Editing Kamal Haasan

{{Short description|Indian actor and filmmaker (born 1954)}}

| image              = Kamal_at_61st_FF_(cropped).jpg

| caption            = Haasan in 2018

|office2 = General Secretary of [[Makkal Needhi Maiam]] | term2 = 25 December 2020 - 26 February 2023 | predecessor2 = Arunchalam | successor2 = Arunchalam | birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1954|11|7|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Kamal Haasan's real name is Parthasarathy Srinivasan - 59 Years of Kamal Haasan: Lesser known facts about the 'Ulaganayagan' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/photo-features/59-years-of-kamal-haasan-lesser-known-facts-about-the-ulaganayagan/kamal-haasans-real-name-is-parthasarathy-srinivasan/photostory/65452321.cms |access-date=17 September 2022 |website=[[Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Kamal Hassan for film archive facilities in each state |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kamal-hassan-for-film-archive-facilities-in-each-state/ |access-date=22 July 2016 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |date=7 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826222219/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kamal-hassan-for-film-archive-facilities-in-each-state/ |archive-date=26 August 2016 }}</ref>

| birth_place        = [[Paramakudi]], [[Madras State]], India (present-day [[Tamil Nadu]])<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Where-Kamal-Haasan-was-really-born/articleshow/34108749.cms|title=Where Kamal Haasan was really born? – Times of India|website=The Times of India|access-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009140341/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/did-you-know/Where-Kamal-Haasan-was-really-born/articleshow/34108749.cms|archive-date=9 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

| occupation          = {{hlist | Actor | filmmaker | playback singer | television presenter | politician}}

| spouse              = {{marriage|[[Vani Ganapathy]]|1978|reason=divorced|1988}}<br />{{marriage|[[Sarika Thakur]]|1988|reason=divorced|2004}}

| partner            = [[Gautami Tadimalla]] (2004-2016)

| children            = {{hlist|[[Shruti Haasan|Shruti]]|[[Akshara Haasan|Akshara]]{{efn|both daughters with Sarika}}}}

| relatives          = See [[List of South Indian film families#Haasan-Ratnam family|Haasan family]]

| awards              = {{ubl|[[Padma Shri]] (1990)|[[Padma Bhushan]] (2014)| Prix Henri-Langlois French Award (2016)|[[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]] (Chevalier) (2016)}}

'''Kamal Haasan''' (born 7 November 1954)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/I-get-devastated-at-the-idea-of-marriage-Shruti-Haasan/articleshow/20084486.cms|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141030124223/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/I-get-devastated-at-the-idea-of-marriage-Shruti-Haasan/articleshow/20084486.cms|archive-date = 30 October 2014|title = I get devastated at the idea of marriage: Shruti Haasan|website = [[The Times of India]]}}</ref> is an Indian actor, filmmaker, screenwriter, playback singer, television presenter and politician who works mainly in [[Tamil cinema]] and has also appeared in some [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Hindi]], [[Kannada]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]] films. He has been recognised as an influence for actors and filmmakers in the Tamil film industry. He is also known for introducing many new technologies and cosmetics to the Indian film industry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sumanth |date=2022-06-01 |title=10 First Of Its Kind Technologies Introduced By Kamal Haasan To Indian Cinema - Wirally |url=https://wirally.com/10-first-of-its-kind-technologies-introduced-by-kamal-haasan-to-indian-cinema/ |access-date=2022-07-03 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Athimuthu |first=Soundarya |date=2022-04-27 |title=Vishwaroopam to Vikram: Kamal Haasan & Tech Innovation in His Films |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/celebrities/vishwaroopam-to-vikram-technologies-brought-in-by-kamal-haasan-in-his-films |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=TheQuint |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-12 |title=61 years of Kamal Haasan: Ten remarkable techniques that were introduced by Ulaganayagan to Tamil or Indian cinema |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/61-years-of-kamal-haasan-ten-remarkable-techniques-that-were-introduced-by-ulaganayagn-to-tamil-or-indian-cinema/photostory/77504008.cms |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> He has won numerous accolades, including Four [[National Film Awards]], Nine [[Tamil Nadu State Film Awards]], Four [[Nandi Awards]], One [[Rashtrapati Award]], Two [[Filmfare Awards]] and 17 [[Filmfare Awards South]]. He was awarded the [[Kalaimamani|Kalaimamani Award]] in 1984, the [[List of Padma Shri award recipients (1990–1999)|Padma Shri]] in 1990, the [[List of Padma Bhushan award recipients (2010–2019)|Padma Bhushan]] in 2014 and the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres]] (''Chevalier'') in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Desk|first1=Internet|date=22 August 2016|title=Tamil film actor Sivaji Ganesan Dead Kamal Haasan to get prestigious French honour|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/kamal-haasan-to-be-conferred-frances-chevalier-honour/article9014634.ece|url-status=live|access-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821152327/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/kamal-haasan-to-be-conferred-frances-chevalier-honour/article9014634.ece|archive-date=21 August 2016}}</ref>

Haasan started his career as a child artist in the 1960 [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language film ''[[Kalathur Kannamma]]'', for which he won the [[Rashtrapati Award|President's Gold Medal]]. His breakthrough as a lead actor came in the 1975 [[drama film|drama]] ''[[Apoorva Raagangal]]'', directed by [[K. Balachander]], in which he played a rebellious youth who falls in love with an older woman. He won his first [[National Film Award for Best Actor|National Film Award]] for his portrayal of a guileless school teacher who cares for a woman who suffers from [[retrograde amnesia]] in ''[[Moondram Pirai]]'' (1982). He was noted for his performances in [[K. Viswanath]]'s ''[[Swathi Muthyam]]'' (1986), [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Nayakan]]'' (1987), and [[S. Shankar]]'s ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]'' (1996). Since then he has appeared in films including ''[[Hey Ram]]'' (2000), ''[[Virumaandi]]'' (2004), ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'' (2008) in which he played ten roles, ''[[Vishwaroopam]]'' (2013) and ''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]'' (2022). His production company, [[Raaj Kamal Films International]], has produced several of his films.

For his philanthropic efforts, Haasan received the first [[A. T. Kovoor|Abraham Kovoor]] National Award in 2004. He was project ambassador for the Hridayaragam 2010 event, which raised funds for an orphanage for [[HIV/AIDS]]-affected children. In September 2010, Haasan launched a children's cancer relief fund and gave roses to children with cancer at [[Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research|Sri Ramachandra University]] in [[Porur]], Chennai. Haasan was nominated by the Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] for the [[Swachh Bharat Mission]]. On 21 February 2018, Haasan formally launched his political party, [[Makkal Needhi Maiam]] (lit. People's Justice Centre).<ref name="political">{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/live-updates-kamal-haasan-political-party-launch/liveblog/63007615.cms|title=Kamal Haasan Live: The six hands in my flag stands for the six south Indian states|website=The Times of India|access-date=19 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629192438/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/live-updates-kamal-haasan-political-party-launch/liveblog/63007615.cms|archive-date=29 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> He has also received the Golden Visa from [[United Arab Emirates]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/uae-grants-actor-kamal-haasan-golden-visa/articleshow/93047815.cms|title=UAE grants actor Kamal Haasan Golden Visa|newspaper=The Economic Times }}</ref>

==Early life and family==

 

== Film career ==

{{main|Kamal Haasan filmography|Kamal Haasan discography}}

In 1976, Haasan appeared Balachander's ''[[Manmadha Leelai (1976 film)|Manmadha Leelai]]''; this was followed by ''[[Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu]]'' (directed by [[S. P. Muthuraman]]), which won him his third Filmfare Award. Haasan later appeared in the Balachander drama ''[[Moondru Mudichu]]''. ''[[Avargal]]'' (1977) concerned the women's movement and, for this role, he learned [[ventriloquism]].<ref name="Kamal top 10 - 1997">{{cite web|year=1997|title=Kamal hasan's significant ten|publisher=[[Screen India]]|access-date=22 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090604024413/http://www.screenindia.com/old/dec19/cover2.htm|archive-date=4 June 2009 |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/dec19/cover2.htm}}</ref> It was remade in Telugu as ''[[Idi 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 (1977 film)|Kokila]]'', the directorial debut of friend and mentor [[Balu Mahendra]]. That year he also appeared in a Bengali film, ''[[Kabita]]'', a remake of the Tamil film ''[[Aval Oru Thodar Kathai]]''. In 1978 Haasan made his [[Telugu language|Telugu]] film debut with a lead role in the cross-cultural romantic ''[[Maro Charitra]]'', directed by Balachander. His fifth consecutive Filmfare Award resulted from ''[[Sigappu Rojakkal]]'', a thriller in which he played a psychopathic sexual killer. He appeared in the Malayalam film [[Eeta]], for which he won his sixth Filmfare Award. He first played opposite to the [[Sridevi]] in the 1977 Malayalam movie [[Satyavan Savithri]] directed by [[P.G. Viswambharan]], this combination was later on well-accepted and celebrated. In the 1979 Telugu film ''[[Sommokadidi Sokokadidi]]'', Haasan played two parts. This was also his first collaboration with director [[Singeetam Srinivasa Rao]]. He appeared in the musical ''[[Ninaithale Inikkum (1979 film)|Ninaithale Inikkum]]'', a snake-horror film ''[[Neeya?|Neeya]]'' and ''[[Kalyanaraman (1979 film)|Kalyanaraman]]''. At the end of the 1970s he had six regional Best Actor [[Filmfare Awards South|Filmfare Awards]], including four consecutive [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil|Best Tamil Actor Awards]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

