Kamal Haasan[b] (born 7 November 1954) is an Indian actor, filmmaker and politician who predominantly works inTamil cinema, and currently serving as aMember of Parliament, Rajya Sabha forTamil Nadu.[6] Regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile actors of all time,[7] Haasan is renowned for portraying diverse and complex roles, across multiple genres, often involving physical transformations.[8] He is also known for pushing creative boundaries[9] and pioneering many new technologies inIndian cinema.[10] Filmmakers[c] have described Haasan as "cinema encyclopedia" for his immense knowledge and mastery of various aspects of filmmaking as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, singer, lyricist, and dancer.[22][23] He has also worked as an assistant director, choreographer, editor, make-up artist, narrator, television host, and a distributor of films. In his cinematic career spanning more than 65 years, he has made over 250 films inTamil,Telugu,Malayalam,Hindi,Kannada andBengali languages.[24] Haasan has won numerous accolades, including fiveNational Film Awards,[d] twentyFilmfare Awards,[e] elevenTamil Nadu State Film Awards,[f] and fourNandi Awards.[g] He was honoured with theKalaimamani in 1978, thePadma Shri in 1990, thePadma Bhushan in 2014, and theOrder of Arts and Letters (Chevalier) by theGovernment of France in 2016.[26] He was invited by theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025 to become a member of its Actors Branch, for being an "exceptionally talented individual having made indelible contributions to global filmmaking community."[27]
"Debuting as a child star, Kamal Haasan has gone on to become a Renaissance Man"
Haasan started his career as a child artist at the age of 5 in the 1960 Tamil filmKalathur Kannamma,[29] which earned him theNational Award for Best Child Artist.[h] After playing a few supporting roles, he progressed to lead role in the 1974 Malayalam filmKanyakumari, for which he won his firstFilmfare Award for Best Actor. He then earned threeNational Awards for Best Actor forMoondram Pirai (1982),Nayakan (1987) andIndian (1996). Haasan has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total, the most for any actor.[30] He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 18 wins[i] –eleven in Tamil,three in Telugu,two in Malayalam,one in Hindi, andone in Kannada.[j] He has been nominated for 63 Filmfare Awards, the most for any actor.[k] He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for acting, with 50 nominations. He is the only actor who has won Filmfare Awards across five different languages. Besides several acting awards for his acclaimed performances,[l] he has won many other cinematic awards for producing, directing, screenwriting, singing, lyric writing, choreographing and dancing.[m] Haasan is also distinguished for starring in the highest number of films submitted by India forBest International Feature Film at theAcademy Awards, with seven films –Saagar (1985),Swathi Muthyam (1986),Nayakan (1987),Thevar Magan (1992),Kuruthipunal (1995),Indian (1996), andHey Ram (2000) which he directed.[33] He has won manyawards at various international film festivals,[n] including the inaugural Best Asian Film Award at theBucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, South Korea, for his directorialVirumaandi (2004).[o] His production companyRaaj Kamal Films International has produced many of his films, includingThevar Magan (1992) which won him theNational Award for Best Tamil Film.
"The inimitable Kamal Haasan, regarded by many as the best actor India has ever produced"
Haasan's portrayal of an innocent man, scammed and imprisoned, inMahanadhi (1994), was selected byForbes India as one of the 25 greatest acting performances of Indian cinema.[36]Hindustan Times hailed him as "A polymath in the truest sense, Kamal has given silver jubilee films[p] in five languages. If there's one Indian actor who is a one-man industry in himself, it's Kamal Haasan."[37] He received the first Golden Beaver Award at the 2025 Indian Film Festival of Alberta, Canada, for "transforming cinema — bridging cultures, breaking barriers, and inspiring audiences worldwide."[38] He was awarded the "Original Pan-India Superstar" Award at the 2022South Indian International Movie Awards.[39] TheDirectorate of Film Festivals organised a three-day "Kamal Haasan Film Festival" from 2 to 4 July 2010,[40] and showcased seven of his best films –Sagara Sangamam (1983),Nayakan (1987),Thevar Magan (1992),Hey Ram (2000),Anbe Sivam (2003),Virumaandi (2004), andDasavathaaram (2008) in which he played ten distinct roles.Nayakan (1987) was chosen as one of the 100 greatest films of all time by the American magazineTIME.[41]Anbe Sivam (2003) was selected as one of the 25 best Indian movies of the 21st century byThe Hollywood Reporter India.[42] On October 16, 1997,Queen Elizabeth II publicly launched Haasan's unfinished historical filmMarudhanayagam.[43]
"Kamal Haasan falls under a special category, as his cinema broke barriers of language and region. He has been honoured with several awards. In fact, he may be the most awarded person in the country."
