Kamal and the Dasavatharam team are off to US. This article builds upon the rumour that Kamal is playing George Bush and also mentions that Shruthi, his daughter, is studying in the US now. Kamal is expected to return only by end of the year.

Some more Dasavatharam news available in Tamil on MSN. The article talks about a special camera procured from abroad, which is reminiscent of Aalavandhaan.

This post is one born out of admiration for a person whom I think is a true idol.

I have always been a fan of Kamal Haasan since my childhood. And when I say I am fan, I don’t mean to say I watch every movie of his or that I am there for the first show of his every movie. I am actually not even one of those fans who will swear that each and every performance of his and every movie of his is mind blowing. But what I do say is that this is one man who has made the profession of acting and the movie industry highly respectable in my eyes.

I decided I have to write about how Kamal has transformed my view of cinema and its stars after I watched his recent movie ‘Vettaiyadu Vilaiyadu’. I am sure all Tamil movie goers would have watched the film by now. And I am also pretty much sure that everyone would agree that the movie was really well made and that Kamal has once again proved that he is a cut above the rest! I for one was so enthralled by the movie and by Kamal’s performance that I was raving about the movie(which included Kamal’s looks as well;)) for more than a week. I must also mention here that the director of the movie Gautham Menon moved up a few notches in my ‘favourites’ list. It was a mind-blowing movie, though many (especially men) did think that it was very disturbing as it dealt with the story of a serial rapist and murderer. However, I would say that the movie was made to be disturbing as it left some serious thoughts in the viewers’ heads long after the movie was over.

I spoke so much about the movie to my friends and everyone that after each conversation I started thinking a little about this person. I thought about how this man has dedicated his life to the art of acting. Many of his movies totally shock us as to what lengths he goes to in each of his movies to look the part he is playing. His movies also clearly show us that this is one man who has done his homework to almost become the character he is playing. In each of his movies there is something new. Sometimes it is the make-up, sometimes it is his singing ability that comes to the fore, sometimes it is all the new technical stuff he has introduced in film making; the list is endless. Another important point that many people fail to recognize in his movies is the subtle message each of his movies carries. Of course, in all the movies the hero plays the good guy fighting for a cause and the cause is pretty much clearly outlined in the first few scenes of the movie. However, in all of Kamal’s movies (especially the ones that he has acted in the last decade or so) have real important messages laced into the story, but it is not blaring enough for the masses to understand. Now, that is why Kamal does not command a fan-following like Rajinikanth (the superstar of Tamil filmdom)! Coming back to the point about messages, let me mention a few. Remember this movie ‘Peiyar Sollum Pillai’ - the message there was about abolishing caste-ism. ‘Kurudhipunal’ was about the life (the real emotions and tribulations) of commandos. ‘Mahanadhi’ was a very disturbing movie about the life of children who lose their parents, but one of the messages I liked in the movie was in a song which teaches the children about how not to fear devils and demons and how they are all just a myth. ‘Anbe Sivam’, my all time favorite movie (I personally think it is one of the best movies ever made) is about ‘Love’. It so subtly highlights the message that “Love is God”. I think it is a movie that every human being who really wants to live a meaningful life should watch and probably save a copy for posterity. Another recent one, ‘Virumaandi’ was about the death sentence. I could just go on and on. But this is not all that I want to talk about.

The most important thing that I wanted to talk about in this post is about how Kamal Haasan is an inspiration to people who want to make a difference in this world. Think about this. We all look up to extraordinary people such as scientists, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, IT professionals, etc. and talk about how we want to be like them. But hardly does any parent show the example of an actor to his/her child to make them understand what it takes to be a successful and extraordinary human being. Including me, I think all of us just look at movies as entertainment and movie stars as glamorous people who do a job they are paid for. But think again. Think again about this guy named Kamal. He was a school drop-out and became an actor to fulfill his father’s dream. But he chose to make a difference through the medium that God had offered to him. He dedicated his life to this art of acting. Though a school drop-out he is well-read and highly knowledgeable and speaks impeccable English, Tamil and several other languages and can talk about any topic for hours on end. He is a great dancer, a great orator and someone who walks his talk. And hey, I almost forgot this one! He is amazingly good looking, even at the age of 52 and I think he does the due for that fit and fine look. The next one is a little dicey but I have to say it. I am sure many of YOU, don’t like the way he leads his personal life (frankly, who are we to comment on his personal life?), but think again. However flamboyantly you would say he lives his life, he has been very honest and forthright. Now that calls for some real appreciation given that none of us on the face of this earth is perfect and that many of us don’t have the guts to own up to our mistakes. Now tell me, what more does one need to make Kamal his/her idol and look up to this man to live one’s life more successfully and meaningfully?

