Actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan was born on November 7, 1954 and celebrates his 58th birthday today
As he turns 58 today, Kamal Haasan can look back at a lifetime in cinema that is not equally matched – either in scope or excellence. Actor, producer, director, lyricist, playback singer, choreographer – he has played virtually every role in cinema with seemingly effortless ease and achieved near perfection in each.
Kamal’s career spanning over five decades has seen him win wide acclaim among fans and critics and a mind-boggling line-up of awards. A Padmashree, three National Film Awards, accolades at various international film festivals, a string of Tamil Nadu State awards, a doctorate in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema – these are only a few of them.
He may be one of the most senior actors in South Indian cinema today, but he is also among the most tech-savvy and continues to be a trend-setter. For example, he has employed Aura 3D technology audio in his forthcoming release, Vishwaroopam, a first in Indian cinema.
From Paramakudi to the film studios of Kodambakkam and beyond, Haasan has come a long way. Each of his films is unique from the rest. That has been the case from Kalathur Kannamma, in which he appeared as a child artiste, till Vishwaroopam. One of the leading method actors of Indian cinema, his versatility in acting has won him millions of fans across the globe. His film production company, Rajkamal International, has produced several of his movies.
After several projects as a child artiste, Haasan’s breakthrough into lead acting came with his role in Apoorva Raagangal, in which he played a rebellious youth in love with an older woman. He never looked back from there. He starred in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi and even Bengali films.
After Mani Ratnam’s Godfather-like film Nayakan, rated by TIME Magazine as one of the best films of all time, he has gone on to appear in other notable films such as Anbe Sivam, Hey Ram, Indian, Virumaandi and the recent Dasavathaaram, all excellent showcases for his talent.
This birthday is unique for Kamal Haasan whose epic movie Nayakan completed its 25th year this year, even as fans eagerly await his mega venture Vishwaroopam. What’s more, waiting in the wings is Hollywood producer-director Barrie Osborne, who is keen to cast Kamal in his next Hollywood project.
Now, all eyes are on Vishwaroopam. It has Kamal playing the lead, besides taking care of script, production and direction. Andrea Jeremiah and Pooja Kumar are the two heroines. Recently, Oscar-winning Hollywood director Ang Lee watched Vishwaroopam trailer and said, “Even a person who doesn’t know the language can understand the movie. It’s totally stunning. I am sure this movie will be a huge hit.”
Send in your birthday wishes for Kamal Haasan!