Haasan received theCNN-IBN Indian of the Year Special Award, from thePrime Minister of India,Manmohan Singh, for completing 50 years in cinema in 2009. He was named as one of the 50 most powerful Indians byIndia Today in 2017.[45] He was conferred twoHonorary Doctorates, one bySathyabama University in 2005, one byCenturion University in 2019. He received the firstA. T. Kovoor National Award for the Secular Artist in 2005, in acknowledgment of his humanist and philanthropic activities.[46] He was the first Tamil actor to convert his fan clubs into welfare associations, and has been consistently involved in many social services, including donating food and medicines to the needy, helping with children's education, and promoting blood and organ donation.[47] He was appointed an ambassador by theUnited Nations in 2007, for its joint campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect the rights of people living withHIV.[48] On 21 February 2018, Haasan formally launched a political party,Makkal Needhi Maiam (lit. People's Justice Centre).[49]
Kamal Haasan was born on 7 November 1954,[50] in a Tamil Brahmin Thenkalai Iyengar family, to D. Srinivasan Iyengar, who was a lawyer and freedom fighter,[51] and Rajalakshmi, who was a housewife.[52] His native place isParamakudi. He was initially named after the Parthasaraty deity at the Pallava-era temple in Chennai. His father later changed the name to Kamal Haasan.[53]The reason is that his father had a Muslim friend whose surname was Hassan, who died in the freedom struggle. In memory of his friend, his father named him Kamal Haasan.[54]His brothers,Charuhasan (born 1931) andChandrahasan (1937–2017), have also been actors.[55] Haasan's sister, Nalini (born 1946), is a classical dancer.[56] He received his primary education in Paramakudi before moving to Madras (nowChennai) as his brothers pursued their higher education.[52] Haasan continued his education inSanthome, Madras,[52] and was attracted towards film and fine arts as encouraged by his father.[52]
When a physician friend of his mother visitedA. V. Meiyappan (AVM) to treat his wife, she brought Haasan with her.[57] Apparently impressed by his demeanor AVM's son,M. Saravanan, recommended him for their productionKalathur Kannamma.[52] Haasan won theRashtrapati Award (President's gold medal) for his performance inKalathur Kannamma at age six and starred in five more films as a child. He debuted in theMalayalam film industry withKannum Karalum (1962). Upon his father's encouragement, he joined a repertory company (T. K. S. Nataka Sabha) headed byT. K. Shanmugam.[56] In the meanwhile, he continued his education at theHindu Higher Secondary School inTriplicane. His time with the theatre company shaped Haasan's craft and kindled his interest in makeup.[58][59]
After a seven-year hiatus from films, Haasan returned to the industry as a dance assistant, apprenticing under choreographer Thankappan. During this time, Haasan made brief appearances in some films including a few uncredited roles. His first appearance came in the 1970 filmMaanavan, in which he appeared in a dance sequence. He went on to assist Thankappan in films such asAnnai Velankani (1971) andKasi Yathirai (1973). In the former he had a supporting role and worked as an assistant director.[60] His first full-fledged role came inK. Balachander's Tamil filmArangetram (1973). Balachander cast him as the antagonist in hisSollathaan Ninaikkiren (1973). Haasan went on to do supporting roles in films such asGumasthavin Magal (1974),Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974) andNaan Avanillai. The same year, he played his first lead role in the Malayalam film,Kanyakumari, for which he won hisfirst Filmfare Award.[61] In Tamil cinema, he had his breakthrough as a lead actor in Balachander'sApoorva Raagangal. He played a rebellious young man who falls in love with an older woman.[62] For this character portrayal, Haasan learned to play themridangam.[63] The role won him his second Filmfare Award.[64]
In 1976, Haasan appeared in Balachander'sManmadha Leelai; this was followed byOru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu (directed byS. P. Muthuraman), which won him his third Filmfare Award. Haasan later appeared in the Balachander dramaMoondru Mudichu.Avargal (1977) concerned the women's movement and, for this role, he learnedventriloquism.[65] It was remade in Telugu asIdi Katha Kaadu (1979), with Haasan reprising his role.16 Vayathinile, in which he played a village bumpkin, which won him a fourth consecutive Best Actor award. In 1977 Haasan starred in his first Kannada film,Kokila, the directorial debut of friend and mentorBalu Mahendra. That year he also appeared in a Bengali film,Kabita, a remake of the Tamil filmAval Oru Thodar Kathai. In 1978 Haasan made hisTelugu film debut with a lead role in the cross-cultural romanticMaro Charitra, directed by Balachander. His fifth consecutive Filmfare Award resulted fromSigappu Rojakkal, a thriller in which he played a psychopathic sexual killer. He appeared in the Malayalam filmEeta, for which he won his sixth Filmfare Award. He first played opposite to theSridevi in the 1977 Malayalam movieSatyavan Savithri directed byP.G. Viswambharan, this combination was later on well-accepted and celebrated. In the 1979 Telugu filmSommokadidi Sokokadidi, Haasan played two parts. This was also his first collaboration with directorSingeetam Srinivasa Rao. He appeared in the musicalNinaithale Inikkum, a snake-horror filmNeeya andKalyanaraman. At the end of the 1970s he had six regional Best ActorFilmfare Awards, including four consecutiveBest Tamil Actor Awards.[citation needed]