Haasan's films during the 1980s included 1980 Tamil-language ''[[Varumayin Niram Sivappu]]'', the film was simultaneously shot in Telugu as ''Aakali Rajyam'', in which he played an unemployed youth and earned him a first [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu|Filmfare Award]] in Telugu. In 1980 he appeared in the drama film ''[[Ullasa Paravaigal]]'', ''[[Guru (1980 film)|Guru]]'' and ''[[Maria My Darling]]''. Haasan made his debut in Hindi cinema with ''[[Ek Duuje Ke Liye]]'' (1981), the remake of his own acted [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language film ''[[Maro Charitra]]'' directed by K. Balachander (which earned him his first Filmfare Hindi-language nomination). He made his 100th film appearance in 1981 in ''[[Raja Paarvai]]'', debuting as a producer. Despite the film's relatively poor box-office performance, his portrayal of a blind session violinist earned him a [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil|Filmfare Award]].<ref name="rajapaarvai">{{cite web |author=K. Jeshi |year=2004 |title=No stopping him |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2004092703100301.htm&date=2004/09/27/&prd=mp& |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110425024127/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2004092703100301.htm&date=2004%2F09%2F27%2F&prd=mp& |archive-date=25 April 2011 }}</ref> After a year of starring in commercial films, Haasan won the first of three [[National Film Award for Best Actor|National Awards for Best Actor]] for his portrayal of a schoolteacher caring for an amnesia patient in [[Balu Mahendra]]'s ''[[Moondram Pirai]]'', later reprising his role in the Hindi version, ''[[Sadma]]''.<ref name="kamalawards"/> During this period he focused on Bollywood remakes of his Tamil films, including ''[[Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya]]'' and ''[[Zara Si Zindagi]]''. In 1983 he appeared in ''[[Sagara Sangamam]]'', directed by [[K. Viswanath]]. His portrayal of an alcoholic classical dancer won him his first [[Nandi Award for Best Actor]] and his second [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu|Filmfare Best Telugu Actor Award]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

In 1990, ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'' saw Haasan build on ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'' by playing quadruplets. It began as a collaboration with writer [[Crazy Mohan]] for future comedy films.<ref name="crazym">{{cite news|author=Adhiraj, Vijay |title=Each medium has its own USP |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/07/22/stories/2004072200740200.htm |date=22 July 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629024758/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/07/22/stories/2004072200740200.htm |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}</ref> Haasan won successive [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil|Best Actor awards]] for his portrayal of deranged, obsessive protagonists in ''[[Gunaa]]'' and ''[[Thevar Magan]]'' (which was remade in Hindi as 1997's ''[[Virasat (1997 film)|Virasat]]''). He was credited with the story for the latter. Haasan won his third [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]] as a producer for ''Thevar Magan''. The film was India's submission for the [[Academy Awards]] that year. A series of films followed: ''[[Singaravelan]]'', ''[[Maharasan]]'', ''[[Kalaignan]]'', ''[[Mahanadhi (film)|Mahanadhi]]'', ''[[Nammavar]]'', and ''[[Sathi Leelavathi (1995 film)|Sathi Leelavathi]]'' Produced by Haasan, it featured himself alongside [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]] actor [[Ramesh Aravind]] and comedian [[Kovai Sarala]]. Haasan resumed his collaboration with [[K. Viswanath]] in the Telugu film, ''[[Subha Sankalpam]]'', and starred in the police story ''[[Kuruthipunal (film)|Kuruthipunal]]'' (Tamil) simultaneously shot in Telugu as ''Drohi'' with [[Arjun Sarja]] and won [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil|Filmfare Best Actor]]. Haasan's success in the latter was followed by his third [[National Film Award for Best Actor]] for ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''.<ref name="natawards">{{cite web |year=1997 |title=Kamal Haasan, Tabu win national awards |work=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19970507/12750533.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026070153/http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19970507/12750533.html |archive-date=26 October 2009 }}</ref> Haasan also won [[Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actor]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil|Filmfare Best Actor]] for ''[[Indian (1996 film)|Indian]]''. The film was India's submission for the [[Academy Awards]].{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

After ''Indian'', Haasan played a woman in the comedy ''[[Avvai Shanmughi]]'', which was inspired by ''[[Mrs. Doubtfire]]''.<ref name="aunty">{{cite web|author=V. S. Srinivasan |year=1998 |title=Aunty vs Chachi |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/apr/13aunt.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607051305/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/apr/13aunt.htm |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref> He chose Shantanu Sheorey to direct the Hindi remake of ''Avvai Shanmughi'', ''[[Chachi 420]]'',<ref name="Chachi">{{cite web|author=Suparn Verma |year=1997 |title=Kamal Hasan returns to Bollywood |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/apr/04kamal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505062356/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/apr/04kamal.htm |archive-date= 5 May 2008 }}</ref> but after dissatisfaction with five days of shooting Haasan took over as director.<ref name="Kamal Interview">{{cite web |year=1997 |title=The importance of being Kamal Haasan |publisher=ScreenIndia |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/dec19/cover1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815031452/http://www.screenindia.com/old/dec19/cover1.htm |archive-date=15 August 2010 }}</ref><ref name="direct">{{cite web

|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19980116/01650964.html

}}</ref> In 1997 Haasan began directing an unfinished biopic of [[Mohammed Yusuf Khan]], ''[[Marudhanayagam]]''; a forty five minutes of film and a trailer was shot.<ref name="short">{{cite web|year=2008 |title='Marudanayagam' resurfaces |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36038.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091126123312/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/36038.html |archive-date=26 November 2009 }}</ref> ''Marudhanayagam'' was expected to be the biggest, most expensive film in [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]]tic history and his magnum opus; a number of well-known actors and technicians had been signed, and it was launched at a public ceremony by [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth]] during her 1997 visit to India.<ref name="queen">{{cite web|author=V. S. Srinivasan |year=1998 |title=Marudhunayagam, Making of an epic |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/sep/19mar.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607051317/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/sep/19mar.htm |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref> Although the film failed to materialise due to budget constraints, Haasan expressed an interest in reviving the project.<ref name="ambition">{{cite news

|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bollywood/Dont-let-mediocrity-be-the-standardKamal-/articleshow/4245082.cms

