November 7 not only marks the birthday of a legendary superstar but also celebrates the life of a cinematic revolutionary, Kamal Hassan. Started as an actor, director, producer, singer, dancer and now a politician, Kamal Hassan’s life continues to inspire generations.
His career spans over six decades where he has acted in more than 230 films. Kamal Hassan once said, “Cinema is not my profession, it’s my religion,” and throughout his career on screen he has proved the same. As the actor turns 71 today, let’s look back on his memorable journey that motivates millions of fans in and across the border.
Early life and entry into Cinema
Kamal Hassan was born on November 7, 1994, in Pramakudi, Tamil Nadu in an Iyengar family. He is the youngest of four siblings. His father, D. Srinivasan, was a freedom fighter and a lawyer, and his mother, Rajalakshmi, was a homemaker who supported his artistic dreams.
Kamal’s journey began accidentally at a small age of six. Legendary director and family friend AV Meiyappan spotted his expressive charm and had cast him in Kalathur Kannamma. His excellent performance as a child artist earned him the Rashtrapati Award. He became the youngest National Award winner at that time. He took more than 7 years of long break in order to complete his higher studies.
He couldn’t afford admission fees for a formal acting school and hence he joined dance class under Guru K.J. Sarasa. He mastered classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi.
He returned back into the filmy world as a dancer and makeup assistant. His destiny took a major turn after he appeared in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander. And he became unstoppable since then.
Personal life and Marriages
Kamal Hassan’s life is as dynamic as his career. Between intense relationship and separations, he remains a respectful ex-husband and a dedicated father.
He first tied knot with Vani Gangapathy, a classical dancer and choreographer, in 1978 but parted ways after 10 years of their marriage. He later married actress Sakira and the couple was blessed with two daughters- Shruti Hassan and Akshara Hassan. Later after their separation in early 2000s Kamal got into a relationship with Gatami Tadimalla but they parted their ways in 2016.
Awards and Legacy
Kamal Hassan is one of the few Indian actors who have ventured into different national and international collaborations. He remains India’s most prestigious actor after Amitabh Bachchan. With classics like Nayakan, Senapathy, Wisam Ek Duuje Ke liye, Sadma, and Chachi 420 have earned him 4 National Awards, 19 Film Fare Awards and Government honours.
- Best Actor Award for Moondram Pirai(1982), Nayakan (1987), Indian (1996)
- Best Feature Film (Tamil) – Hey Ram
- 19 Fimfare Awards. Later he requested Fimfare to stop considering him and give young actors the opportunity instead.
- Padma Shri (1990)
- Padma Bhushan (2014)
- Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2016) in France
- Kalamkari Award (1979)
- Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award (2006)
- CNN-IBN Indian of the Year (2009)
- Multiple lifetime achievement awards from SIIMA, IIFA and international fim festivals
Also read: Thalaivar 173 Director: Is Sundar C the Director of Rajinikanth’s Next Film? More Details Inside
Net worth and Business Empire
With more than 230 films and decades of acting, production and luxury brand endorsements, Kamal also owns his own production house Raaj Kamal Films International that has brought him under the list of Top 10 Richest Actors in India. His estimated net worth stands around Rs. 170-200 crore.
RKFI stands as one of the most respected production house of South India and has produced classics like Apoorva Sagodharargal, Devar Magan and the Vikram franchise.
Political Journey
Kamal Hassan’s Political journey has been a challenging one but more than just entertaining he believes in educating, questioning and reforming the society. He officially entered the political world in February 2018 and launched ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam’ which translates as People’s Justice Centre.
He lost his first election against a BJP contestant Vanathi Srinivasan by around 1700 votes, it’s considered as one of the tightest contests.
Kamal continues to hold meetings, policy discussions and social dialogues through MNM even after his electoral loss. He has made clear that his entry into politics was never for power but for public reforms. He often says: “I have lived as an artist for 60 years, I want to live as a responsible citizen for the rest of my life.”
Looking ahead
Kamal continues to balance his career in cinema as well as politics. He was recently seen in Thug Life by Mani Ratnam and has several upcoming projects like Indian 2, KH 237, and Thalaivar 173 which will mark the union with Rajnikanth after long years of their friendship.
Several reports mention his last major project will be of a vital role in Kalki 2. As of now it still remains unconfirmed.
From classic hits like Sadma to comedy like Chachi 420 and full fledged action-epic like Vikram and Indian, Kamal Hassan has mastered it all. He is an extraordinary actor and performer that the industry hasn’t seen in decades. He has left an indelible mark and his legacy will continue in the film industry. Happy birthday to a true legend.
Written by: Supriya