AfterIndian, Haasan played a woman in the comedyAvvai Shanmughi, which was inspired byMrs. Doubtfire.[76] He chose Shantanu Sheorey to direct the Hindi remake ofAvvai Shanmughi,Chachi 420,[77] but after dissatisfaction with five days of shooting Haasan took over as director.[78][79] In 1997 Haasan began directing an unfinished biopic ofDilip Kumar,Marudhanayagam; a forty five minutes of film and a trailer was shot.[80]Marudhanayagam was expected to be the biggest, most expensive film inIndian cinematic history and his magnum opus; a number of well-known actors and technicians had been signed, and it was launched at a public ceremony byQueen Elizabeth during her 1997 visit to India.[81] Although the film failed to materialise due to budget constraints, Haasan expressed an interest in reviving the project.[82] In 1998, he appeared inSingeetam Srinivasa Rao's romantic comedy,Kaathala Kaathala oppositePrabhu Deva. The film was a commercial success and was dubbed in Hindi asMirch Masala, which was never released.[83]
After a two-year hiatus fromIndian cinema, Haasan decided against revivingMarudhanayagam. He directed his second film,Hey Ram,[84] aperiod drama, told in flashback, with a fact-based plot centering on thepartition of India and theassassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Haasan produced and choreographed the film, writing its screenplay and lyrics; it was India's submission for the Academy Awards that year.[85]Hey Ram was a box-office failure in India but was successful worldwide.[86] Also in 2000, Haasan appeared in the comedyThenali as aSri Lankan Tamilian withPTSD who is under a psychiatrist's care.Thenali, starringMalayalam actorJayaram, was a box-office success. Haasan's next film was 2001'sAalavandhan, in which he played two roles: For one he had his head shaved and gained ten kilograms. To play the other Army major inAalavandhan, he went to theNDA for a crash course.[87] The Hindi version was distributed by Shringar Films.[88][89] Despite pre-release publicity, the film was a commercial failure.[90]
In 2004 Haasan appeared inVasool Raja MBBS, a remake ofBollywood'sMunna Bhai M.B.B.S., withSneha which was a box-office success. The following year, he wrote and starred in the comedyMumbai Xpress. Released duringTamil New Year, it was a disappointment at the box office despite positive reviews. He appeared in a Kannada comedy filmRama Shama Bhama withRamesh Aravind. In 2006 Haasan's long-delayed project, the stylish police storyVettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu, was a success. Directed byGautham Vasudev Menon, the film is about a police officer sent to the US to investigate a series of medical murders. In 2008'sDasavathaaram, he played ten roles; the film was released in a number of languages (including Tamil, Telugu and Hindi) throughout India and overseas.Dasavathaaram, written by Haasan and directorK. S. Ravikumar, is one of the first modern science-fiction films made in India. Starring Haasan andAsin, it was the highest-grossing Tamil film (as of 2008[update]) and his performance was critically praised.[94] In Canada,Dasavathaaram was the first Tamil film distributed byWalt Disney Pictures.[95]
AfterDasavathaaram, Haasan directed a film tentatively titledMarmayogi, which stalled after a year of pre-production. He then produced and starred inUnnaipol Oruvan, a remake of the Bollywood filmA Wednesday, where he reprised the role originally played byNaseeruddin Shah with Malayalam SuperstarMohanlal playingAnupam Kher's role.[96][97] It was released inTelugu asEeenadu, withVenkatesh reprising the role played by Kher.[98] Both versions were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.[98][99]
Haasan collaborated for the fifth time with Ravikumar inManmadan Ambu, for which he also wrote the screenplay. The story concerns a man who hires a detective to find out if his fiancée is cheating on him.[100] The film was released in December 2010 to mixed reviews, withBehindwoods calling it "an entertainer, but in parts"[101] andSify saying it "lacks the punch to captivate the audiences".[102]
Haasan's next film afterManmadhan Ambu was 2013'sVishwaroopam, released in Hindi asVishwaroop. It won twoNational Film Awards (Best Production Design and Best Choreography) at the60th National Film Awards.[103] Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu demanded the ban of the film and claimed, that the film would hurt Muslim sentiments.[104][105] Although the film was cleared by Central Board of Film Certification of India, district collectors in the state of Tamil Nadu gave orders to the theatre owners to not showVishwaroopam, citing law and order problems. However, the film was released in other states with greater Muslim populations than in Tamil Nadu. A mutual agreement with the Muslims of Tamil Nadu was finally settled on 2 February 2013, when Haasan accepted to mute five scenes.Vishwaroopam was the 2nd highest-grossing Tamil film of 2013.[106]
He was set to reprise his role of Balram Naidu (aTeluguRAW Officer) fromDasavathaaram in a spin-off film directed by himself titledSabaash Naidu. The film was to be made in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi (asShabhash Kundu). The film's release date has been delayed owing to Haasan's entry into politics, and he pledged that he would focus on working onIndian 2 instead.[113]
