Kamal Haasan's birthday wish for Mani Ratnam is all about friendship, he writes, "Your presence has been a source of strength"

Sharing the photo on X, the senior actor expressed his feelings through a heart-touching message which charted their cinematic course from Nayakan to their soon-to-release Thug Life.

Legendary director Mani Ratnam, who turned 69 on June 2, 2025, was wished by members of the film fraternity, but the most pathos-filled tribute came from friend and long-time collaborator actor Kamal Haasan.

Sharing the photo on X, the senior actor expressed his feelings through a heart-touching message which charted their cinematic course from Nayakan to their soon-to-release Thug Life.

"Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, we’ve journeyed through time together — as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength — a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul deeply attuned to the language of film like few others. May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema. Forever your friend, Kamal Haasan (sic)," wrote Kamal Haasan.

Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam.From Nayakan to Thug Life, weve journeyed through time together as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength a mind I turn to in moments of pic.twitter.com/PVb9ejWdwL Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 2, 2025

Industry Joins in Celebration

The actor who had essayed the role of Arunmozhi Varman in the great man's magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan series, Ravi Mohan, was also in the celebrations.

Posting a behind-the-scenes picture from the sets, he wrote, “Wishing the maestro of Indian cinema,#ManiRatnam sir a very happy birthday! Honored to have worked under your direction. Best of everything for #ThugLife and everything beyond, sir.”

A Cinematic Titan

Widely considered one of the greatest filmmakers in Indian film history, Mani Ratnam is known for his ability to balance art and commerce. Early life and acting career Early childhood and background Mani Ratnam was born on 2 June 1956, as the second child of a family that was closely associated with film production.

Also read: Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam: Did you know what his real name was?

In 2022, the Indian government awarded him the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in the country, in appreciation of his significant services to the arts.

The film industry still commemorates his life and work, so fans are hoping that Thug Life, Ratnam’s upcoming film, which sees him joining hands with Kamal Haasan again, would be another historic moment in Indian cinema.