Kamal Haasan's journey in film and politics reveals a stark contrast. While he has countless achievements in Tamil cinema, his political attempts have largely failed. Kamal Haasan needed a political lifeline, a role now being played by DMK leader MK Stalin in Tamil Nadu.
On June 19, Rajya Sabha elections will see Kamal Haasan entering the fray. His party, MNM, is in an alliance with DMK in Tamil Nadu. Through this alliance, MK Stalin has allocated one of his state’s Rajya Sabha seats to Kamal Haasan.
Kamal Haasan found himself in turmoil over his remarks about the Kannada language during his film 'Thug Life' promotions. Refusing to apologize, his comments have invited criticism from BJP and Congress alike. Unlike direct elections, Rajya Sabha elections operate distinctly, sparing Kamal from immediate election repercussions.
Kamal Haasan needed such solid political backing. The alliance obviously benefits him significantly, but a pertinent question remains: Does DMK stand to gain from Kamal Haasan's stature?
Kamal Haasan Targeted Amid Tamil-Kannada Language Controversy
At an event in Chennai before his film 'Thug Life' released, Kamal Haasan stirred controversy by stating that Kannada originated from Tamil. Beginning in Tamil, he said, 'My life and family is the Tamil language.'
While this alone might not have been controversial, pointing towards Kannada actor Shivraj Kumar, Kamal added, 'This is my family’s place... Which is why he is here... I began speaking on life, relationships, etc., in Tamil... Your language (Kannada) originated from Tamil, hence you are part of it.'
Possibly meant as an artistic remark, it was perceived politically, attracting criticism not just from BJP rivals but from Congress, too. Kamal Haasan denies direct ties with Congress, despite sharing a coalition with them in Tamil Nadu’s DMK.
During the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Kamal clarified that he shouldn't be viewed as politically inclined. He stated that, had he understood politics better in the 70s during the Emergency, he would have protested on Delhi's streets in favor of a united India.
However, Kamal Haasan's comments on the Kannada language drew a stern response from Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Siddaramaiah remarked that Kannada has a rich history, suggesting