On 17 September 2020, DirectorLokesh Kanagaraj announced through his Twitter handle that his next venture will have Kamal Haasan in lead role withAnirudh handling the music with the movie titled asVikram. It was Kamal Haasan's 232nd film as an actor. It also StarsFahadh Faasil,Vijay Sethupathi in the leading roles along withSuriya makes a cameo appearance in the film.[114] The film was released on 3 June 2022 and was a huge commercial success grossing₹423.8 crore (US$50 million) and went on to become the 2ndhighest-grossing Tamil film of the year andthird highest-grossing Tamil film of all time by beating the collections made by other Tamil films likeBeast,Valimai,Etharkkum Thunindhavan andDon etc.[115] The first single ofVikram titled "Pathala Pathala" received several million views from Kamal Haasan's fans and was the most viewed song onYouTube.[116] The song also received praise for Kamal Haasan's dance performances which went viral. Despite facing controversies from the song, it became an instant hit.[117] In August 2022, the filming forIndian 2 resumed, after a break of almost a year. The film was released on July 12, 2024, to negative reviews from critics andbombed at the box-office.[118]
In June 2023, he was cast inKalki 2898 AD as the antagonist, marking his comeback in Telugu cinema. It was the first film in Indian cinema to attendSan Diego Comic-Con, in July 2023. Along with the director and producers of the film,Nag Ashwin,C. Aswani Dutt, andSwapna Dutt, he presented the panel of the film withPrabhas andRana Daggubati. In October 2023, he gave a voice-over for his character inLeo, the third entry in theLokiverse.[119] AfterIndian 2, he will be collaborating withH. Vinoth, for his 233rd film, However the film was shelved due to creative differences.[120][121][122][123]
He has also announced his reunion with Mani Ratnam for his 234th film, entitledThug Life, which was released in theatres on the 5th June 2025 and received negative reviews and it became a box office bomb.[124]
Haasan has written songs for his films. He wrote the lyrics for a single inHey Ram, songs inVirumaandi andUnnaipol Oruvan and the album forManmadhan Ambu. Haasan's musical work has been well received by his peers in Tamil film.[129] He is also a playback singer,[130] singing inTamil,Hindi,Telugu,Malayalam and English.[131] Haasan also wrote the lyrics for a song about theCOVID-19 pandemic in India and released its music video, "Arivum Anbum". The album, composed byGhibran and directed by Haasan, featured Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja and a number of other contemporary performers.[132][133]
In 2021, Haasan featured in a song 'Shades of Blue: A Musical Tribute toVenmurasu' composed byRaleigh Rajan and released by DirectorMani Ratnam in honor ofVenmurasu, the longest novel ever written in any language.[134] Earlier, he has spoken in appreciation ofVenmurasu and writerJeyamohan on Bigg Boss during his book recommendations.[135] In 2022, Haasan was the lyricist and the playback singer for the song "Pathala Pathala" from Vikram.[136]
Kamal Haasan launched his personal fashion line, called KH House of Khaddar (KHHK).[153] It is a sustainable fashion brand co-founded by Kamal Haasan and designed by Amritha Ram, focusing on blending India's Khadi handloom heritage with Western silhouettes for a contemporary global audience. The brand was first introduced at a high-profile launch in Chicago in November 2021, followed by its Indian debut on Republic Day 2022.
Haasan was born into aTamil family[154] in the town ofParamakudi, in theRamanathapuram district ofTamil Nadu, to criminal defence lawyer D. Srinivasan and Rajalakshmi, a housewife.[155] In 2013 his daughterShruti Haasan appeared on an episode ofNeengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi, where she availed the "phone a friend" option to call her father Kamal, he stated that his parents named him Parthasarathy before he was called as Kamal Haasan and his mother always used to call him by his birth name.[156] In an interview withKaran Thapar, Haasan said his father was literate inSanskrit. Haasan is the youngest of four children; his siblings areCharuhasan,Chandrahasan and Nalini (Raghu). His two older brothers followed their father's example and studied law.[157] Haasan continued his education in Sir M.Ct. Muthiah Chettiar Boys Higher Secondary School[158] andHindu Higher Secondary School in Madras (nowChennai).[citation needed]
Haasan has alluded to his parents in some of his works, notablyUnnaipol Oruvan and in the song "Kallai Mattum" inDasavathaaram.[159] His eldest brother Charuhasan, like Haasan, is aNational Film Award-winning actor who appeared in theKannada filmTabarana Kathe. Charuhasan's daughterSuhasini is also a National Film Award-winning actress married to director (and fellow award-winner)Mani Ratnam, who collaborated with Haasan on 1987'sNayakan.[160] Chandrahasan has produced several of Haasan's films and was an executive withRaaj Kamal Films International. He died in March 2017.[161] Chandrahasan's daughterAnu Hasan has had supporting roles in several films, including Suhasini'sIndira. Haasan's sister, Nalini Raghu, is a dance teacher for whom he named an auditorium (Nalini Mahal).[162] Her son, Gautham, played Haasan's character's grandson in "Hey Ram".
