Biography
Early life
Kamal was born to Srinivasan and Rajalakshmi as the fourth and youngest child in his family. He entered the film world as a child actor at the tender age of 4 and has been associated with the film world since then. Kamal learnt the fine arts in his early years instead of school work. As a teenager, he started working as an assistant choreographer in movies and it was during this time that his long and fruitful association with notable Tamil film director, K. Balachander began. A film buff, Kamal is regarded as a trendsetter by many. Along with his contemporary, Rajinikanth, the two are recognized as two of the most prominent stars in Tamil cinema following their predecessors, Sivaji Ganesan and MGR.
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Acting career
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Kamal Haasan's debut in Kalathur Kannamma
Though Kamal Haasan made his screen debut with Kalathur Kannamma at the age of 5, it was 16 Vayathinile, in which he co-acted with Rajinikanth, that established him as a popular actor at the age of 23. The very next year, he got his break with K. Balachander's Telugu hit Maro Charithra. Besides Tamil, he has also performed in movies in the Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada.
He started his film career with an interest in movie direction, but under the influence of his mentors turned to acting. He did a few commercial movies for a major part of his career, and then slowly changed his style. His skills in filming are technical and exhaustive. He is also a trained playback singer (sometimes moonlighting as a lyricist as well in his more recent films) and Bharatanatyam dancer.
As don Velu Naicker in Nayagan
He has played a wide range of characters including:
a ventriloquist in Antu leni Katha (Endless Story).
CORRECTION: This role was played by Narayan Rao, not Kamal Hassan, in the telugu version.
an under-world don in Nayagan (Leader). Mani Ratnam, who is his niece Suhasini's husband, directed this film.
an anti-bribery freedom fighter in Indian.
a classical dancer in Saagara Sangamam (Tryst with the Infinite).
a blind violinist in Raajaparvai. This was his first screenplay.
a dwarf clown in Apoorva Sahodaragal at the age of 35. This film was also his screenplay.
a mentally challenged man in Swathi Muthyam (Rare gem).
an epic character to have lived with Mahatma Gandhi in Hey Ram.
a Sandiyar (Fighter) in Virumaandi. This film was also directed by Kamal Haasan.
a mentally retarded character in Guna.
a police officer against terrorism in Kurudhi Punal.
a normal youth turned villager in Thevar magan, written and produced by Kamal.
an altruistic cripple in Anbe Sivam.
Kamal Haasan with Madhavan in Anbe Sivam
a... woman in Avvai Shanmughi.
a pair of twins (a Chronic Depressive Psychopath Serial Killer) in Aalavandhan
as quadruplets in the path breaking comedy "Michael Madan Kama Rajan"
as a corrupted politician in "Indiran Chandiran "
as a immigrant from Sri Lanka affected with all kind of phobias in Thenali
an unemployed youth who chances upon a week of opulence in "Pushpak - the silent movie"
a deaf circus stunt man in 'Mumbai Xpress'
a flirtatious pilot in the comedy caper 'Panchatantrum'
Each and every movie he has acted has something for the filmdom to learn.All the aboce that has been listed are just names and gives us just the outline,but inreality each deserves enormous applause.
Awards
He is a three time winner of the Indian National award for best actor for the films Nayagan, Moonram Pirai, and Indian. He has also received the best actor award at the Asian Film festivals held in 1983 and 1985 for Saagara Sangamam and Swathi Muthyam respectively. Seven of his movies have been sent as India's official entry to the Oscars, more than any other person. He holds the record for the most Film Fare awards (18) - the Indian equivalent of the Academy Awards. Recently, Kamal Haasan was honoured when his self-directed venture titled "Virumaandi" won the International Asian Film of the Year 2004. In 2005, he was again honoured when Time magazine listed "Nayagan" as one of the Top 100 movies of all time. He is one of the most versatile and finest actors India had ever produced.
Career as a film director
He has written screenplays for several of his films and ventured into film direction with Hey Ram, a film based in the times surrounding Indian independence from the British Raj in 1947. It depicts the conflict between Indian revolutionaries and proponents of non-violence during the Indian independence movement. An interesting titbit is its usage of a dream sequence involving sex and violence, which is similar to the ending created by Steven Spielberg for his latest directorial venture "Munich".
Career as a film producer
Owing to his emerging popularity in the South Indian film industry, he started producing his own films starting with "Raaja Paarvai" right until one of his recent films - "Virumaandi" in 2004. His production house was co-funded by his family, in particular his brothers.
