Why Do People Love Kamal Haasan?
Kamal Haasan is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. He has had an illustrious career spanning over five decades in the film industry. Kamal Haasan is admired not just for his exemplary acting skills but also for his multiple talents as a director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer, lyricist, and choreographer.
His charismatic on-screen presence and versatility have made him hugely popular among audiences. But what makes Kamal Haasan such a beloved figure that he continues to win hearts even today? Let’s explore the various factors behind Kamal Haasan’s widespread popularity and fan following.
Background and Film Career
Kamal Haasan was born on 7th November 1954 in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu. He started his career as a child artist at the age of 4 with the film Kalathur Kannamma in 1960. This won him the President’s Gold Medal for Best Child Actor. Kamal Haasan appeared in a few more films as a child actor before making his debut as a lead actor in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal.
Over the next few decades, Kamal Haasan established himself as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema with movies in multiple languages like Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi.
Some of his most iconic roles came in films like Moondram Pirai, Saagar, Nayakan, Pushpak, Devar Magan, Kuruthipunal and Indian. Kamal Haasan blurring the lines between commercial masala films and art cinema with his choice of unconventional stories and characters.
Here is a table highlighting some of Kamal Haasan’s best films across languages:
| Year | Film | Language |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Moondram Pirai | Tamil |
| 1985 | Saagar | Hindi |
| 1987 | Nayakan | Tamil |
| 1988 | Pushpak | Silent Film |
| 1997 | Devar Magan | Tamil |
| 1998 | Kuruthipunal | Tamil |
| 1996 | Indian | Tamil |
This establishes Kamal Haasan’s range as an actor and his ability to deliver hits not just in his native Tamil industry but even when he branched out to Bollywood and other regional film industries.
Versatility as an Actor
One of Kamal Haasan’s biggest strengths is his sheer versatility as an actor. Over his 5 decade career, he has played a stunning array of roles showcasing his dramatic range and ability to transform himself completely for getting into the skin of any character.
Some examples of Kamal Haasan’s iconic roles demonstrating his versatility:
Comedic/Humorous Roles
Films like Michael Madhana Kama Rajan, Sathi Leelavathi, Pammal K. Sambandam, Vasool Raja MBBS and Panchathantiram established Kamal Haasan’s prowess with comedic roles where his impeccable comic timing and sense of humor thoroughly entertained viewers.
Romantic Roles
Kamal Haasan has starred in many romantic films like Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Raja Paarvai and Salangai Oli portraying the romantic hero beautifully and making viewers fall in love with his characters.
Negative/Villainous Roles
In films like Geraftaar, Mahanadi and Indian, Kamal Haasan convincingly played dark, complex characters on the wrong side of the law. His nuanced portrayals humanized the villains and added depth.
Historical/Period Roles
Kamal Haasan looked perfectly in character whether it was playing freedom fighter Tiruppur Kumaran in Thevar Magan or the 12th century monk Paramashivan in Aalavandhan.
Physically and Emotionally Challenging Roles
Some of Kamal Haasan’s roles involved immense physical transformation like losing/gaining weight or adopting disabilities. Films like Devar Magan, Aboorva Sagotharargal and Anbe Sivam saw him take on such challenging roles.
This ability to play any type of role with perfection is what makes Kamal Haasan stand out from his peers and earn respect as a complete actor. Audiences never know what new avatar he will take up next on screen.
Directorial Skills
Apart from acting, Kamal Haasan has also written, directed and produced many of his own films. He helmed thought-provoking films like Hey Ram, Virumaandi and Vishwaroopam which were acclaimed for their bold themes and technical brilliance. Kamal Haasan always strives to break new ground with his directorial ventures. His directing style is marked by technical finesse, attention to detail and crafting meaningful cinema that makes a social commentary. No wonder he has earned praise for his directorial abilities in addition to acting talent.
Passion for Music
Kamal Haasan is an accomplished singer, having rendered his own playback singing in films like Salangai Oli and Unnaipol Oruvan. He has collaborated with maestro Ilayaraja for many memorable songs. Kamal Haasan has also written lyrics for some of his films. His musical knowledge and vocal skills add to his creative talents. Kamal Haasan hosted popular TV shows like Sangeetha Mahayuddham and Surukku Hourtham which allowed him to showcase his musical prowess further.
Philanthropic Side
Kamal Haasan is also admired for his humanitarian work off the screen. He founded the Children’s Charitable Trust in the 1980s which is involved in various philanthropic activities like running hospitals, supporting orphanages and education for underprivileged children. Kamal Haasan is also involved in social causes and participates in humanitarian efforts. His generous spirit amplifies the respect people have for him.
Down-to-Earth Public Persona
Despite his stardom, Kamal Haasan comes across as extremely down-to-earth, humble and approachable in public interactions and interviews. He speaks his mind on socio-political issues plaguing society while avoiding unnecessary controversies or scandals in his personal life. Kamal Haasan is therefore perceived by the public as a role model celebrity who uses his fame and influence responsibly.
Has Remained Relevant over Decades
Kamal Haasan’s work has enthralled Tamil, Telugu and Hindi film audiences since the 1970s. The fact that he continues to act in films, host TV shows and stay creatively active even today at the age of 68 is testimony to his evergreen appeal. Stars fade away but Kamal Haasan has evolved gracefully over decades while retaining his star power. Audiences have literally seen him grow from child actor to veteran star who keeps reinventing himself. This longevity adds hugely to his iconic status.
Conclusion
To summarize, Kamal Haasan enjoys such wide popularity and admiration due to his stellar acting skills, versatility to play diverse roles, directorial talents, musical flair, humanitarian spirit and ability to stay relevant over 5 decades in cinema. He represents the pinnacle of Indian cinema having won numerous awards including Padmashri and Padma Bhushan honors. Kamal Haasan truly is a living legend whose place in Indian film history is undisputed. No wonder he is showered with so much love and appreciation by audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kamal Haasan’s Popularity
Here are some common FAQs about why Kamal Haasan is so beloved:
What is Kamal Haasan’s biggest strength as an actor?
Kamal Haasan’s biggest strength is his versatility and ability to transform himself completely for any role. Over his career, he has played a stunning variety of characters – from romantic hero to freedom fighter to comedian to villain to disable man and more.
How does Kamal Haasan manage such realistic performances every time?
Kamal Haasan is known for his dedication and perfectionism in preparing for roles. He immerses himself completely whether it means changing his look drastically or staying in character always throughout a shoot. This gives his acting an authenticity that touches audiences.
What are Kamal Haasan’s talents apart from acting?
Kamal Haasan is multi-talented. He has directed, produced, written screenplay and even sung in many of his films. Kamal Haasan has a musical flair, evident from his work in composing, singing and TV shows with music competitions.
How has Kamal Haasan given back to society?
Kamal Haasan has been involved in many philanthropic and social causes. He runs charitable hospitals and schools for underprivileged children through his Trust. Kamal Haasan also champions humanitarian efforts and speaks up about socio-political issues.
What is remarkable about Kamal Haasan’s career?
What stands out is Kamal Haasan’s ability to sustain his success as a lead star and reinvent himself decade after decade since starting out as a child actor in the 1960s. He continues to act, direct and enthrall audiences after 50 years in cinema.