|url-status=live

After a two-year hiatus from [[Indian cinema]], Haasan decided against reviving ''[[Marudhanayagam]]''. He directed his second film, ''[[Hey Ram]]'',<ref name="Hram">{{cite news|title=Hey Ram review |work=Planet Bollywood |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/heyram.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100828180404/http://www.planetbollywood.com/Film/heyram.html |archive-date=28 August 2010 }}</ref> a [[Historical drama|period]] drama, told in flashback, with a fact-based plot centering on the [[partition of India]] and the [[assassination 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.<ref name="ffg">{{cite news|year=2001 |title=Wide acclaim for Indian films in US festival |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Wide-acclaim-for-Indian-films-in-US-festival-/articleshow/33245832.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607154018/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/Wide-acclaim-for-Indian-films-in-US-festival-/articleshow/33245832.cms |archive-date= 7 June 2011 }}</ref> ''Hey Ram'' was a box-office failure in India but was successful worldwide. Also in 2000, Haasan appeared in the comedy ''[[Thenali]]'' as a [[Sri Lankan Tamils|Sri Lankan Tamilian]] with [[Posttraumatic stress disorder|PTSD]] who is under a psychiatrist's care. ''Thenali'', starring [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]] actor [[Jayaram]], was a box-office success. Haasan's next film was 2001's ''[[Aalavandhan]]'', in which he played two roles: For one he had his head shaved and gained ten kilograms. To play the other Army major in ''Aalavandhan'', he went to the [[National Defence Academy (India)|NDA]] for a crash course.<ref name="madhu">{{cite web|year=2003 |title=The Kamal I know&nbsp;– Panicker |work=Rediff.com |access-date=21 January 2011 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/08kamal3.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622104459/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/08kamal3.htm |archive-date=22 June 2011 }}</ref> The Hindi version was distributed by Shringar Films.<ref name="Abhay">{{cite web|author=Subhash K Jha |year=2001 |title=Fear becomes him! Getting under Kamal's skin |work=Rediff.com |access-date=24 January 2011 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/10kamal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622103322/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2001/nov/10kamal.htm |archive-date=22 June 2011 }}</ref><ref name="AbhayMusic">{{cite web |author=Vivek Fernandes |year=2001 |title=Abhay sings a fearless tune |access-date=24 January 2011 |url=http://getahead.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715165208/http://getahead.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/25abhay.htm |archive-date=15 July 2011 }}</ref> Despite pre-release publicity, the film was a commercial failure.<ref name="lossesss">{{cite news|title=The many faces of success |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/09/03/stories/2005090302070300.htm |date=3 September 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081105041257/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2005/09/03/stories/2005090302070300.htm |archive-date= 5 November 2008 }}</ref>

|url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/20010119/renews.htm

}}</ref> including ''[[Pammal K. Sambandam]]'' and ''[[Panchatanthiram]]'' and guest appearances, Haasan directed ''[[Virumaandi]]'', a film about capital punishment which won the Best Asian Film Award at the [[Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival|Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival]].<ref name="Kamal Virumandi"/> He also appeared in ''[[Anbe Sivam]]'' with [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]]. [[Priyadarshan]], its original director, left and [[Sundar C.]] completed the film. ''Anbe Sivam'' tells the story of Nallasivam, portrayed by Haasan as a communist. His performance was praised by critics, with ''[[The Hindu]]'' saying that he "has once again done Tamil cinema proud".<ref name="anbesivam">{{cite web |author=Malathi Rangarajan |year=2003 |title=Anbe Sivam |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/01/17/stories/2003011701310200.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922070329/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2003/01/17/stories/2003011701310200.htm |archive-date=22 September 2009 }}</ref>

In 2004 Haasan appeared in ''[[Vasool Raja MBBS]]'', a remake of [[Bollywood]]'s ''[[Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.]]'', with [[Sneha (actress)|Sneha]] which was a box-office success. The following year, he wrote and starred in the comedy ''[[Mumbai Xpress]]''. Released during [[Tamil New Year]], it was a disappointment at the box office despite positive reviews. He appeared Kannada comedy film ''[[Rama Shama Bhama]]'' with [[Ramesh Aravind]]. In 2006 Haasan's long-delayed project, the stylish police story ''[[Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu]]'', was a success. Directed by [[Gautham Vasudev Menon]], the film is about a police officer sent to the US to investigate a series of medical murders. In 2008's ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'', 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 director [[K. S. Ravikumar]], is one of the first modern science-fiction films made in India. Starring Haasan and [[Asin]] Thottumkal, it was the highest-grossing Tamil film ({{as of|2008|lc=y}}) and his performance was critically praised.<ref name="thehindu1">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200904102111.htm |title=Kamal starts remake of 'A Wednesday' |work=The Hindu |date=10 April 2009 |access-date=15 September 2010 |location=Chennai, India |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203035536/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200904102111.htm |archive-date=3 December 2011 }}</ref> In Canada, ''Dasavathaaram'' was the first Tamil film distributed by [[Walt Disney Pictures]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-08-01/dasavatharam-07-06-08.html |title=Walt Disney buys Dasavatharam |date=7 June 2008 |access-date=5 January 2014 |website=Behindwoods.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012043950/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-08-01/dasavatharam-07-06-08.html |archive-date=12 October 2012 }}</ref>

After ''Dasavathaaram'', Haasan directed a film tentatively titled ''Marmayogi'', which stalled after a year of pre-production. He then produced and starred in ''[[Unnaipol Oruvan (2009 film)|Unnaipol Oruvan]]'', a remake of the Bollywood film ''[[A Wednesday!|A Wednesday]]'', where he reprised the role originally played by [[Naseeruddin Shah]] with Malayalam actor [[Mohanlal]] playing [[Anupam Kher]]'s role.<ref name="UPOwriter">{{cite web |year=2009 |title=I was mesmerised by Kamal |publisher=[[Ergo (Indian newspaper)|Ergo]] |access-date=3 May 2012 |url=http://www.goergo.in/?p=4271 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824221135/http://www.goergo.in/?p=4271 |archive-date=24 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="UPO">{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Super heroes come together |access-date=3 May 2012 |url=http://www.goergo.in/?p=4134 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824222827/http://www.goergo.in/?p=4134 |archive-date=24 August 2013 }}</ref> It was released in [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] as ''Eeenadu'', with [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]] reprising the role played by Kher.<ref name="eenadu review">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-telugu-movie-review-eenadu/20090918.htm Review: Eenadu is almost like A Wednesday&nbsp;– Rediff.com Movies] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111150919/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-telugu-movie-review-eenadu/20090918.htm |date=11 November 2013 }}. Rediff.com (18 September 2009). Retrieved 19 May 2015.</ref> Both versions were critically acclaimed and commercially successful.<ref name="eenadu review"/><ref name="ipos">{{cite web|author=Ranjib Mazumder |year=2009 |title=Kamal Haasan admits being a player for the market |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=19 October 2009 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_kamal-haasan-admits-being-a-player-for-the-market_1296453 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012103456/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_kamal-haasan-admits-being-a-player-for-the-market_1296453 |archive-date=12 October 2009 }}</ref>

{{See also|Controversial issues surrounding Vishwaroopam}}

Haasan collaborated for the fifth time with Ravikumar in ''[[Manmadan 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/preview/11967.html |title=Manmadhan Ambu Tamil Movie Preview |website=IndiaGlitz |date=17 December 2010 |access-date=12 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005003902/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/preview/11967.html |archive-date= 5 October 2013 }}</ref> The film was released in December 2010 to mixed reviews, with ''Behindwoods'' calling it "an entertainer, but in parts"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/manmadhan-ambu-movie-review.html |title=Manmadhan Ambu Movie Review |website=Behindwoods |access-date=12 July 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802154444/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/manmadhan-ambu-movie-review.html |archive-date= 2 August 2013 }}{{Rating|2.5 |5}}</ref> and ''[[Sify]]'' saying it "lacks the punch to captivate the audiences".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/manmadhan-ambu-lacks-the-punch-tamil-movie-review-rating-news-national-kmzrkfbbbcg.html |title='Manmadhan Ambu' lacks the punch (Tamil Movie Review; Rating:***) |website=[[Sify]] |date=25 December 2010 |access-date=12 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101001730/http://www.sify.com/movies/manmadhan-ambu-lacks-the-punch-tamil-movie-review-rating-news-national-kmzrkfbbbcg.html |archive-date= 1 November 2013 }}{{Rating|3 |5}}</ref>

