Kamal Haasan’s journey from a curious child in Tamil Nadu to becoming one of India’s most versatile and revered cinematic legends is a story of passion, perseverance, and profound artistry. His life unfolds like a captivating film, embracing moments of struggle, inspiration, and triumph.
Early Life & Background
The early life of Kamal Haasan began on November 7, 1954, in the town of Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, into a Tamil Iyengar Brahmin family deeply rooted in culture and education. Born Parthasarathy Srinivasan, Kamal’s father, D. Srinivasan, was a respected lawyer and freedom fighter, while his mother was a devoted homemaker. Growing up as the youngest among siblings who also made their marks in acting and dance, Kamal was surrounded by an environment that nurtured arts and intellect.
Kamal’s early education in Tamil Nadu, later continuing in Madras (now Chennai), was accompanied by an exposure to fine arts and literature, encouraged by his parents. Childhood experiences in theatre and cinema planted the seeds of what would become a monumental cinematic journey.
Entry into the Entertainment Industry
Kamal Haasan’s entry into films was almost serendipitous. At the age of six, during a visit arranged by his mother’s physician friend to the legendary producer A. V. Meiyappan, Kamal was noticed for his charm and natural presence. This led to his debut as a child artist in the Tamil film Kalathur Kannamma (1960), which earned him the prestigious Rashtrapati (President’s) Gold Medal for Best Child Artist.
This early success was just the beginning. Kamal continued acting as a child, appearing in several films across Tamil and Malayalam cinema, while honing his acting and dance skills. He also joined a theatre company, T. K. S. Nataka Sabha, where he learned important acting techniques and makeup artistry.
Career Journey & Major Turning Points
The career journey of Kamal Haasan is a testament to innovation and versatility. Transitioning smoothly from a child artist to adult roles wasn’t easy, but Kamal’s association with visionary directors like K. Balachander proved pivotal. His breakthrough came with Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by Balachander, where Kamal played complex roles that challenged societal norms and showcased his immense acting range.
Kamal’s filmography is a rich tapestry of diverse roles—romantic leads, anti-heroes, comedians, and deeply emotional characters. Some of his significant films include Moondram Pirai (1982), Nayakan (1987), Indian (1996), Hey Ram (2000), and Vishwaroopam (2013). He is known for his method acting, technical competence, and passion for perfecting every aspect of filmmaking including direction, choreography, and screenwriting.
Kamal’s experimentation was evident in films like Dasavathaaram (2008), where he played ten different roles, each with unique traits, displaying remarkable versatility. His willingness to push boundaries extended beyond acting to filmmaking techniques and socially relevant themes.
Achievements & Recognition
The achievements of Kamal Haasan are numerous and include multiple National Film Awards, Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, and special honors. Kamal has been honored with the Padma Shri (1990) and Padma Bhushan (2014), two of India’s most prestigious civilian awards. Beyond national awards, Kamal’s films have been critically acclaimed internationally, with Nayakan selected as one of the greatest Indian films ever made.
Kamal also ventured into politics, founding the Makkal Needhi Maiam party in 2018 to promote transparency, anti-corruption, and development in Tamil Nadu politics, showcasing his commitment to public service beyond cinema.
Personal Challenges & Resilience
Throughout his life, Kamal faced challenges balancing the demands of a prolific film career, personal life, and later, politics. His relentless pursuit of excellence led to moments of both criticism and praise, yet he remained grounded and focused. The intense demands of his multi-faceted work tested his health and patience, but his resilience and passion kept him moving forward.
Kamal Haasan has been married twice. His first marriage was to classical dancer Vani Ganapathy in 1978. They collaborated on the film Melnaattu Marumagal in 1978, where Vani also worked as his costume designer for several films. However, their marriage lasted about ten years, ending in divorce around 1988.
Soon after, Kamal began living with actress Sarika. They had two daughters—Shruti Haasan (born 1986), a singer and actress, and Akshara Haasan (born 1991), who is an assistant director and actress. Kamal and Sarika married in 1988 after their first child was born but eventually divorced in 2004, after filing for divorce two years earlier.
After his second divorce, Kamal Haasan was in a relationship with actress Gautami from 2005 to 2016. He also had acknowledged a relationship with the actress Srividya early in his career.
Kamal has been open about his personal life and views on marriage, once stating that his first marriage ended because it “wasn’t working” and that he was losing faith in the institution of marriage at that time.
Political Career of Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan ventured into politics with the founding of the regional political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in Tamil Nadu on February 21, 2018, in Madurai. The party positions itself as a centrist alternative in Tamil Nadu with a focus on development, transparency, and anti-corruption.
His political journey began symbolically from the residence and memorial of former President A. P. J. Abdul Kalam at Rameswaram. MNM contested 37 seats in the 2019 Indian general elections but did not win any. Kamal himself ran unsuccessfully in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election from Coimbatore South, losing narrowly to BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan.
In 2025, Kamal Haasan entered the Rajya Sabha as a nominated member representing Tamil Nadu, supported by the DMK-led INDIA alliance. His entry marked a significant step in his political career.
Throughout his political career, Kamal Haasan has been vocal on several issues, sometimes courting controversy. He has criticized right-wing extremism and made statements prompting discussions around communalism and education.
Human Side & Inspirational Takeaways
Behind the fame, Kamal Haasan is known for his humility, discipline, and insatiable curiosity. He is a polyglot, writer, dancer, and thinker, known for his deep engagement with cinema as an art form and as a social voice. His ability to reinvent himself continuously is an inspiration for artists worldwide.
The inspiring story of Kamal Haasan is about breaking molds—not just embracing acting but transforming Indian cinema with his innovative vision and courage to tackle sensitive subjects. His story encourages embracing versatility, lifelong learning, and using fame responsibly.
Inspirational Lessons
- Pursue passion relentlessly: Kamal’s early interest in arts blossomed into a multi-dimensional career.
- Embrace versatility: His willingness to experiment in roles and filmmaking set new standards.
- Stay grounded: Despite fame, Kamal values humility and continuous learning.
- Use platform for change: His leap into politics reflects his desire to impact society positively.
Kamal Haasan’s journey is an enduring tale of talent, courage, and the continuous quest for artistic and social excellence.
Read More:Â https://curiousindian.in/pran-february-1920-july-2013/