Haasan with daughtersShruti (left) andAkshara (right)
In 1978, at age 24, Haasan married dancerVani Ganapathy.[163] She acted with Haasan in the 1975 movieMelnaattu Marumagal. After marriage, Vani worked as Haasan's costume designer for several movies. They divorced ten years later.[164]
Haasan and actressSarika began living together in 1988, marrying after the birth of their first child,Shruti (born 1986).[165] Shruti is a singer and aTollywood-Kollywood actress. Their younger daughter,Akshara (born 1991), is an assistant director and actress. Sarika stopped acting soon after their marriage, Sarika worked as Haasan's costume designer for the movieHey Ram and won theNational Film Award for Best Costume Designer.[166][167] In 2002, the couple filed for divorce, which became final in 2004.[168] After their divorce, Sarika acted in movies and TV serials, winning theNational Film Award for Best Actress for the 2005 filmParzania.[169]
From 2005 to 2016, Haasan was in a relationship with actressGautami. He co-starred with her frequently during the late 1980s and early 1990s.[170][171]
Early in his career, he co-starred in several films withSrividya with whom he was in relationship. Haasan visited Srividya on her deathbed in 2006.[172]
In SanskritKamal means "lotus", but it was rumoured that his name originated with a friend of his father (Yaakob Hassan, a Muslim freedom fighter who was imprisoned along with Kamal's father by the British). In a BBC interview withKaran Thapar, Haasan said that his last name derives from the Sanskrit wordhasya, and although the Yaakob Hassan connection was publicised by the media it was only "a story".[157] Haasan is consideredleft-leaning orindependent. Although he initially abstained from politics, he entered regional politics in Tamil Nadu in 2018.[175] He also said that his entering politics would result in his death within a year.[176]
Haasan with social activistM. B. Nirmal (right) in Chennai
Haasan is the first Tamil actor to convert his fan clubs into welfare organisations[177] and is involved in social-service activities through the clubs under the nameKamal Narpani Iyakkam (Kamal Welfare Association).[178][179] His fan clubs help organise blood- and eye-donation drives, and donate educational materials to students.[180][181][182]
Haasan received the first Abraham Kovoor National Award for his humanist activities and secular life in 2004.[183] He was project ambassador for Hridayaragam 2010, which raised funds for an orphanage forHIV/AIDS-affected children.[184] In September 2010 Haasan launched a children's cancer relief fund and gave roses to children with cancer atSri Ramachandra University inPorur, Chennai.[185] He has pledged his product-endorsement income to social causes.[186][187] Haasan, along with his partnerGautami, won₹ 5 million onNeengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi in March 2013 and donated the prize money toPetral Thaan Pillaya, anonprofit organization supporting cancer patients.[188]
Known for refusing any kind of brand endorsement, Haasan endorsedPothys for the first time in 2015.[191] His daughter, Shruti has previously endorsed Pothys. In the past, Haasan has stated that should he ever act in commercials, the revenue earned from them would be donated to HIV affected children.[192]
Haasan publishes the magazineMayyam, by the Kamal Haasan Welfare Association (Narpani Iyakkam). His views on cinema, child and drug abuse, and the Kashmir conflict have been published asThedi Theerpom Va (Come, Let's Find and Solve) by his fan club.[193] He is also interested inTamil literature.[194][195]
He formed the centrist partyMakkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a regional political party in Tamil Nadu. He formally announced the party's formation on 21 February 2018 in Madurai. The party's flag displays six joined hands in a circle in alternate red and white colours with a white star at its centre in a black background. Haasan began his political journey from late PresidentA. P. J. Abdul Kalam's residence and his memorial atRameswaram.[49] His party contested in 37 seats in2019 Indian general election and lost. Makkal Needhi Maiam's vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha election was 3.72% (in the seats it contested).[196]
Haasan has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total, the most for any actor.[201] He holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, with a total of 18 wins – eleven in Tamil, three in Telugu, two in Malayalam, one in Hindi, and one in Kannada. He has been nominated for 63 Filmfare Awards, the most for any actor.[r] He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for acting, with 50 nominations. Haasan holds the record for the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor – Tamil, with a total of 11 wins. He also holds the record for the most Filmfare Award nominations for Best Actor – Tamil, with 35 nominations. He is the only actor who has won Filmfare Awards across five different languages:
The European jury of eminent filmmakers said, "Virumaandi successfully manages to combine social and political drama, romance, humour, musical and spectacular action in one story of epic proportions. All the more impressive is the fact that it has been written, produced and directed by one man who also plays the lead role. It is a film that should easily appeal to audiences from all over the world."Jan Doense, filmmaker and a member of the jury gave the Best Asian Film Award to Kamal Haasan and said, "Astounding", even as he appreciated the ethnicity of the film.[204]
Haasan was appointed an ambassador by theUnited Nations in 2007, for its joint campaign with the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society to protect the rights of people living withHIV.
Haasan was ranked the 2nd biggest and most famous Indian actor of all time by the British magazineTime Out in 2025.
Haasan was awarded theHenri Langlois Prize in 2016, a French honour, for his contributions to international cinema.