Kamal Hassan renamed his recent venture Sandiyar to Virumandi owing to a protest from a community in Tamil Nadu. He then acted in "Vasool Raja M.B.B.S", a remake of Vidhu Vinod Chopra's "Munnabhai M.B.B.S". Both "Virumandi" and "Vasool Raja" were successes. Kamal then acted in a home production titled "Mumbai Xpress". It was bilingual (Hindi and Tamil) and was directed by long time friend Singeetham Srinivasa Rao. The film was successful only at some centres. Kamal then signed a film directed by Gautham titled "Vettayadu Villayadu". The shooting of the film has been going on since mid-July. It is a crime thriller – a genre Kamal last attempted in 1995 with "Kuruthipunal".
His magnum opus, a tentatively halted work-in-progress, is Maruda Naayagam, a period film set in 17th or 18th century Madurai about a warrior/freedom fighter Yusuf Khan Sahib. The film is notable as it was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Personal life
He is a self-professed rationalist, atheist, activist, and a follower of Periyar. Some of his movies, especially Anbe Sivam, have put forward his atheistic views.
Kamal is the first actor to turn his fan club into a service organization. Though born to an affluent Iyengar family, he denied his caste identity. Along with his daughter, Kamal has donated his eyes and also offered his body for research after his death, the first Indian celebrity to do so. He was the first Indian actor to promise that he will not act in scenes that portray smoking.
Filmography
Listed below is the best guesstimate available of 230-odd releases till date in atleast six regional markets.
1960 - Tamil debut
1962 - Malayalam debut
1977 - Bengali debut
1977 - Kannada debut
1977 - Telugu debut
1977 - Hindi debut
Kamalhassan in Virumandi
As Actor
2007 - Marudha Nayagam (shoot commenced in 2000, no release date set) (a) (b) (c)
2006 - Dasavadharam (announced) (ten roles)
2006 - Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu (filming) songs
2005 - Mumbai Xpress (a) (b) songs
2005 - Mumbai Xpress (Hindi) (a) (b) songs
2005 - Mumbai Xpress' (Telugu) (a) (b) songs
2005 - Rama Shama Bama (Kannada)
2004 - Vasoolraja MBBS songs
2004 - Virumandi (a) (b) (c) songs
2004 - Pothuraju (Telugu) (a) (b) (c) songs
2003 - Anbe Sivam (b) songs
2003 - Nala Damayanthi (guest) (a) (b) songs
2002 - Panjathandhiram songs
2002 - Pammal K Sambandham songs
2002 - Brahmachari (Telugu) songs
2001 - Aalavandhan (dual role) (b) songs
2001 - Paarthaley Paravasam (guest) songs
2001 - Abhay (Hindi) (dual role) (b) songs
2001 - Abhay (Telugu) (dual role) (b) songs
2001 - Paravasam (Telugu) (guest)
2000 - Thenali songs
2000 - Hey Ram (a) (b) (c)
2000 - Thenali (Telugu) songs
2000 - Hey Ram (Hindi) (a) (b) (c) songs
Kamal in Indian
1998 - Kadhala Kadhala songs
1998 - Chachi 420 (Hindi) (a) (b) (c)
1996 - Avvai Shanmugi songs
1996 - Indian (dual role) songs
1996 - Hindustani (Hindi) (dual role) songs
1996 - Bhamane (Telugu)
1996 - Bharateeyudu (Telugu) (dual role) songs
1996 - Kurudhippunal (songless) (a)
1995 - Nammavar
1995 - Sathi Leelavathi (a)
1995 - Drohi (Telugu) (a)
1995 - Subha Sankalpam (Telugu)
1994 - Magalir Mattum (guest) (a)
1994 - Mahanadhi (b) songs
1994 - Aadavaallaku Maatram (Telugu) (guest) (a)
1993 - Kalaignan songs
1993 - Maharasan
1992 - Devar Magan (a) (b) songs
1992 - Singaravelan songs
1992 - Kshatriya Putrudu (Telugu) (a)
1991 - Guna songs
1990 - Michael Madhana Kamarajan (four roles) (a) songs
1990 - Indran Chandran (dual role) songs
1990 - My Dear Marthandan (guest) songs
Kamal in Nayakan
1990 - Michael Madhana Kamaraju (Telugu) (four roles) (a)
1990 - Indrudu Chandrudu (Telugu)(dual role) songs
1989 - Vetri Vizha songs
1989 - Sippikkul Muthu songs
