Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan, who was born on 7 November 1954 in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, has been a part of the Indian movie industry for more than 5 decades. His journey in cinema has seen him don a multitude of roles; from child artiste, to romantic lead, to one of the most respected and revered heroes of the film industry today. After making his debut as a child artiste in the film, Kalathoor Kannamma (1960), he has starred in nearly 200 films in all major Indian languages. His breakthrough into lead acting came with his role in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), in which he played a rebellious youth in love with an older woman. He secured a National Film Award for his portrayal of a naive school teacher, who tends to a childlike amnesiac in Moondram Pirai (1982). He was particularly noted for his performance in Mani Ratnam's Nayagan (1987), which was ranked as one of the best films of all time by Time magazine. A prolific writer of fiction and non-fiction in Tamil, his published work stands testament to his constant exploration of structure and form. As a student of Carnatic music, he has studied under musical maestro, Dr. Balamuralikrishna and lent his voice for many songs, one of his biggest hits being ‘Inji Iduppazhagi’ from the film Thevar Magan (1992). A true prodigy, Kamal Haasan wrote his first script at the age of 18 for the movie, Unarchigal (1976), which was then followed by movies that have gone on to become cult classics - Rajapaarvai (1981), Sathya (1988), Apoorva Sahotharargal (1989), Thevar Magan (1992), Mahanadi (1994), Kurudhippunal (1995), Avvai Shanmugi (1996), Hey Ram (2000), Pammal K Sambandam (2002), Panchathanthiram (2002), Anbe Sivam (2003), and Dasavathaaram (2008), in which he appeared in ten distinct roles; these are reverently etched in the hearts of millions for having set the bar for craftsmanship in the fields of screenplay, script, and dialogue. Kamal Haasan has always been passionate about every facet of cinema, donning many hats as a producer, director, screenwriter, playback singer, choreographer, lyricist, and a masterful exponent of Indian traditional dance. The extensive body of work he leaves behind will be cherished by students and lovers of cinema for time immemorial.

Born on: 7 November, 1954

Born in: Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India

Height: 5' 5"

Nickname(s): Kamal