Happy birthday Kamal Haasan: Celebrating the legendary artiste with some most interesting facts

The legendary Kamal Haasan turns 70 today, on November 7. With a career spanning over six decades, Haasan has mesmerised audiences with his multifaceted talents as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. Let’s delve into some of the most interesting facts about the legend that highlight his extraordinary journey in the film industry.

Kamal Haasan made his debut in the film industry as a child artist at the tender age of six in the Tamil movie Kalathur Kannamma (1960). His performance was so compelling that he won the President's Gold Medal for it. Reminiscing the past, the actor had revealed that when he lost his front two teeth, his market as a child actor came to an end abruptly.

Kamal Haasan is known for his versatility, not just in acting but also in languages. He has acted in films across various Indian languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and even Bengali.

Kamal Haasan's talent has been recognised with numerous awards. He has won four National Film Awards for Best Actor and nineteen Filmfare Awards across five different languages. In 2000, he requested Filmfare to exclude him from future award nominations to encourage new talent.

Kamal Haasan is renowned for pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema with his innovative and often controversial films. His 1987 film Nayakan, directed by Mani Ratnam, is considered one of the greatest Indian films of all time and was included in TIME magazine’s list of the All-Time 100 Best Films.

Apart from acting, Kamal Haasan is an accomplished screenwriter, director, and producer. His directorial ventures, such as Hey Ram, Virumaandi, and Vishwaroopam, have been critically acclaimed for their complex narratives and technical brilliance. Hey Ram was India's official entry to the Oscars in 2000. He is the only Indian actor to have the highest number of films to be submitted to Oscar in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

Kamal Haasan has always been ahead of his time, especially in terms of makeup and prosthetics. In the movie Dasavathaaram (2008), he played ten different roles, each with distinct looks and personas. This feat required extensive use of prosthetics, setting a new benchmark in Indian cinema.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of the film industry, Kamal Haasan is a dedicated social activist. He has been involved in various philanthropic activities through his welfare association, Narpani Iyakkam. In 2018, he launched his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, with a vision to combat corruption and bring about positive change in society.

Kamal Haasan is often referred to as the Universal Hero due to his global appeal and the diverse roles he has portrayed. From a rebellious young man in Moondram Pirai to a patriotic RAW agent in Vishwaroopam, his ability to adapt and excel in any role is unparalleled.

Kamal Haasan’s choice of films often reflects his willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo. His film Anbe Sivam (2003), which deals with themes of atheism, communism, and humanism, was initially met with mixed reactions but has since gained a cult following.

In 1990, Kamal Haasan was honoured with the Padma Shri, and in 2014, he received the Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian awards, recognising his contributions to Indian cinema.

Despite his extensive experience and numerous accolades, Kamal Haasan remains a lifelong learner. He is known for his insatiable curiosity and continuous quest for knowledge, which he often incorporates into his work. Whether it's learning a new language, mastering a new dance form, or experimenting with filmmaking techniques, Haasan's dedication to his craft is unwavering.

Kamal Haasan has not only impressed Indian audiences but also garnered international acclaim. His films have been screened at various international film festivals, and he has been invited to speak at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, showcasing Indian cinema on a global stage.