1989 - Apoorva Sagodharargal (triple role) (a) songs
1989 - Appu Raja (Hindi) (triple role) (a)
1989 - Apoorva Sahodarulu (Telugu) (triple role) (a)
1989 - Chanakyan (Malayalam)
1988 - Pesum Padam (voiceless)
1988 - Soora Samharam songs
1988 - Unnal Mudiyum Thambi songs
1988 - Sathya (a) songs
1988 - Pushpak (Hindi) (voiceless)
1988 - Pushpaka Vimanam (Telugu) (voiceless)
1988 - Daisy (Malayalam)
1988 - Pushpaka Vimana (Kannada) (voiceless)
1987 - Kadhal Parisu songs
1987 - Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (guest) (a)
1987 - Nayagan songs
1987 - Per Sollum Pillai
1987 - Velu Nayakan (Hindi)
1987 - Nayakudu (Telugu)
1987 - Vrutham (Telugu)
1986 - December Pookkal (guest)
1986 - Naanum Oru Thozhilali
1986 - Punnagai Mannan (dual role) songs
1986 - Vikram (a) songs
1986 - Dance Master (Telugu) (dual role) songs
1985 - Japanil Kalyanaraman (dual role) songs
1985 - Andha Oru Nimidam songs
1985 - Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (dual role) songs
1985 - Uyarndha Ullam songs
1985 - Kaakki Sattai songs
1985 - Mangamma Sabadham
1985 - Saagar (Hindi) (guest) songs
1985 - Geraftaar (Hindi) (guest)
1985 - Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (Telugu)
1985 - Swathi Muthyam (Telugu) songs
1984 - Enakkul Oruvan (dual role) songs
1984 - Ek Nai Paheli (Hindi)
1984 - Raj Tilak (Hindi)
1984 - Yaadgaar (Hindi)
1984 - Yeh Desh (Hindi)
1983 - Poikkal Kudhirai (guest)
1983 - Salangai Oli songs
1983 - Sattam songs
1983 - Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey (dual role) songs
1983 - Zara Si Zindagi (Hindi)
1983 - Sadma (Hindi) songs
1983 - Sagara Sangamam (Telugu) songs
1983 - Vasantha Kokila (Telugu)
1982 - Rani Theni (guest)
1982 - Sagalakala Vallavan songs
1982 - Paadagan (guest)
1982 - Simla Special songs
1982 - Vazhvey Maayam songs
1982 - Moondram Pirai songs
1982 - Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya (Hindi)
1982 - Afsana Do Dilon Ka (Hindi)
1982 - Agni Sakshi (Hindi)
1982 - Dil Ka Sathi Dil (Hindi)
1982 - Pyara Tarana (Hindi)
1982 - Sanam Teri Kasam (Hindi) songs
1981 - Ellam Inbamayam
1981 - Kadal Meengal songs
1981 - Meendum Kokila songs
1981 - Raja Parvai (a) songs
1981 - Ram Lakshman
1981 - Savaal
1981 - Shankarlal
1981 - Thillu Mullu (guest) songs
1981 - Tick! Tick! Tick! songs
1981 - Ek Duje Ke Liye (Hindi) songs
1981 - Do Dil Diwane (Hindi)
1981 - Amavasya Chandrudu (Telugu)
1981 - Aakali Rajyam (Telugu) songs
1980 - Guru songs
1980 - Maria My Darling
1980 - Natchathiram (guest)
1980 - Ullasa Paravaigal songs
1980 - Varumayin Niram Sigappu songs
1979 - Azhiyadha Kolangal (guest)
1979 - Yerra Gulabi (Hindi)
1979 - Neela Malargal (guest)
1979 - Managala Vaathiyam (guest)
1979 - Kalyana Raman (Malayalam)
1979 - Kalyanaraman songs
1979 - Idikatha Kaadu (Telugu) (guest)
1979 - Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum (Telugu) (guest)
1979 - Alavudheenum Arpudha Vilakkum (guest)
1979 - Andhamaina Anubavam (Telugu) (guest)
1979 - Ninaithale Inikkum songs
1979 - Thaayillamal Naan Illai songs
1979 - Allavudeenum Albutha Velakkum (Malayalam) (guest)
1979 - Neeya! (guest)
1979 - Sigappukkal Mookkuthi (guest)
1979 - Sommokadidhi Sokkadidhi (Telugu) (guest)
1978 - Thappu Thalangal (guest)
1978 - Thappitha Thala (Telugu) (guest)
1978 - Madanolsavam (Malayalam)
1978 - Yeetta (Malayalam) (guest)
1978 - Aval Appadithaan (guest)
1978 - Manidharil Ithanai Nirangala! (guest)
1978 - Sigappu Rojakkal songs
1978 - Vayanadhan Thamban (Malayalam) (guest)
1978 - Vayasu Pilichindi (Telugu) (guest)
1978 - Sattam En Kaiyil songs
1978 - Ilamai Oonjaladugiradhu songs
1978 - Maro Charithra (Telugu) songs
1978 - Nizhal Nijamagiradhu songs
1977 - Meethi Meethi Baatein (Hindi) (guest)
