Kamal Haasan Biography: Life Story, Career, Family, Movies & Achievements
Introduction
Kamal Haasan is one of India’s greatest actors, filmmakers, and cultural icons, widely celebrated for his versatility and innovation. With a career spanning over six decades, he has acted in more than 230 films across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema. Known as the “Ulaganayagan” (Universal Hero), Kamal has won multiple National Awards and continues to be a pathbreaker with films like Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, Indian, Hey Ram, Vishwaroopam, and Vikram. Beyond cinema, he is also a singer, dancer, philanthropist, and politician.
Personal Information
- Full Name: Kamal Haasan
- Date of Birth: 7 November 1954
- Birthplace: Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Approx. 75 kg
- Hair Color: Black (later salt & pepper)
- Eye Color: Brown
Early Life & Family Background
Kamal Haasan was born into a Tamil Iyengar family. His father, D. Srinivasan, was a lawyer and freedom fighter, while his mother, Rajalakshmi, was a homemaker. He has three siblings, including actor Charuhasan and director Chandrahasan. He showed interest in acting and dance from childhood and was introduced to cinema at a very young age.
Education Journey
- Studied at Sir M.Ct.Muthiah Chettiar Boys Higher Secondary School, Chennai.
- Later pursued acting and dance professionally rather than higher academic studies.
- Trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and other classical dance forms, which enhanced his screen performances.
Film Debut & Early Career
- Child Actor Debut: Kalathur Kannamma (1960), at the age of 6, which won him the President’s Gold Medal.
- Played supporting roles as a teenager and later became a dance assistant before stepping into lead roles.
- Lead Role Debut: Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander.
Rise to Stardom
Kamal Haasan redefined acting with his dedication to diverse roles:
- Moondram Pirai (1982) – Won National Award for his role as a teacher caring for an amnesiac woman.
- Nayakan (1987) – A Mani Ratnam masterpiece, listed among TIME Magazine’s “100 Greatest Films of All Time.”
- Indian (1996) – Double role as freedom fighter and his corrupt son, earning him the National Award.
- Hey Ram (2000) – A historical political drama that he wrote, directed, and starred in.
- Dasavathaaram (2008) – Played 10 different roles, showcasing his unmatched versatility.
- Vikram (2022) – A blockbuster comeback that proved his enduring stardom.
Bollywood Journey & Iconic Films
While primarily a Tamil superstar, Kamal Haasan made an impact in Hindi cinema:
- Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981) – Bollywood debut, a tragic love story, which was a massive hit.
- Saagar (1985) – Won critical acclaim opposite Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.
- Chachi 420 (1997) – A comedy classic where he played a father disguising as a nanny.
Awards & Achievements
- National Film Awards (4 times): For Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, Indian, Hey Ram.
- Filmfare Awards South & Hindi: Over 15 wins.
- Padma Shri (1990) and Padma Bhushan (2014).
- Honored with Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France) for contributions to cinema.
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors in world cinema.
Political Career
- Founded the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018.
- Focused on governance transparency, corruption-free administration, and people-centric policies.
Personal Life
Kamal Haasan was first married to dancer Vani Ganapathy (1978–1988). He later married actress Sarika Thakur (1988–2004), with whom he has two daughters – Shruti Haasan (actress and singer) and Akshara Haasan (actress). He was also in a long-term relationship with actress Gautami.
Legacy & Influence
Kamal Haasan’s contribution to Indian cinema goes beyond acting – he is a writer, director, producer, and social thinker. His fearless choice of subjects, technical brilliance, and dedication to performance have made him an inspiration for generations of filmmakers and actors. He is often called the Marlon Brando of Indian cinema.
FAQs
Q1: When was Kamal Haasan born?
A: 7 November 1954.
Q2: Which was his debut film?
A: Kalathur Kannamma (1960) as a child actor.
Q3: How many National Awards has Kamal Haasan won?
A: Four National Film Awards.
Q4: Who are Kamal Haasan’s daughters?
A: Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan.
Q5: What are his most famous films?
A: Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, Indian, Hey Ram, Dasavathaaram, Vikram.