Haasan's next film after ''Manmadhan Ambu'' was 2013's ''[[Vishwaroopam]]'', released in Hindi as ''Vishwaroop''. It won two [[National Film Awards]] (Best Production Design and Best Choreography) at the [[60th National Film Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2013/mar/d2013031801.pdf |title=60th National Film Awards Announced |access-date=4 January 2014 |website=[[Press Information Bureau]] |date=18 March 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140611113348/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2013/mar/d2013031801.pdf |archive-date=11 June 2014 }}</ref> Muslim groups in Tamil Nadu demanded the ban of the film and claimed, that the film would hurt Muslim sentiments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/vishwaroopam-row-ends-kamal-muslim-groups-reach-accord/article4372814.ece|title='Vishwaroopam' row ends; Kamal, Muslim groups reach accord|date=2 February 2013 |access-date=2 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514191634/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/vishwaroopam-row-ends-kamal-muslim-groups-reach-accord/article4372814.ece|archive-date=14 May 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-bad-Muslims-in-Vishwaroopam-cant-paint-terrorists-white-Kamal-Haasan/articleshow/18274576.cms|title=No 'bad Muslims' in 'Vishwaroopam', can't paint terrorists white: Kamal Haasan|website=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=2 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119033604/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-bad-Muslims-in-Vishwaroopam-cant-paint-terrorists-white-Kamal-Haasan/articleshow/18274576.cms|archive-date=19 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 show ''Vishwaroopam'', 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 [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|highest-grossing Tamil film]] of 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mehta|first=Ankita|date=13 March 2013|title='Vishwaroopam' Box Office Collection: Kamal Haasan Starrer Earns ₹220 Crores|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vishwaroopam-box-office-collection-kamal-haasan-starrer-earns-220-crores-445593|access-date=30 May 2020|website=International Business Times, India Edition|language=en|archive-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311025306/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/vishwaroopam-box-office-collection-kamal-haasan-starrer-earns-220-crores-445593|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2014, he was appointed as the official Indian delegate to the [[2014 Cannes Film Festival|67th Cannes Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Kamal Haasan to lead official Indian delegation to Cannes |work=[[India Today]] |date=14 May 2014 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-haasan-67th-cannes-international-film-festival/1/361714.html |access-date=23 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517013607/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-haasan-67th-cannes-international-film-festival/1/361714.html |archive-date=17 May 2014 }}</ref> As of July 2014, he was working on three films: ''[[Uttama Villain]]'', ''[[Vishwaroopam II]]'', the sequel of ''Vishwaroopam''<ref>{{Cite news|title = Vishwaroopam 2 confirmed for jan, 2015|date = January 2015|url = http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-02/news-interviews/44656417_1_vishwaroopam-2-kamal-haasan-pooja-kumar|last = Shiva|first = Prasad|work = [[The Times of India]]|access-date = 4 January 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131214180534/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-02/news-interviews/44656417_1_vishwaroopam-2-kamal-haasan-pooja-kumar|archive-date = 14 December 2013|url-status = dead}}</ref> and ''[[Papanasam (film)|Papanasam]]''.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Kamal-Haasan-to-start-shooting-for-Drishyam-remake/articleshow/37072105.cms Kamal Haasan to start shooting for Drishyam remake] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025211912/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Kamal-Haasan-to-start-shooting-for-Drishyam-remake/articleshow/37072105.cms |date=25 October 2015 }}. ''[[The Times of India]]''. 23 June 2014. Retrieved 27 August 2014.</ref> After 2 years of Vishwaroopam's release, ''[[Uttama Villain]]'' was released on 2 May 2015 with exceptional critical reviews and on 3 July 2015, ''[[Papanasam (film)|Papanasam]]'' a Tamil remake of Malayalam film ''[[Drishyam]]''<ref>{{cite news|title=Papanasam: A faithful remake, a solid thriller|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/papanasam-movie-review/article7383788.ece?topicpage=true&topicId=1282|access-date=29 June 2016|website=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602083520/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/papanasam-movie-review/article7383788.ece?topicpage=true&topicId=1282|archive-date=2 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> was released with positive reviews and became a huge success<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/papanasam-papanaasam-movie-review-live-audience-response-637920 'Papanasam' (Papanaasam) Movie Review: Live Audience Response] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704045126/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/papanasam-papanaasam-movie-review-live-audience-response-637920 |date= 4 July 2015 }}. Ibtimes.co.in (4 July 2015). Retrieved 14 July 2016.</ref> followed by the bi-lingual ''[[Thoongaa Vanam]]'' and ''[[Cheekati Rajyam]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/kamals-next-titled-thoonga-vanam-tamil-news-132707.html |title=Kamal's next titled 'Thoonga Vanam' |date=14 May 2015 |access-date=15 May 2015 |website=IndiaGlitz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516193245/http://www.indiaglitz.com/kamals-next-titled-thoonga-vanam-tamil-news-132707.html |archive-date=16 May 2015 }}</ref> both doing moderate business.

He was set to reprise his role of Balram Naidu (a [[Telugu people|Telugu]] [[Research and Analysis Wing|RAW]] Officer) from ''Dasavathaaram'' in a spin-off film directed by himself titled ''Sabaash Naidu''. The film was to be made in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi (as  ''Shabhash Kundu''). The film's release date has been delayed owing to Haasan's entry into politics, and he pledged that he focus on working on ''[[Indian 2]]'' instead.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/official-vishwaroopam-2-and-indian-2-are-the-last-two-films-of-kamal-haasan-news-tamil-scopulabddaci.html|title=Official: 'Vishwaroopam 2' and 'Indian 2' are the last two films of Kamal Haasan|work=Sify|access-date=21 April 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502095940/http://www.sify.com/movies/official-vishwaroopam-2-and-indian-2-are-the-last-two-films-of-kamal-haasan-news-tamil-scopulabddaci.html|archive-date=2 May 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 17 September 2020, director [[Lokesh Kanagaraj]] announced through his Twitter handle that his next venture will have Kamal Haasan in lead role with [[Anirudh Ravichander|Anirudh]] handling the music with the movie titled as ''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]''. It was Kamal Hassan's 232nd film as an actor.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kamal-haasan-232-title-teaser-lokesh-kanagaraj-presents-a-fabulous-gift-to-his-guru/articleshow/79099658.cms|title='Kamal Haasan 232' title teaser: Lokesh Kanagaraj presents a fabulous gift to his guru|website=[[The Times of India]] }}</ref> The film was released on 3 June 2022 and was a huge commercial success grossing {{INRConvert|442.45|c}} and went on to become the [[List of Tamil films of 2022#Box office collection|highest-grossing Tamil film of the year]] and [[List of highest-grossing Tamil films|fourth highest-grossing Tamil film]] of all time by beating the collections made by other Tamil films like ''[[Beast (2022 Indian film)|Beast]]'', ''[[Valimai]]'', ''[[Etharkkum Thunindhavan]]'' and ''[[Don (2022 film)|Don]]'' etc.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vikram surpasses Beast Day 2 collection|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/vikram-box-office-collection-day-8-kamal-haasans-action-entertainer-gets-a-powerful-start-to-the-second-week/amp_articleshow/92140895.cms|website=[[Times of India]]|access-date=5 June 2022|archive-date=15 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615105033/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/vikram-box-office-collection-day-8-kamal-haasans-action-entertainer-gets-a-powerful-start-to-the-second-week/articleshow/92140895.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The first single of ''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]'' titled "[[Pathala Pathala]]" received several million views from Kamal Haasan's fans and was the most viewed song on [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/may/12/vikram-complaint-filed-against-kamal-haasans-pathala-pathala-for-taking-on-union-government-31446.html|title=Vikram: Complaint filed against Kamal Haasan's Pathala Pathala for taking on Union Government|website=[[Cinema Express]] }}</ref>

In addition to acting, Haasan is noted for his involvement in other aspects of filmmaking.<ref name="Kamal Interview"/> He has written many of his films, including ''[[Raja Paarvai]]'', ''[[Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989 film)|Apoorva Sagodharargal]]'', ''[[Michael Madana Kama Rajan]]'', ''[[Thevar Magan]]'', ''[[Mahanadhi (film)|Mahanadhi]]'', ''[[Hey Ram]]'', ''[[Aalavandhan]]'', ''[[Anbe Sivam]]'', ''[[Nala Damayanthi (2003 film)|Nala Damayanthi]]'', ''[[Virumaandi]]'', ''[[Dasavathaaram]]'', ''[[Manmadan Ambu]]'' and ''[[Vishwaroopam]]''. Haasan's production company ([[Raaj Kamal Films International]]) has produced several of his films, and he directed ''[[Chachi 420]]'', ''Hey Ram'', ''Virumaandi'' and ''Vishwaroopam''. He considered directing full-time if ''Hey Ram'' was successful, but changed his mind when the film failed at the box office.<ref name="Stardustpg2">{{cite web|year=2001 |title=I may slip behind camera&nbsp;– Kamal Haasan |publisher=Rediff.com Courtesy. Stardust |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2001/mar/16kamal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628233808/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2001/mar/16kamal.htm |archive-date=28 June 2011 }}</ref> In his earlier career, he choreographed for [[MGR]] in ''[[Naan Yen Pirandhen]]'', [[Sivaji Ganesan]] in ''Savaale Samaali'' and [[Jayalalithaa]] in ''[[Anbu Thangai]]''<ref>{{cite web|title=Kamal Haasan&nbsp;– The Complete Actor |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/99540.html |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=11 August 2013 |date=7 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110002651/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/99540.html |archive-date=10 November 2013 }}</ref> In 2010 Haasan said he wanted to do more directing, since young actors wished to work for him. When he played supporting roles early in his career he wanted to become a technician and joked: "Film makers like [[K. Balachander]] told me that I won't be able make much money by being a technician. So the end result is that the star Kamal funds the technician Kamal in pursuing his dreams".<ref name="Kamal Haasan wanted to be Technician">{{cite web|author=Ranjib Mazumder |year=2009 |title=I wanted to be a technician: Kamal Haasan |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=19 January 2011 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_i-wanted-to-be-a-technician-kamal-haasan_1234832-all |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114114642/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_i-wanted-to-be-a-technician-kamal-haasan_1234832-all |archive-date=14 January 2012 }}</ref> Haasan attended workshops for makeup technicians in the US for several years, and trained as a makeup artist under [[Michael Westmore]].<ref name="Marudhunayagam">{{cite web|year=1998 |author=V S Srinivasan |title=Making of an epic |publisher=Rediff |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/1998/sep/19mar.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622101726/http://in.rediff.com/movies/1998/sep/19mar.htm |archive-date=22 June 2011 }}</ref>