1977 - Aaina (Hindi) (guest)
1977 - Anthuleni Katha (Telugu) (guest)
1977 - Aadhyapaadham (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Sathyavaan Saavithri (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Kokila (Kannada) (guest)
1977 - Naam Pirandha Man (guest)
1977 - Aanandham Paramaanandham (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Aadu Puli Aattam (guest)
1977 - Padhinaru Vayadhinile songs
1977 - Oor Magal Marikkumo (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Nirakudam (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Ashta Maangalyam (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Kabita (Bengali) (guest)
1977 - Unnai Sutrum Ulagam (guest)
1977 - Sridevi (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Madhura Sopnam (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Avargal songs
1977 - Aasirvaadham (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Sivathaandavam (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Uyarndhavargal (guest)
1976 - Lalitha (guest)
1976 - Mogam Muppadhu Varusham (guest)
1976 - Moondru Mudichu (guest)
1976 - Nee Ente Lahari (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Ponni (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Idhaya Malar (guest)
1976 - Kumaara Vijayam (guest)
1976 - Kuttavum Sitshayum (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Unarchigal (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu (guest)
1976 - Sathiyam (guest)
1976 - Aruthu (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Swimming Pool (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Manmadha Leelai songs
1976 - Samassiya (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Appoopan (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Agni Pushpam (Malayalam) (guest)
1975 - Andharangam (guest)
1975 - Raasaleela (Malayalam) (guest)
1975 - Mattoru Seetha (Malayalam) (guest)
1975 - Thiruvonam (Malayalam) (guest)
1975 - Apoorva Raagangal songs
1975 - Maalai Sooda Vaa (guest)
1975 - Gnan Ninne Premikkunnu (Malayalam) (guest)
1975 - Pattikkaattu Raja (guest)
1975 - Thangathile Vairam (guest)
1975 - Melnaattu Marumagal (guest)
1975 - Then Sindhudhe Vaanam (guest)
1975 - Aayirathil Oruthi (guest)
1975 - Pattampoochi (guest)
1975 - Cinema Paithiyam (guest)
1974 - Panathukkaga (guest)
1978 - Aval Oru Thudarkatha (Malayalam) (guest)
1974 - Aval Oru Thodarkathai songs
1974 - Vishnu Vijayam (Malayalam) (guest)
1974 - Anbu Thangai (guest)
1974 - Kanyakumari (Malayalam) (guest)
1974 - Naan Avanillai (guest)
1974 - Gumasthavin Magal (guest)
1974 - Paruva Kaalam (guest)
1973 - Sollathaan Ninaikkiren (guest)
1973 - Arangetram (guest)
1972 - Kurathi Magan (guest)
1970 - Maanavan (guest)
1963 - Anandha Jodhi (guest)
1963 - Vaanampadi (guest) songs
1962 - Kannum Karalum (Malayalam) (guest)
1962 - Paadha Kaanikkai (guest) songs
1962 - Paarthaal Pasi Theerum (guest) songs
1960 - Kalathoor Kannamma (guest)
As Producer
(a) Films produced by Kamal
As Writer
1999 - Biwi No.1 songs
1997 - Virasat songs
(b) Films scripted by Kamal
As Director
(c) Films directed by Kamal
As Miscellaneous Crew
2005 - Pudhu Pettai (playback singer)
2004 - Mumbai Xpress (playback singer)
2000 - Hey Ram (choreographer)
1998 - Chachi 420 (playback singer: "Jago Gori") (as Kamal Haasan) *(presenter) (as Kamal Haasan)
1996 - Avvai Shanmugi (playback singer)
1995 - Sathi Leelavathi (playback singer)
1992 - Devar Magan (playback singer)
1985 - Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (playback singer)
1987 - Nayagan (playback singer)
1977 - Aaina (dances)
1975 - Andharangam (playback singer)
Trivia
Queen Elizabeth II attended the launch of his magnum epic Marudhanayagam.
