puli Atham 1977Avargal Janardan 1977Kokila 1977Meethi Meethi Baatein 1977Naam Pirandha Maan 1977Ormakal Marikkumo? Chandrashekharan (as Kamalahaasan) 1977Pathinaru Vayathinile Chappani 1977Uyarnthavargal 1977Velankanni Mathave Jesus Christ 1976Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu Ravi 1976Anthuleni Katha Arun 1976Idaya Malar 1976Lalitha 1976Manmatha Leelai Madhu

1976Moondru Mudichu 1976Sathyam 1975Antharangam 1975Apoorva Raagangal Prasanna 1975Cinema Paithiyam 1975Malai Sooda Va 1975Melnattu Marumagal 1975Pattikatu Raja 1974Gumastavin Magal 1974Kanyakumari 1974Naan Avanillai 1973Arrangetram Thiagu 1973Sollathan Ninaikiren 1972Kanna Nalama 1972Kurathi Magan 1971Annai Velankanni 1971Nootrukku Noor Student 1963Ananda Jyoti 1962Parthal Pasi Theerum 1962Patha Kannikkai 1960Kalathur Kannamma 1960Mavoori Ammayi
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Writer (13 titles)

2010Manmadhan Ambu 2008Dasavatharam (dialogue / story)

2005Ramji Londonwaley (original story / as Padmashree Kamal Haasan) 2005Mumbai Xpress (Tamil dialogue / story) 2004Virumandi (writer) 2003Nala Damayanthi (story & screenplay) 2003Love is God (screenplay) 2001Aalavandhan (novel) 2000Hey Ram (writer) 1999Biwi No. 1 (story) 1997Chachi 420 (screenplay / as Kamal Haasan) 1997Virasat (story) 1992Thevar Magan (writer)
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Producer (13 titles)

2005Mumbai Xpress (producer) 2004Virumandi (producer) 2003Nala Damayanthi (producer) 2000Hey Ram (producer) 1997Chachi 420 (producer - as Kamal Haasan) 1996Kuruthipunal (producer) 1994Magalir Mattum (producer) 1993Maharasan (producer) 1992Thevar Magan (producer) 1991Michael Madana Kamarajan (producer) 1989Apoorva Sagodharagal (producer) 1987Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (producer) 1981Raaja Paarvai (producer)
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Music Department (12 titles)

2008Dasavatharam (playback singer)

2006Pudhu Pettai (playback singer) 2005Mumbai Xpress (playback singer) 2004Virumandi (playback singer) 1997Chachi 420 (playback singer: "Jago Gori" - as Kamal Haasan) 1996Avvai Shanmugi (playback singer) 1995Sathi Leelavathi (playback singer) 1992Guna (playback singer) 1992Thevar Magan (playback singer) 1985Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (playback singer) 1983Sadma (playback singer - as Kamal Haasan) 1975Antharangam (playback singer)
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Soundtrack (3 titles)

2008Dasavatharam (performer: "Mukundha Mukundha, Krishna Krishna") 1997Chachi 420 (performer: "Jago Gori Chachi's Voice") 1989Suryaa: An Awakening (lyrics: "Ek Nai Subah Ko")
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Director (3 titles)

2004Virumandi 2000Hey Ram 1997Chachi 420 (as Kamal Haasan)
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Miscellaneous Crew (3 titles)

2000Hey Ram (choreographer) 1997Chachi 420 (presenter - as Kamal Haasan) 1977/IAaina (dances - as Kamalahasan)
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Thanks (2 titles)

2010Endhiran (very special thanks) 1995Three Men Army (thanks)
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Self (1 title)

2003Nala Damayanthi Himself

Actor (167 titles) 2010 Manmadhan Ambu Major. R. Mannar 2010 Four Friends Kamal Hassan 2009 Someone Like You 2008 Dasavatharam Rangaraja Nambi / Govind Ramasaamy / The United States President / … 2006 Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu Raghavan 2005 Rama Shama Bhama Shama 2005 Mumbai Xpress Avinash/Mumbai Express 2004 Vasoolraja M.B.B.S Vasool Raja 2004 Virumandi Virumandi 2003 Love is God Nallasivam 2002 Pammal K. Sambandam Pammal K. Sambandham 2002 Panchatanthiram Ram 2001 Aalavandhan Abhay Kumar/Major Vijaykumar 2001 Paarthale Paravasam Guest appearance 2000 Thenali Tenali Soman 2000 Hey Ram Saketh Ram (as Kamal Haasan)