Haasan has written songs for his films. He wrote the lyrics for a single in ''Hey Ram'', songs in ''Virumaandi'' and ''Unnaipol Oruvan'' and the album for ''Manmadhan Ambu''. Haasan's musical work has been well received by his peers in Tamil film.<ref name="Kamal writes lyrics">{{cite news|author=TOI |title=Kamal's lyrics gets thumbs up |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=19 January 2011 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Kamal-Hassans-lyrics-get-thumbs-up/articleshow/6960789.cms |date=20 November 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123203750/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Kamal-Hassans-lyrics-get-thumbs-up/articleshow/6960789.cms |archive-date=23 November 2010 }}</ref> He is also a playback singer,<ref name="Kamal singer">{{cite news|author=TOI|title=Tunes from the heart|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=24 May 2013|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-27/news-interviews/28005589_1_kamal-haasan-indian-film-pasanga|date=27 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010454/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-03-27/news-interviews/28005589_1_kamal-haasan-indian-film-pasanga|archive-date=5 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> singing in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Hindi]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]] and English.<ref name="Kamal English">{{cite news|title=Kamal Haasan sings in English |work=Rediff.com |access-date=24 May 2013 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/09kamal.htm |date=9 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225107/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/09kamal.htm |archive-date= 3 March 2016 }}</ref> Haasan also wrote the lyrics for a song about the [[Coronavirus]] and released its music video, "Arivum Anbum". The album, composed by [[Ghibran]] and directed by Haasan, featured Anirudh Ravichander, Yuvan Shankar Raja and a number of other contemporary performers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Madhu |first1=Vignesh |title=Arivum Anbum: Kamal Haasan pens a song of hope during Covid-19 times! |url=http://onlookersmedia.in/videos/arivum-anbum-kamal-haasan-pens-song-hope-covid-19-times/ |access-date=24 April 2020 |publisher=Onlookers Media |date=23 April 2020 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011154058/http://onlookersmedia.in/videos/arivum-anbum-kamal-haasan-pens-song-hope-covid-19-times/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Arivum Anbum: Kamal Haasan-Ghibran's song on coronavirus is an anthem of hope |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/arivum-anbum-kamal-haasan-ghibran-s-song-on-coronavirus-is-an-anthem-of-hope-1670067-2020-04-23 |access-date=24 April 2020 |work=[[India Today]] |date=23 April 2020 |archive-date=27 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427091333/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/arivum-anbum-kamal-haasan-ghibran-s-song-on-coronavirus-is-an-anthem-of-hope-1670067-2020-04-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2021, Haasan featured in a song 'Shades of Blue: A Musical Tribute to [[Venmurasu]]' composed by [[Rajan Somasundaram]] and released by Director [[Mani Ratnam]] in honor of [[Venmurasu]], the longest novel ever written in any language.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/director-mani-ratnam-releases-musical-tribute-to-jeyamohans-epic-venmurasu-2021-10-19/|title=Director Mani Ratnam Releases Musical Tribute to Jeyamohan's Epic Venmurasu|website=www.marketwatch.com|language=en|access-date=2020-10-20}}</ref> Earlier, he has spoken in appreciation of [[Venmurasu]] and writer [[Jeyamohan]] on Bigg Boss during his book recommendations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/feb/04/bookmarked-for-bigg-boss-bibliophiles-2259190.html/|title=Book Recommendations by Kamal Haasan|website=www.NewIndianExpress.com|language=en|access-date=2022-03-18}}</ref> In 2022, Haasan was the lyricist and the playback singer for the song "Pathala Pathala" from Vikram.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kamal Haasan pens a Kuththu song for 'Vikram' - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/kamal-haasan-pens-a-kuththu-song-for-vikram/articleshow/87300351.cms |access-date=2022-05-17 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

Haasan made his return on [[Star Vijay]] TV, hosting the first season of ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil]]'' in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kamal-haasan-all-setto-host-tamil-big-boss/article18203914.ece|title=Kamal Haasan all set to host Tamil Big Boss|website=The Hindu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918163706/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kamal-haasan-all-setto-host-tamil-big-boss/article18203914.ece|archive-date=18 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/news/86984-big-boss-reality-show-in-vijay-tv-anchor-by-kamal.html|title=கமல் தொகுத்து வழங்கும், விஜய் டிவியின் 'பிக் பாஸ்'|website=vikatan.com|access-date=17 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901000328/http://www.vikatan.com/cinema/tamil-cinema/news/86984-big-boss-reality-show-in-vijay-tv-anchor-by-kamal.html|archive-date=1 September 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The show soon went onto become one of the most watched television series in Tamil Nadu and gained positive reviews among audience from season 1 onwards.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-16|title=Looking back at Bigg Boss Tamil Season One: Top seven controversies|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/looking-back-at-bigg-boss-tamil-season-one-top-seven-controversies-5220445/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Karki|first=Tripti|date=2017-08-29|title=Bigg Boss Tamil: With 14k retweets, self-evicted contestant Oviya Helen emerges more popular than ever|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood-bigg-boss-tamil-14k-retweets-contestant-oviya-helen-emerges-more-popular-than-ever-twitter-398788|access-date=2022-01-29|website=www.indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-30|title=Bigg Boss Tamil 2: From Aishwarya Dutta's 'Hitler Task' to Mahat's tantrums, a look at the top controversies of the show|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/television/bigg-boss-tamil-2-top-controversies-kamal-haasan-show-5379965/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-06-26|title='Bigg Boss 2' Tamil in trouble|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/bigg-boss-2-tamil-trouble-83677|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-06|title=Bigg Boss Tamil 3: A look at the top controversies of the season|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-3-a-look-at-the-top-controversies-of-the-season/photostory/71461027.cms|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3 - A look back at the most controversial moments from the show|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/photos/slideshows/2019/oct/10/bigg-boss-tamil-season-3---a-look-back-at-the-most-controversial-moments-from-the-show-667.html|access-date=2022-01-29|website=[[Cinema Express]]|language=en}}</ref> Haasan also hosted the second season of ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil 2]]'' which started its telecast on 17 June 2018,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-05-12|title=Kamal Haasan returns to host 'Bigg Boss' 2|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kamal-haasan-returns-host-bigg-boss-2-81212|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil 3]]'' which started its telecast on 23 June 2019<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kamal Haasan all set for Bigg Boss Tamil 3 - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/kamal-haasan-all-set-for-bigg-boss-tamil-3/articleshow/69234470.cms|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and [[Bigg Boss Tamil 4]] which started telecast on 4 October 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-28|title=Bigg Boss Tamil 4 teaser: Kamal Haasan gets back to work|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-season-4-teaser-kamal-haasan-gets-back-to-work-6572489/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> He hosted ''[[Bigg Boss (Tamil season 5)|Bigg Boss Tamil 5]]'' which started to telecast from 3 October 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bigg Boss Tamil 5 teaser is out; Kamal Haasan returns as the host - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/bigg-boss-tamil-5-teaser-is-out-kamal-haasan-returns-as-the-host/articleshow/85800271.cms|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Then, now he is the host<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-17|title=Kamal Haasan to host first edition of Bigg Boss Tamil OTT, begins January 30|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-to-host-bigg-boss-tamil-ott-next-7727242/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> to the [[Bigg Boss Ultimate (Season 1)]] which is to be launched on [[Disney+ Hotstar]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bigg Boss Ultimate: Kamal Haasan announces OTT version of Bigg Boss Tamil, here's all you need to know |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/bigg-boss-ultimate-kamal-haasan-announces-ott-version-of-bigg-boss-tamil-heres-all-you-need-to-know/719efacb51128 |access-date=2022-01-29 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-17|title=Disney+ Hotstar to stream its first-ever OTT exclusive season of Bigg Boss Tamil from 30th January|url=https://www.medianews4u.com/disney-hotstar-to-stream-its-first-ever-ott-exclusive-season-of-bigg-boss-tamil-from-30th-january/|access-date=2022-01-29|website=MediaNews4U|language=en-US}}</ref> from 30 January 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Janani K. |date=January 17, 2022 |title=Kamal Haasan to host Bigg Boss Ultimate on Disney+ Hotstar from January 30. Read details|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/reality-tv/story/kamal-haasan-to-host-bigg-boss-ultimate-on-disney-hotstar-from-january-30-read-details-1900821-2022-01-17|access-date=2022-01-29|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref> He exited the show after the third week owing to scheduling conflicts with his film ''[[Vikram (2022 film)|Vikram]]''. Later, [[Silambarasan]] replaced him as the host from week 4 onwards.<ref>{{Cite web|title= Kamal opts out of Bigg Boss Ultimate show |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kamal-opts-out-of-bigg-boss-ultimate-show/article65068468.ece|access-date=2022-02-21|website=www.thehindu.com|date=20 February 2022|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-02-22|title=This sensational star replaces Kamal Haasan in 'Bigg Boss Ultimate'? - Tamil News|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/bigg-boss-ultimate-new-host-simbu-kamal-haasan-tamil-news-308356|access-date=2022-02-22|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}</ref>