Haasan's portrayal of an innocent man, scammed and imprisoned, inMahanadhi (1994), was selected byForbes India as one of the 25 greatest acting performances of Indian cinema.[207]
Nayakan (1987) was chosen as one of the 100 greatest films of all time by the American magazineTIME.[208]
Haasan was invited by theAcademy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2025 to become a member of its Actors Branch, for being an "exceptionally talented individual having made indelible contributions to global filmmaking community."[211]
Haasan received the first Golden Beaver Award for "transforming cinema — bridging cultures, breaking barriers, and inspiring audiences worldwide" at the Indian Film Festival of Alberta, Canada (2025).[38]
Haasan was one of 20 Indian cinematic icons, whose extraordinary achievements were acknowledged in the 24th edition of theLimca Book of Records (2013).[212]
Haasan was the first Indian actor invited aboard an American ship, as a special friend of theUnited States in 2012.[213]
ActorJackie Chan expressed his desire to star in a Tamil film with Haasan,[221] saying, "Kamal can do stunts, sing, dance, fight and romance. He's incredible."[222] DirectorAng Lee said, "I am totally stunned by Kamal Haasan's brilliance. He is not only an amazing actor, but a great human being who knows everything about world-class cinema."[223] ProducerBarrie M. Osborne said, "It is such an honour to know Haasan, because his knowledge of literature and films is like that of an encyclopedia."[224] ComposerA. R. Rahman also called Haasan an "encyclopedia", and said, "Ulaganayagan is a university by himself."[225]
ActorAmitabh Bachchan said that Haasan is "much, much greater than all of us. The kind of work Kamal has done is very difficult to achieve. Each one of his films is filled with so much reality and effort that he puts in. It is an honour to be in the same film as him."[226] ActorAamir Khan said that he was a big fan of Kamal's work, has learned from his acting and that he has always looked up to Haasan.[227] ActorShah Rukh Khan said, "I asked Haasan if I could touch him when I first met him. I find him greater thanDustin Hoffman andDe Niro put together. He's a technician par excellence. That kind of knowledge and control every actor should strive to get."[228] ActorMohanlal said, "Kamal Haasan is a wonderful actor and deserves more appreciation than he has been endowed now."[229]
DirectorAnurag Kashyap said, "Kamal sir is not just one of the greatest actors of all time, but also one of the greatest minds."[230] Leading film production companyVyjayanthi Movies stated that Kamal Haasan is "the greatest actor, the only one whose shadow could cover the Earth."[231][232] ActorVenkatesh said, "Kamal sir is an actor par excellence. He was the first pan-India star. Today, he is the global star with unparalleled talent. South Indian cinema has two eras - before Kamal sir, and after Kamal sir."[233] ActorPawan Kalyan said, "Haasan's exceptional command over every aspect of filmmaking as a writer, singer, director, producer, and actor is truly inspiring. He is a true master of the craft."[234]
DirectorQuentin Tarantino said he was inspired by Haasan'sAalavandhan (2001) which depicted violence as animated.[235] DirectorK. Balachander said, "It is often argued that had Haasan been born abroad, he would have won theOscar many times over. I have never ceased to be amazed by the limits and standards he sets for himself — standards that nobody else imagines even exists!"[236] DirectorMani Ratnam said, "There are some things he can do that others can, but there are many things Kamal can do that no other actor can."[228] ActorNagesh, when asked who is the best actor, replied, "It's Kamal Haasan. Without him, there's no cinema."[237]
DirectorBala said that Haasan'sAnbe Sivam (2003) had inspired him.[238] DirectorGautham Vasudev Menon said, "Haasan is an institution as far as acting is concerned. He's right up there at the top."[228] DirectorAmeer Sultan said, "Of late, no one in Tamil cinema is making a movie without the influence of Kamal Haasan or his movies."[239] ActorR. Madhavan said, "Kamal ji isn't just a brilliant actor, he is a phenomenon that defies analysis. I call myself a sincere disciple of Kamal Haasan."[240]
Haasan has been involved in several controversies.
In 2015, Haasan was criticised by the-then Tamil Nadu Finance MinisterO. Panneerselvam, who stated that Haasan was "confused" and had "blabbered", unaware of the ground reality for his statement on the government's response to rain relief efforts.[243][244] Haasan was also criticised byNayakan's producer Muktha Srinivasan for his article inThe Hindu taking unnecessary credit for that film.[245] Directors likeBharathan, who was irked by the unnecessary interferences of Kamal during the filming ofThevar Magan, andBalachandra Menon, who criticized Kamal for making his film,Kanden Seethaiyai, shelved by leaving the project, were some of the filmmakers who had rifts with Kamal.[246]Sibi Malayil was supposed to direct the filmGunaa. But when he understood that Kamal Haasan would take the decisions regarding the making of film, Sibi withdrew from the project.[247]
Haasan has been accused of self-indulgence,[248] and has been criticised for sexually explicit scenes and themes, offending religious sentiments and superficiality on social issues depicted in his films.[249][250][251] There have also been complaints about his obsession with perfection, which may have caused some of his films torun over budget.[252][253][254] He was also accused of kissing actressRekha Harris without her consent in a scene during the shooting ofPunnagai Mannan. Many, including singerChinmayi Sripaada, consider it as sexual harassment.[255] His former partner Gautami had said that Kamal Haasan hasn't paid her salary dues since 2016. She also accused Haasan of hurting her film prospects by preventing her from working with others.[256]
In November 2017, Haasan said thatright-wing Hindus have started employing extremism to propagate their communal agenda.[257] In May 2019, he passed a controversial remark that independent India's first terrorist was aHindu during his election campaign.[258]
In May 2025, Haasan made a statement that "Kannada was born out of Tamil[259]", which offendedKannadigas and Pro-Kannada activists. His refusal to apologise sparked wide spread protests inKarnataka and led to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce calling for ban on the release ofThug Life. On 3 June 2025, theKarnataka High Court, warned Haasan that he cannot use his right to speech "to hurt sentiments".[260][261]
In August, 2025, Haasan made controversial remarks on the necessity of education in Chennai, "Education (is the) only weapon that can break (the) chains of dictatorship andSanatan".[262][263]
K. Hariharan (10 July 2024).Kamal Haasan: A Cinematic Journey (1st ed.).HarperCollins Publishers India. 280 pages.ISBN9789354899621.One of the greatest actors India has ever produced, Kamal Haasan is unique in many ways. He has usually gone beyond just enacting a role to completely immersing himself in it.