1998 Kadhala Kadhala Lingam 1997 Chachi 420 Jaiprakash Paswan/Laxmi Godbhole (as Padmashri Kamal Haasan) 1996 Hindustani Senapathy/Chandra Bose 1996 Avvai Shanmugi Pandyan/Avvai Shanmugi 1996 Kuruthipunal S. Adinarayanan (as Padmasree Kamal Haasan) 1995 Nammavar Selvan 1995 Sathi Leelavathi Shaktivel 1995 Subha Sankalpam Dasu 1994 Duet Guest 1994 Ladies Only 1994 Magalir Mattum Boss from Head Office 1993 Kalaignan Indrajeet 1993 Mahanadi Krishna 1993 Maharasan 1992 Guna Guna 1992 Singaaravelan Singaravelan 1992 Thevar Magan Shaktivelu

1991 Michael Madana Kamarajan Michael/Madan/Kameshwaran/Raju 1990 My Dear Marthandan (Guest Appearance) 1989 Apoorva Sagodharagal Raghupathy/Appu/Raja 1989 Chanakyan Johnson 1989 Indrudu Chandrudu Mayor Rayudu/Chandran 1988/I Daisy James 1988 Sathyaa Sathyamurthy 1988 Soora Samhaaram A V Pandian 1988 Unnal Mudiyum Thambi Udhayamoorthi 1987 Pushpak Unemployed graduate 1987 Kaadhal Parisu 1987 Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu 1987 Nayakan Velunayakan 1987 Per Sollum Pillai 1987 Vetri Vizha 1987 Vrutham Balu 1986 Naanum Oru Thozhilaali 1986 Punnagai Mannan Chaplin Chellappa

1986/I Vikram Arun Kumar Vikram 1985 Dekha Pyar Tumhara Vishal 'Vishy' (as Kamal Haasan) 1985 Geraftaar Kishan Kumar Khanna 1985 Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu 1985 Saagar Raja (as Kamal Haasan) 1985 Andha Oru Nimidam 1985 Kaakki Sattai 1985 Mangamma Sabatham 1985 The Pearl Sivayya 1985 Uyarntha Ullam 1984 Karishmaa Sunny (as Kamal Haasan) 1984 Pyasa Shaitan 1984 Yaadgaar Rajnath 'Raju' (as Kamal Haasan) 1984 Ek Nai Paheli Sandeep (as Kamal Haasan) 1984 Aakhri Sangram Raja 1984 Enakkul Oruvan 1984 Jappanil Kalyanaraman 1984 Oru Kaidhiyin Diary David - Shankar 1984 Raaj Tilak Suraj

1984 Yeh Desh Inpsector Mathur 1983 Benki Alli Aralida Huvu 1983 Poikkal Kuthirai 1983 Sadma K. Somprakash 'Somu' (as Kamal Haasan) 1983 Sagara Sangamam Balakrishna 1983 Thoongathey Tambi Thoongathey 1983 Uruvavugal Maralam 1983 Zara Si Zindagi Rakesh Kumar Shastri 1982 Sanam Teri Kasam Sunil Sharma (Sunny) (as Kamala Haasan) 1982 Moondram Pirai Teacher 1982 Vazhve Mayam Raja (as Kamalhassan) 1982 Afsana Do Dilon Ka (as Kamal Haasan) 1982 Agni Sakshi 1982 Dil Ka Sathi Dil (as Kamal Haasan) 1982 Pyara Tarana 1982 Raniththeni 1982 Sakala Kala Vallavan 1982 Simla Special 1982 Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya Ratan Chander/Ajay Saxena 1981 Ek Duuje Ke Liye S. Vasudevan 'Vasu' (as Kamal Haasan)

1981 Aakali Rajyam 1981 Do Dil Diwane 1981 Ellaam Inbamayam 1981 Kadal Meengal 1981 Meendum Kokila 1981 Prema Pichchi 1981 Raaja Paarvai Blind Musician 1981 Rama Lakshman 1981 Savaal 1981 Shankarlal 1981 Thillu Mullu Cameo 1981 Tik Tik Tik 1980 Guru 1980/I Maria My Darling 1980 Natchatiram 1980 Ullasa Paravaigal 1980 Varumayin Niram Sigappu 1979 Idi Kathakaadu Johnny 1979 Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum Alauddin 1979 Andamaina Anubhavam 1979 Azhiyatha Kolangal 1979 Kalyanaraman Kalyanaraman and his brother