 

== Personal life ==

Haasan was born into a [[Tamils|Tamil]] Iyengar family<ref name="indiatimes1">{{Cite web |date=17 May 2013 |title=I get devastated at the idea of marriage: Shruti Haasan |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/I-get-devastated-at-the-idea-of-marriage-Shruti-Haasan/articleshow/20084486.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030124223/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news-interviews/I-get-devastated-at-the-idea-of-marriage-Shruti-Haasan/articleshow/20084486.cms |archive-date=30 October 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> in the town of [[Paramakudi]], in the [[Ramanathapuram]] district of [[Tamil Nadu]], to criminal defence lawyer D. Srinivasan and Rajalakshmi, a housewife.<ref name="father">{{Cite web |last=Kumar, Rajitha |year=2000 |title=Kamal, as we know him |url=http://cricket.rediff.com/movies/2000/nov/08kamal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728103013/http://cricket.rediff.com/movies/2000/nov/08kamal.htm |archive-date=28 July 2011 |access-date=30 June 2009 |publisher=[[Rediff]]}}</ref> During 2013 his daughter [[Shruti Haasan]] appeared on an episode of ''[[Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi]]'', where "phone a friend" option is availed to Shruti and when she called 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 that name.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 April 2012 |title=Kamal reveals his real name! |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-05/news-interviews/31293640_1_kamal-haasan-elephant-ulaga-nayagan |url-status=dead |access-date=2 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521022957/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-05/news-interviews/31293640_1_kamal-haasan-elephant-ulaga-nayagan |archive-date=21 May 2013}}</ref> In an interview with [[Karan Thapar]], Haasan said his father was literate in Sanskrit. Haasan was the youngest of four children; his siblings are [[Charuhasan]], [[Chandrahasan]] and Nalini (Raghu). His two older brothers followed their father's example and studied law.<ref name="yaakob" /> Haasan continued his education in Sir M.Ct. Muthiah Chettiar Boys Higher Secondary School<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 February 2020 |title=Kamal Haasan's reunion with his schoolmates |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kamal-haasans-reunion-with-his-schoolmates/articleshow/73840812.cms |url-status=live |access-date=20 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011154057/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kamal-haasans-reunion-with-his-schoolmates/articleshow/73840812.cms |archive-date=11 October 2020}}</ref> and [[Hindu Higher Secondary School]] in Madras (now [[Chennai]]).{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

Haasan has alluded to his parents in some of his works, notably ''Unnaipol Oruvan'' and in the song "[[Kallai Mattum]]" in ''[[Dasavathaaram]]''.<ref name="familfy">{{Cite web |last=Pavithra Srinivasan |year=2008 |title=Dasavatharam music is mediocre |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28ssdas.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606112512/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/apr/28ssdas.htm |archive-date=6 June 2009 |access-date=30 June 2009 |publisher=[[Rediff]]}}</ref> His oldest brother Charuhasan, like Haasan, is a [[National Film Award (India)|National Film Award]]-winning actor who appeared in the [[Kannada]] film ''[[Tabarana Kathe]]''. Charuhasan's daughter [[Suhasini Mani Ratnam|Suhasini]] is also a National Film Award winner married to director (and fellow award-winner) [[Mani Ratnam]], who collaborated with Haasan on 1987's ''Nayakan''.<ref name="maniy">{{Cite web |year=2003 |title=Married to the medium |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20030412/windows/main4.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413132659/http://tribuneindia.com/2003/20030412/windows/main4.htm |archive-date=13 April 2009 |access-date=30 June 2009 |website=The Tribune}}</ref> Chandrahasan has produced several of Haasan's films and was an executive with [[Raaj Kamal Films International]], he died in March 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 March 2017 |title=Kamal Haasan's brother and producer Chandrahasan died |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-brother-and-producer-chandrahasan-dies-in-london-4575812/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508022836/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/kamal-haasan-brother-and-producer-chandrahasan-dies-in-london-4575812/ |archive-date=8 May 2017 |access-date=19 March 2017 |website=The Indian Express}}</ref> Chandrahasan's daughter [[Anu Hasan]] has had supporting roles in several films, including Suhasini's ''[[Indira (film)|Indira]]''. Haasan's sister, Nalini Raghu, is a dance teacher for whom he named an auditorium (Nalini Mahal).<ref name="sistyer">{{Cite news |last=Ramani, Nandini |date=21 November 2003 |title=Married to the medium |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2003/11/21/stories/2003112101220400.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=13 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108145018/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2003/11/21/stories/2003112101220400.htm |archive-date=8 November 2012}}</ref> Her son, Gautham, played Haasan's grandson in "Hey Ram".

In 1978, at age 24, Haasan married dancer [[Vani Ganapathy]].<ref name="Kamal-vani">{{cite news|author=Indiatimes Movies|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-31/did-you-know-/27897283_1_kamal-haasan-low-key-affair-entry|title=Kamal Haasan made a flowery entry|work=[[The Times of India]]|publisher=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd|access-date=31 December 2008|date=31 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521024317/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-12-31/did-you-know-/27897283_1_kamal-haasan-low-key-affair-entry|archive-date=21 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> She acted with Haasan in the 1975 movie ''[[Melnaattu Marumagal]]''. After marriage, Vani worked as Haasan's costume designer for several movies. They divorced ten years later.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

Haasan and actress [[Sarika]] began living together in 1988, marrying after the birth of their first child, [[Shruti Haasan|Shruti]] (born 1986). Shruti is a singer and a [[Telugu cinema|Tollywood]]-[[Tamil cinema|Kollywood]] actress. Their younger daughter, Akshara (born 1991), was [[assistant director]] for 2013's ''Vishwaroopam'' and actress for 2019's ''[[Kadaram Kondan]]''. Sarika stopped acting soon after their marriage, Sarika worked as Haasan's costume designer for the movie ''[[Hey Ram]]'' and won the [[National Film Award for Best Costume Design]]er.<ref name="47thaward">{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm47NFAAward.aspx|title=47th National Film Awards|publisher=[[International Film Festival of India]]|access-date=13 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140505163411/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm47NFAAward.aspx|archive-date=5 May 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="47thawardPDF">{{cite web|url=http://dff.nic.in/2011/47th_nff_2000.pdf|title=47th National Film Awards|publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals|access-date=13 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022161229/http://dff.nic.in/2011/47th_nff_2000.pdf|archive-date=22 October 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, the couple filed for divorce, which became final in 2004.<ref name="sarika">{{cite news|author=Jha, Subhash K. |year=2003 |title=My main concern is the kids |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=30 June 2009 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/231833.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203010011/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/231833.cms |archive-date= 3 February 2009 }}</ref> After their divorce, Sarika acted in movies and TV serials, winning the [[National Film Award for Best Actress]] for the 2005 film ''[[Parzania]]''.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