^In an interview, Haasan revealed that Parthasarathy was one of the names given to him.[4] He was initially named after the Parthasarathy deity at Pallava-era temple in Chennai. Later his father changed his name to Kamal Haasan.[5] His name as per the records of Rajya Sabha is Shri Kamal Haasan.[6]
^Jackie Chan,[11] Ang Lee,[12] Barrie M. Osborne,[13] A. R. Rahman,[14] Amitabh Bachchan,[15] Shah Rukh Khan,[16] Atlee,[17] Daggubati Venkatesh,[18] Pawan Kalyan,[19] Jaideep Ahlawat,[20] Pooja Kumar[21]
5.National Film Award for Best Child Artist forKalathur Kannamma (1960) (The award for best acting was given out as aRashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal) until the 14th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1967, when the National Awards were called as the "State Awards for Films". They were renamed to the currentNational Film Awards from the 15th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1968.)[25]
4.NTR National Award (2014) for Lifetime achievements and contributions to Indian cinema
^The award for best acting was given out as aRashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal) until the 14th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1967, when the National Awards were called as the "State Awards for Films". They were renamed to the currentNational Film Awards from the 15th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1968.[25]
^Though Haasan wrote a letter to the organisation asking them to not give him any more awards after his win forHey Ram (2000),[31] he won his eighteenth Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) forVikram (2022) at the 68th Filmfare Awards South 2023 - Tamil.[32]
8. ForAnbe Sivam (2003), Southern India Cinematographers Association Award for Best Actor
9. ForVettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Film Fans' Association Award for Best Actor
10. ForDasavathaaram (2008), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Actor, Vijay Awards for Best Comedian, Best Villain and Favourite Hero, Film Fans' Association Award for Best Actor
11. ForVishwaroopam (2013), Vijay Award for Best Actor, Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Legendary Performance as Actor
12. ForUttama Villain (2015), Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF) Award for Best Actor, MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
13. ForPapanasam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
14. ForThoongaa Vanam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
15. ForKalki 2898 AD (2024), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu
Films for which Haasan won other cinematic awards (other than acting awards):
1. ForApoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil and Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
2. ForThevar Magan (1992), National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Feature Film (Second Prize) and Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
3. ForKuruthipunal (1995), Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
4. ForVirasat (1997), Filmfare Award for Best Story – Hindi and Screen Award for Best Story
5. ForHey Ram (2000), Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Most Outstanding Work of the Year
6. ForVirumaandi (2004), Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) Best Asian Film Award
7. ForDasavathaaram (2008), Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Screenplay, Vijay Awards for Best Story, Screenplay Writer and Best Dialogue Writer
8. ForManmadan Ambu (2010), Vijay Music Awards for Best Lyricist and Best Song sung by an Actor (Song: Neela Vaanam)
9. ForVishwaroopam (2013), Vijay Award for Favourite Director, Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Legendary Performance as Director, Writer, Producer and Singer, Jagran Film Festival Special Jury Award for raising the bar of mainstream Indian cinema to International level
10. ForUttama Villain (2015), Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF) Awards for Best Picture, Best Produced Screenplay and Best Original Song (Song: Iraniyan Naadagam), Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Best Song Choreographer
11. ForThoongaa Vanam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Film
12. ForVikram (2022), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Playback Singer (Male) – Tamil (Song: Pathala Pathala), Osaka Tamil International Film Festival Award for Best Tamil Film
13. ForAmaran (2024), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Film – Tamil, Chennai International Film Festival Award for Best Tamil Feature Film
10.Virumaandi (2004) – International Film Festival Rotterdam, Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan)
11.Vishwaroopam (2013) – India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay
12.Uttama Villain (2015) – Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF)
13.Vikram (2022) – Busan International Film Festival, Osaka Tamil International Film Festival
14.Kalki 2898 AD (2024) – Busan International Film Festival
^The European jury of eminent filmmakers said, "Virumaandi successfully manages to combine social and political drama, romance, humour, musical and spectacular action in one story of epic proportions. All the more impressive is the fact that it has been written, produced and directed by one man who also plays the lead role. It is a film that should easily appeal to audiences from all over the world."Jan Doense, filmmaker and a member of the jury gave the award to Haasan and said, "Astounding", even as he appreciated the ethnicity of the film.[34]
^A silver jubilee film is a movie that ran continuously in theatres for 25 consecutive weeks without any interruptions.