1979 Neela Malargal 1979 Neeya 1979 Ninaithale Inikkum 1979 Sigappukkal Mookuthi 1979 Thayillamal Nannilai 1979 Yerra Gulabi 1978 Sigappu Rojakkal 1978 Amara Prema 1978 Aval Appadithaan Arun 1978 Chattam En Kaiyil 1978 Eeta Ramu 1978 Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu 1978 Madanolsavam Raju 1978 Maro Charithra Balu 1978 Nizhal Nijamakirathu 1978 Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi Rangadu & Dr.Shekar 1978 Thappitha Thala 1978 Vayasu Pilichindi 1977/I Aaina Prem Kapoor (uncredited) 1977 Aadu Puli Atham 1977 Avargal Janardan

1977 Kokila 1977 Meethi Meethi Baatein 1977 Naam Pirandha Maan 1977 Ormakal Marikkumo? Chandrashekharan (as Kamalahaasan) 1977 Pathinaru Vayathinile Chappani 1977 Uyarnthavargal 1977 Velankanni Mathave Jesus Christ 1976 Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu Ravi 1976 Anthuleni Katha Arun 1976 Idaya Malar 1976 Lalitha 1976 Manmatha Leelai Madhu 1976 Moondru Mudichu 1976 Sathyam 1975 Antharangam 1975 Apoorva Raagangal Prasanna 1975 Cinema Paithiyam 1975 Malai Sooda Va 1975 Melnattu Marumagal 1975 Pattikatu Raja 1974 Gumastavin Magal

1974 Kanyakumari 1974 Naan Avanillai 1973 Arrangetram Thiagu 1973 Sollathan Ninaikiren 1972 Kanna Nalama 1972 Kurathi Magan 1971 Annai Velankanni 1971 Nootrukku Noor Student 1963 Ananda Jyoti 1962 Parthal Pasi Theerum 1962 Patha Kannikkai 1960 Kalathur Kannamma 1960 Mavoori Ammayi Hide Writer (13 titles) 2010 Manmadhan Ambu 2008 Dasavatharam (dialogue / story) 2005 Ramji Londonwaley (original story / as Padmashree Kamal Haasan) 2005 Mumbai Xpress (Tamil dialogue / story) 2004 Virumandi (writer) 2003 Nala Damayanthi (story & screenplay) 2003 Love is God (screenplay) 2001 Aalavandhan (novel) 2000 Hey Ram (writer) 1999 Biwi No. 1 (story)

1997 Chachi 420 (screenplay / as Kamal Haasan) 1997 Virasat (story) 1992 Thevar Magan (writer) Hide Producer (13 titles) 2005 Mumbai Xpress (producer) 2004 Virumandi (producer) 2003 Nala Damayanthi (producer) 2000 Hey Ram (producer) 1997 Chachi 420 (producer - as Kamal Haasan) 1996 Kuruthipunal (producer) 1994 Magalir Mattum (producer) 1993 Maharasan (producer) 1992 Thevar Magan (producer) 1991 Michael Madana Kamarajan (producer) 1989 Apoorva Sagodharagal (producer) 1987 Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (producer) 1981 Raaja Paarvai (producer) Hide Music Department (12 titles) 2008 Dasavatharam (playback singer) 2006 Pudhu Pettai (playback singer) 2005 Mumbai Xpress (playback singer) 2004 Virumandi (playback singer) 1997 Chachi 420 (playback singer: "Jago Gori" - as Kamal Haasan) 1996 Avvai Shanmugi (playback singer) 1995 Sathi Leelavathi (playback singer) 1992 Guna (playback singer)

1992 Thevar Magan (playback singer) 1985 Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (playback singer) 1983 Sadma (playback singer - as Kamal Haasan) 1975 Antharangam (playback singer) Hide Soundtrack (3 titles) 2008 Dasavatharam (performer: "Mukundha Mukundha, Krishna Krishna") 1997 Chachi 420 (performer: "Jago Gori Chachi's Voice") 1989 Suryaa: An Awakening (lyrics: "Ek Nai Subah Ko") Hide Director (3 titles) 2004 Virumandi 2000 Hey Ram 1997 Chachi 420 (as Kamal Haasan) Hide Miscellaneous Crew (3 titles) 2000 Hey Ram (choreographer) 1997 Chachi 420 (presenter - as Kamal Haasan) 1977/I Aaina (dances - as Kamalahasan) Hide Thanks (2 titles) 2010 Endhiran (very special thanks) 1995 Three Men Army (thanks) Hide Self (1 title) 2003 Nala Damayanthi Himself