From 2005 until 2016, Haasan was in a relationship with actress [[Gautami]], {{Citation needed|date=October 2021}}, his frequent co-star during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Gautami had announced on her blog that she had ended her relationship with him<ref name="IT Gautami split">{{cite web|last=Bhattacharya |first=Ananya |title=Kamal Haasan and Gautami part ways after living together for 13 years |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-haasan-gautami-split-living-together-13-years-live-in/1/799818.html |website=[[India Today]] |date=1 November 2016 |access-date=1 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102170331/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-haasan-gautami-split-living-together-13-years-live-in/1/799818.html |archive-date= 2 November 2016 }}</ref> writing, "It is heartbreaking for me to have to say today that I and Mr. Haasan are no longer together. After almost 13 years together, it has been one of the most devastating decisions that I have ever had to make in my life."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/showbiz/gautami-opens-up-on-kamal-haasan-after-13-years-together-our-paths-have-irreversibly-diverged-1625151/|title=Gautami opens up on Kamal Haasan: After 13 years together, our paths have irreversibly diverged|work=India.com|date=2 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102154728/http://www.india.com/showbiz/gautami-opens-up-on-kamal-haasan-after-13-years-together-our-paths-have-irreversibly-diverged-1625151/ |archive-date= 2 November 2016}}</ref>

Haasan is an atheist.<ref>{{cite news

|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-columns/tinsel-town-column/article6380567.ece

[[File:M.B. Nirmal with Kamal Haasan.JPG|thumb|right|200px|alt=Man with jacket standing with smiling, bespectacled younger man|Haasan with social activist [[M. B. Nirmal]] (right) in Chennai]]

Haasan received the first Abraham Kovoor National Award for his humanist activities and secular life in 2004.<ref name="awards">{{cite web|year=2007 |title=The legend turns 53 |publisher=[[Zee Network|Zee]] News |access-date=30 June 2009 |url=http://www.zeenews.com/news405995.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026160459/http://www.zeenews.com/news405995.html |archive-date=26 October 2009 }}</ref> He was project ambassador for Hridayaragam 2010, which raised funds for an orphanage for [[HIV/AIDS]]-affected children.<ref name="Kamal Hasan supports cause of Aids affected kids!">{{cite web|year=2009 |title=Kamal Hasan supports cause of Aids affected kids! |publisher=aidsroko.com |access-date=17 January 2011 |url=http://www.aidsroko.com/aids-hiv-article/kamal-hasan-supports-cause-of-aids-affected-kids/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205031909/http://www.aidsroko.com/aids-hiv-article/kamal-hasan-supports-cause-of-aids-affected-kids/ |archive-date=5 December 2010 }}</ref> In September 2010 Haasan launched a children's cancer relief fund and gave roses to children with cancer at [[Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute|Sri Ramachandra University]] in [[Porur]], Chennai.<ref name="Kamal does it again">{{cite web |year=2010 |title=Kamal does it again |publisher=BizHat.com |access-date=17 January 2011 |url=http://filmreviews.bizhat.com/tamil/kamal-does-it-again/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402140436/http://filmreviews.bizhat.com/tamil/kamal-does-it-again/ |archive-date=2 April 2012 }}</ref> He has pledged his product-endorsement income to social causes.<ref name="Kamal pledges support">{{cite web|year=2010 |title=Kamal pledges support |website=Behindwoods.com |access-date=17 January 2011 |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-10-05/kamal-haasan-30-11-10-02.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103054233/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-10-05/kamal-haasan-30-11-10-02.html |archive-date= 3 January 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Kamal in Ads">{{cite web |title=Kamal Hassan gets branded |access-date=2 May 2012 |url=http://www.bollywood.com/kamal-haasan-gets-branded |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824190229/http://www.bollywood.com/kamal-haasan-gets-branded |archive-date=24 August 2013 }}</ref> Haasan, along with his partner [[Gautami]], won {{INR}}&nbsp;5&nbsp;million on ''[[Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi]]'' in March 2013 and donated the prize money to ''Petral Thaan Pillaya'', a [[nonprofit organization]] supporting cancer patients.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 March 2013|title=Kamal Haasan would make a great quiz master, says Siddharth Basu|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/kamal-haasan-would-make-a-great-quiz-master-says-siddharth-basu-611350|access-date=25 August 2021|website=NDTV}}</ref>

Haasan publishes the magazine ''Mayyam'', by the Kamal Haasan Welfare Association (''Narpani Iyakkam'').His views on cinema, child and drug abuse, and the Kashmir conflict have been published as ''Thedi Theerpom Va'' (''Come, Let's Find and Solve'') by his fan club.<ref name="Kamal's Mayyam">{{cite web |author=TOI |year=2010 |title=Kamal's Magazine |publisher=ScreenIndia.com South Screen |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/mar12/south2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601024603/http://www.screenindia.com/old/mar12/south2.htm |archive-date=1 June 2008 }}</ref> He is also interested in [[Tamil literature]].<ref name="Kamalpoems">{{cite news|author=Malathi Rangarajan |title=Cupid Calling |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article945879.ece |date=11 December 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216013204/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/cinema/article945879.ece |archive-date=16 December 2010 }}</ref><ref name="Kamalwriter">{{cite news|author=Malathi Rangarajan |title=Now it's the turn of Kamal Haasan ... the writer |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=10 October 2012 |url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/10/26/stories/2007102650130200.htm |date=26 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005010029/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/10/26/stories/2007102650130200.htm |archive-date= 5 October 2013 }}</ref>

He formed the centrist party [[Makkal 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 President [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]]'s residence and his memorial at [[Rameswaram]].<ref name=political /> His party contested in 37 seats in [[2019 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).<ref>{{cite news |title=A great beginning, says Kamal Haasan. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-great-beginning-says-kamal-haasan/article27241455.ece |work=The Hindu |date=25 May 2019 |access-date=6 June 2020 |archive-date=2 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602183044/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-great-beginning-says-kamal-haasan/article27241455.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Kamal Haasan interviews Ang Lee.jpg|thumb|alt=Ang Lee, a grey-haired man, looking at Haasan (who is speaking)|Haasan with [[Ang Lee]]]]

Haasan received, in 1990, the [[Padma Shri]], and, in 2014, the [[Padma Bhushan]] for his contributions to [[Indian cinema]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-hassan-turns-57/1/158991.html |title=Kamal Hassan turns 57 |work=India Today |date=7 November 2011 |access-date=7 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111150726/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-hassan-turns-57/1/158991.html |archive-date=11 November 2013 }}</ref> At age six, he won the President's Gold Medal for Best Child Actor for his debut film, ''[[Kalathur Kannamma]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm40thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=40NFA.pdf |title=Directorate of Film Festival |publisher=Iffi.nic.in |access-date=17 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008114601/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm40thNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=40NFA.pdf |archive-date=8 October 2015 }}</ref> He is tied with [[Mammootty]] for the second most Best Actor National Film Awards with three. He won a [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil]] for producing the 1992 Tamil film, ''[[Thevar Magan]]''. He has a record 19 [[Filmfare Awards]] in five languages; after his last award, in 2000, he wrote to the organisation requesting no further awards.<ref name="awards"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/1404447/report-the-next-decade-will-be-the-best-of-my-career-kamal-haasan|title=The next decade will be the best of my career: Kamal Haasan|publisher=DNA India|access-date=30 May 2013|date=2 July 2010|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011154059/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-the-next-decade-will-be-the-best-of-my-career-kamal-haasan-1404447|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2003, his films ''Hey Ram'', ''Pushpak'', ''Nayakan'' and ''[[Kuruthipunal (film)|Kuruthipunal]]'' were showcased in the "Director in Focus" category at the [[International Film Festival Rotterdam|Rotterdam Film Festival]].<ref name="KamalFilmFest">{{cite news|year=2001 |title=Director in Focus |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/30/stories/2004073001610100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125134302/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/07/30/stories/2004073001610100.htm |archive-date=25 November 2010 }}</ref> In 2004, ''[[Virumaandi]]'' won the inaugural Best Asian film award at the [[Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival]] (PiFan).<ref name="Kamal Virumandi">{{cite web|year=2004 |title=Virumandi wins at Puchon Film Fest |website=IndiaGlitz |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/10030.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613091331/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/10030.html |archive-date=13 June 2011 }}</ref><ref name="KamalFilmFest"/>