^The award for best acting was given out as aRashtrapati Award (President's Gold Medal) until the 14th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1967, when the National Awards were called as the "State Awards for Films". They were renamed to the currentNational Film Awards from the 15th National Film Awards ceremony held in 1968.[25][200]
^Though Haasan wrote a letter to the organisation asking them to not give him any more awards after his win forHey Ram (2000),[183][202] he won his eighteenth Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) forVikram (2022) at the 68th Filmfare Awards South 2023 - Tamil.[203]
8. ForAnbe Sivam (2003), Southern India Cinematographers Association Award for Best Actor
9. ForVettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu (2006), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Film Fans' Association Award for Best Actor
10. ForDasavathaaram (2008), Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor, Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Actor, Vijay Awards for Best Comedian, Best Villain and Favourite Hero, Film Fans' Association Award for Best Actor
11. ForVishwaroopam (2013), Vijay Award for Best Actor, Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Legendary Performance as Actor
12. ForUttama Villain (2015), Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF) Award for Best Actor, MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
13. ForPapanasam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
14. ForThoongaa Vanam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Actor
15. ForKalki 2898 AD (2024), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu
Films for which Haasan won other cinematic awards (other than acting awards):
1. ForApoorva Sagodharargal (1989), Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil and Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
2. ForThevar Magan (1992), National Film Award for Best Tamil Feature Film, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Feature Film (Second Prize) and Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
3. ForKuruthipunal (1995), Cinema Express Award for Best Film – Tamil
4. ForVirasat (1997), Filmfare Award for Best Story – Hindi and Screen Award for Best Story
5. ForHey Ram (2000), Bengal Film Journalists' Association Award for Most Outstanding Work of the Year
6. ForVirumaandi (2004), Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival (PiFan) Best Asian Film Award
7. ForDasavathaaram (2008), Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Screenplay, Vijay Awards for Best Story, Screenplay Writer and Best Dialogue Writer
8. ForManmadan Ambu (2010), Vijay Music Awards for Best Lyricist and Best Song sung by an Actor (Song: Neela Vaanam)
9. ForVishwaroopam (2013), Vijay Award for Favourite Director, Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Legendary Performance as Director, Writer, Producer and Singer, Jagran Film Festival Special Jury Award for raising the bar of mainstream Indian cinema to International level
10. ForUttama Villain (2015), Los Angeles Independent Film Festival (LAIFF) Awards for Best Picture, Best Produced Screenplay and Best Original Song (Song: Iraniyan Naadagam), Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Best Song Choreographer
11. ForThoongaa Vanam (2015), MGR-SIVAJI Academy Award for Best Film
12. ForVikram (2022), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Playback Singer (Male) – Tamil (Song: Pathala Pathala), Osaka Tamil International Film Festival Award for Best Tamil Film
13. ForAmaran (2024), South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) for Best Film – Tamil, Chennai International Film Festival Award for Best Tamil Feature Film
^"Where Kamal Haasan was really born?".The Times of India.Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved23 August 2018.Haasan was born in Ramanathapuram palace and not in Paramakudi as thought by most.
"KAMAL HAASAN'S BEST FILMS YOU CAN'T MISS".Times Now. 7 November 2022.Indian superstar Kamal Haasan turned 68 today. He is considered as one of the greatest actors of all time.
"Kamal Haasan is the best we've got".Rediff. 6 June 2008.Archived from the original on 15 October 2018. Retrieved13 August 2025.On meeting Kamal Haasan: He is, without a doubt one of the greatest actors we have in Indian cinema as well as the world.
Sumanth (1 June 2022)."10 First Of Its Kind Technologies Introduced By Kamal Haasan To Indian Cinema".Wirally.Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved3 July 2022.In his career spanning more than six decades, the versatile cinematic magician has done everything that is related to Cinema. Kamal Haasan took Indian Cinema forward with his vision and finesse. He pioneered many techniques in the industry. He introduced many first of its kind technologies to the Indian industry.
Athimuthu, Soundarya (27 April 2022)."Vishwaroopam to Vikram: Kamal Haasan & Tech Innovation in His Films".The Quint. Retrieved3 July 2022.Kamal Haasan, also referred to as the 'Ulaganayagan' (the world's actor), is known for introducing interesting technologies to the Indian cinema.
^"I'm a true Gandhian".Times of India. 4 May 2008.Kamal can do stunts, sing, dance, fight and romance. He's incredible.
^"Ang Lee: Stunned by Kamal Haasan's brilliance".News18. 2 November 2012.Archived from the original on 10 April 2017. Retrieved5 August 2025.Haasan is not only an amazing actor but a great human being who knows everything about world-class cinema.
^S. Shiva Kumar (25 August 2006)."A dream come true for him".The Hindu. Archived fromthe original on 11 November 2012. Retrieved21 January 2011.I find Haasan greater thanDustin Hoffman andDe Niro put together. He's a technician par excellence. That kind of knowledge and control every actor should strive to get.
^"Happy Birthday Kamal Haasan: Ten lesser known facts about the legend as he turns 65".Hindustan Times. 7 November 2019.Archived from the original on 3 November 2020. Retrieved13 August 2025.If there's one Indian actor who is a one-man industry in himself, it's Kamal Haasan who has always taken the road less travelled. A polymath in the truest sense, Kamal has made sure he goes beyond the realms of acting — he's a dancer, singer, director, producer, lyricist, technician and make-up artist too!
^abc"Kamal Haasan celebrates 50 years in films!".Hindustan Times. 10 August 2009.Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved18 August 2025.Kamal had won the best child actor National Award for his performance in his debut film.
^"THE ACADEMY INVITES 534 TO MEMBERSHIP".Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 26 June 2025.Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved27 June 2025.Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community.
^"A true Ulaganayagan (Global Hero) and a cinematic pioneer!".Filmfare magazine on X. 6 October 2025.With 20 Filmfare Awards to his name, Kamal Haasan stands alone, holding the record for the most Filmfare Awards won by any actor in Indian cinema! This staggering record, which includes the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, is a proof of his unmatched versatility across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films.
^"A true Ulaganayagan (Global Hero) and a cinematic pioneer!".Filmfare magazine on X. 6 October 2025.With 20 Filmfare Awards to his name, Kamal Haasan stands alone, holding the record for the most Filmfare Awards won by any actor in Indian cinema! This staggering record, which includes the most Filmfare Awards for Best Actor, is a proof of his unmatched versatility across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films.
^"THE ACADEMY INVITES 534 TO MEMBERSHIP".Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. 26 June 2025.Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved27 June 2025.Through their commitment to filmmaking and to the greater movie industry, these exceptionally talented individuals have made indelible contributions to our global filmmaking community.
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