Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the bust of his mentor, writer and director K Balachandar at the new office premises of Raajkamal Films International in Chennai on Friday, 8 November, a day after he turned 65.
The event was attended by actor Rajinikanth, lyricist Vairamuthu, Shri K Balachandar’s family and key members of the film industry.
“The journey of Raj Kamal Films International will continue. The bust of K Balachander is there to monitor my work,” said the actor.
“We will soon announce our 50th film. I need not act in it but it will be a mega film.”Kamal Haasan
This year also marks the Ulaganayagan actor’s 60 years in Indian cinema. On Thursday, Haasan celebrated his birthday with a family get-together at his ancestral home at Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district.
Kamal Haasan’s tryst with movies began at the tender of age of five and over the years, evolved into one of the most versatile actors in the country.
Remembering the Veteran Director
Kamal Haasan landed in his first adult role in 1973, in a film by K Balachander. Since then, he has been Haasan’s mentor and guide. His breakthrough in Tamil cinema came in 1975 with Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal which earned him a Filmfare award.
Reminiscing, Rajinikanth thanked the late veteran director for gifting the cinema world some of the best movies.
“‘Aboorva Sagodharagal’ is my favourite film produced by Raj Kamal Films International. I woke him up in the middle of the night to congratulate him. Similarly, ‘Thevar Magan’ is such a classic. The message of that film is superb,” he said.
The superstar said that it was Balachander who had told Rajini to learn Tamil in order to connect with the people of Tamil Nadu.
“K Balachander told me to learn Tamil and said: You see where I am going to take you. He knew what Tamil people would like. But his favourite child was Kamal Haasan.”Rajinikanth
“ ‘God Father’, ‘Thiruvilaiyadal’ and ‘Hey Raam’ are my three go-to movies when I have nothing to watch. I have seen ‘Hey Raam’ almost 30 times,” he added.
Haasan will be attending a screening of ‘Hey Raam’ at Sathyam Cinemas in the city, later today and will take part in a Q and A session with the audience.
Turning 65 at Ancestral Home
Haasan's family unveiled the statue of his father, D Srinivasan, at his home. Srinivasan was a lawyer and a freedom fighter.
The actor-turned-politician also wants to open a talent development centre after his father.
Kamal Haasan's daughters, Shruti and Akshara, and his elder brother Charu Haasan accompanied him on this trip. His niece, Suhasini Maniratnam, wife of reputed directed Mani Ratnam, was also present.
Actor Prabhu, Sivaji Ganesan's son, who is good friends with the Haasan family, was also part of the celebrations.
On 8 November, a musical tribute headlined by composer Ilaiyaraaja is set to be held at Nehru stadium.
Cheers and Blessings Pour In
Meanwhile, wishes poured in from across the country wishing him health and prosperity.
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