In 2005, [[Sathyabama Deemed University]] awarded Haasan an honorary doctorate.<ref name="Dr Kamal">{{cite web|year=2005 |title=Dr Kamal Haasan! |publisher=[[Rediff.com|Rediff]] News |access-date=17 January 2011 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/24spice.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514065835/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/jan/24spice.htm |archive-date=14 May 2011 }}</ref> He received the [[Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema]] at the inaugural Vijay Awards in 2006.<ref name="Chevalier awards">{{cite web|year=2006 |title=Star-spangled it was |publisher=Goldentamilcinema.net |access-date=18 January 2011 |url=http://www.goldentamilcinema.net/new/news_25-12-06.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608121104/http://www.goldentamilcinema.net/new/news_25-12-06.htm |archive-date=8 June 2009 }}</ref> He received the Living Legend Award in 2007 from [[FICCI]].<ref name="FICCI Living Legend Award">{{cite web|year=2007 |title=Kamal Haasan to receive Living Legend Award |website=IndiaGlitz.com |access-date=17 January 2011 |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/29781.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613145155/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/29781.html |archive-date=13 June 2011 }}</ref> In 2010, the United Progressive Alliance government organised a retrospective of his films. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister [[Ambika Soni]] said the actor was unique, since his films broke regional and language barriers.<ref name="Retrospective of Kamal films">{{cite news|title=Retrospective of Kamal Haasan films opens |access-date=18 January 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/03/stories/2010070364451600.htm |date=3 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808202224/http://www.hindu.com/2010/07/03/stories/2010070364451600.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date= 8 August 2010 }}</ref> That year, the [[government of Kerala]] honoured him for 50 years in Indian cinema during statewide [[Onam]] celebrations in [[Thiruvananthapuram]].<ref name="Kerala honours Kamal">{{cite news|title=Kerala honours Kamal Haasan |publisher=[[Hindu|The Hindu]] News |access-date=18 January 2011 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/article588181.ece |date=22 August 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825092207/http://www.thehindu.com/arts/article588181.ece |archive-date=25 August 2010 }}</ref>

[[Mani Ratnam]] who directed Haasan in ''Nayakan'', has said that there are many things he can do that no other actor can.<ref name="Mani Ratnam on Kamal">{{cite news|author=Shiva Kumar |title=Mani misses working with Kamal |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=21 January 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082502240100.htm |date=25 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111062838/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082502240100.htm |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref> Veteran Tamil actor [[Nagesh]] called Haasan the best actor he had ever seen.<ref name="Nagesh on Kamal">{{cite news|author=Malathi Rangarajan |title=Behind that humorous veneer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/behind-that-humorous-veneer/article2273149.ece |access-date=12 July 2013 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=27 July 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328065205/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-fridayreview/behind-that-humorous-veneer/article2273149.ece |archive-date=28 March 2016 }}</ref> His contributions to the film industry have been praised by his contemporaries, including [[Mohanlal]], [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]], [[Sridevi]], [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Mammootty]], [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]], [[Shah Rukh Khan]] and [[Aamir Khan]].<ref name="Sridevi">{{cite news|title=Sridevi calls me sir, says Kamal Hassan |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sridevi-was-like-a-sibling-to-me-says-kamal-haasan/99484-8.html |access-date=12 July 2013 |publisher=CNN-IBN |date=19 August 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824013706/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sridevi-was-like-a-sibling-to-me-says-kamal-haasan/99484-8.html |archive-date=24 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Shiva Kumar |title=I wanted to touch him:SRK on Kamal Haasan |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=21 January 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082502240100.htm |date=25 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111062838/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082502240100.htm |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="Aamir on Kamal">{{cite news|author=Shiva Kumar |title=Aamir on Kamal |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=21 January 2011 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082502240100.htm |date=25 August 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111062838/http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2006/08/25/stories/2006082502240100.htm |archive-date=11 November 2012 }}</ref><ref name="MLal on Kamal">{{cite news |title=I want to work with Kamal Haasan again |publisher=Southdreamz.com |access-date=24 May 2013 |url=http://www.southdreamz.com/2009/10/i-want-to-work-with-kamal-hassan-again-says-mohanlal.html |date=1 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221074021/http://www.southdreamz.com/2009/10/i-want-to-work-with-kamal-hassan-again-says-mohanlal.html |archive-date=21 December 2012 }}</ref> Younger generation actors ([[Suriya]] and [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]])<ref name="Surya on Kamal">{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Surya on Kamal |publisher=southdreamz.com |url=http://www.southdreamz.com/2009/08/kamal-hassan-comments-on-suryas-speech.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009183952/http://www.southdreamz.com/2009/08/kamal-hassan-comments-on-suryas-speech.html |archive-date=9 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Kamal's advise to Surya">{{cite web |year=2010 |title=Kamal's advise to Surya |publisher=southdreamz.com |url=http://www.southdreamz.com/2010/03/kamal-haasans-advise-to-suriya.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009184054/http://www.southdreamz.com/2010/03/kamal-haasans-advise-to-suriya.html |archive-date=9 October 2011 }}</ref><ref name="Maddy on Kamal">{{cite web|author=Subhash K Jha |year=2003 |title=Maddy on Kamal |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/09kamal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326014635/http://in.rediff.com/movies/2003/jan/09kamal.htm |archive-date=26 March 2016 }}</ref> and filmmakers ([[Bala (director)|Bala]], [[Ameer (director)|Ameer]] and [[Gautham Vasudev Menon|Gautham Menon]]) have been inspired by him.<ref name="Bala says Anbe Sivam inspired him">{{cite web|url=http://tamilmovies.ebest.in/tamil-movie-news/bala-says-anbe-sivam-inspired-me/story_1613.html|title=Bala says Anbe Sivam inspired him|date=1 June 2010|work=tamilmovies.ebest|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605035657/http://tamilmovies.ebest.in/tamil-movie-news/bala-says-anbe-sivam-inspired-me/story_1613.html |archive-date=5 June 2010 }}</ref><ref name="Ameer on Kamal">{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Second Innings |publisher=[[Ergo (Indian newspaper)|Ergo]] |url=http://www.goergo.in/?p=3910 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824213321/http://www.goergo.in/?p=3910 |archive-date=24 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Gautham">{{cite web |year=2009 |title=Surya most versatile after Kamal&nbsp;– Gautham Menon |publisher=[[Ergo (Indian newspaper)|Ergo]] |access-date=3 May 2012 |url=http://www.goergo.in/?p=3120 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824215259/http://www.goergo.in/?p=3120 |archive-date=24 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Gautham on Kamal">{{cite web |author=Shiva Kumar |year=2006 |title=Gautham on Kamal |access-date=22 January 2011 |url=http://www.southdreamz.com/2010/08/ajith-kumar-snubs-gautham-menon.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009183928/http://www.southdreamz.com/2010/08/ajith-kumar-snubs-gautham-menon.html |archive-date=9 October 2011 }}</ref>

Hollywood filmmaker Barrie M. Osburne called Haasan's knowledge of literature, history and films "encyclopedic",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-hassan-barrie-m-osborne-iifa-vishwaroop-ramayan-singapore/1/200189.html |title=Kamal Hassan, Barrie M Osborne to work together |date=11 June 2012 |work=India Today |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904042800/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-hassan-barrie-m-osborne-iifa-vishwaroop-ramayan-singapore/1/200189.html |archive-date=4 September 2012 }}</ref> and Ang Lee said he was stunned by his brilliance and knowledge of films.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ang-lee-totally-stunned-by-kamal-haasans-brilliance/303474-8-67.html |title=Ang Lee: Totally stunned by Kamal Haasan's brilliance |date=2 November 2012 |work=IBN Live |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208083738/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/ang-lee-totally-stunned-by-kamal-haasans-brilliance/303474-8-67.html |archive-date= 8 December 2013 }}</ref> Some of his films were inspiration for some Hollywood films.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kamal-Haasan-condoles-Robin-Williams-death-but-calls-it-a-cop-out/articleshow/40140589.cms |title=Kamal-Haasan-condoles-Robin-Williams-death&nbsp;– The Times of India |work=The Times of India |date=13 August 2014 |access-date=19 January 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430074430/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kamal-Haasan-condoles-Robin-Williams-death-but-calls-it-a-cop-out/articleshow/40140589.cms |archive-date=30 April 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://newsmix.in/uttama-villain-inspiration-woody-allens-movie-kamal-haasan/ |title=uttama villain inspiration woody allens movie kamal haasan |publisher=newsmix.in |date=3 July 2014 |access-date=19 January 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119213950/http://newsmix.in/uttama-villain-inspiration-woody-allens-movie-kamal-haasan/ |archive-date=19 January 2015 }}</ref>

'The Week', in its 13 September 1992 edition, reported that Chiranjeevi charged Rs. 12.5&nbsp;million per film, which was the highest remuneration for an Indian actor at the time. In 1994, Haasan became the first Indian actor to charge 15&nbsp;million per film.{{Citation needed|date=January 2022}}

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