I could go on and on about this guy. But I will just conclude by saying, “Kamal Haasan for me is a person who has pushed the limit for something he believes in - the medium of cinema to share his knowledge and his experiences. And I sure would be proud to introduce him to the next generation as one of the greatest men to walk this earth”! I always think about this guy and say to myself, “If only I have half of this guy’s dedication to whatever my cause on earth is, I would be successful in making a huge difference to this planet I live in”.

[Editor’s note: Please welcome a new contributor to this blog, Savitha! The above is based on this post.]

Kamal had a practice of celebrating his birthday with his fans. Each year, a function was organised featuring some Tamil literary people, holding a few competitions and also involved some donations. Last year, he was shooting for Vaettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu in New York. This year, it was Dasavatharam. Is Kamal moving away from celebrations?

Anyway, some Kamal fans, part of the Narpani Mandram, continued the tradition this year. They donated computer-related stuff to Thai Thamizh school (backed by lyricist Thamarai). Some photos too are available. Kamal himself had donated 50,000 Rupees to the same school earlier.

As speculation continues on what roles Kamal is playing in Dasavatharam, here’s one (in Tamil) which talks about a king, a white man (what’s the politically correct term?) and a 92 year-old woman who teaches music. The article also mentions an anecdote, where Kamal fooled the cinematographer Ravivarman by posing as the Australian specialist whom he was supposed to meet.

People around the world may talk about 9/11, 7/7 or 7/11 (11/7). But the 7/11 we all remember is the 7th of November, Kamal’s birthday.

Surpringly, this time, there are many doing similar posts. SathyaPriyan (in Tamil) came up with a list of best movies a while ago. Today, it’s Raju’s turn. But do you want to know what Kamal himself thinks? Here’s a slightly outdated list.

Today, Kamal turns 52 and I wanted to celebrate his birthday in some form. Here are some of my favourite moments from Kamal movies over the years. These are mostly limited to acting.

Aval Appadithaan: He played the soft-spoken documentary film-maker in this art-house movie focussed on the abrasive heroine. Arun is the person who understands her most. But she pushes him away repeatedly. In this scene, he realises he cannot do much and leaves with a mildly sad and disappointed face.

Moondraam Pirai (Sadma): No prizes for guessing the scene! It is The Scene, which fetched him his first National Award for Best Actor. As the girl whom he took care of leaves without recognising him (after recovering from mental illness), he runs with the train helplessly. He acts out scenes from their past and one of them is the monkey act. With his mouth mimicking a monkey, sadness pours out uncontrollably in the form of tears.

Saagara Sangamam (Salangai Oli): Amongst all the entralling moments of this movie, this one touched me most. Balakrishna is thrilled to know that he is scheduled to perform at an all-India dance festival. Madhavi gives him the booklet without revealing the news. He flips page by page and is shocked on seeing his photo and name. She watches all along with a smile and some mischief. On realising what she has done for him, he quickly bursts into tears and thanks her. The look on the face is simply unforgettable.

Nayakan: Another much talked about scene is when Velu’s son lies dead. It was particularly criticised for the ‘funny’ style of crying. Forget the crying; for me, it’s the shocked and helpless look on the face. He looks at others nearby who are trying to console him, with one hand on the hips and another pointing downwards.

Sathya: The unemployed youngster becomes a henchman for a politician. Caught in the double-game, he finally seeks violent revenge. Mission accomplished, he sits tired and injured, but almost content like a saint.

Michael Madana Kama Rajan: Let me just say that it is possibly the second best Tamil comedy movie of all time (after Kaadhalikka Naeramillai) and leave it at that. But what I am going to describe isn’t really so funny. Madan meets Raju and the latter is being set up to impersonate him. Madan is sitting without his specs and he tries to place the tumbler on the cardboard framework (wall) behind him. It slips since he isn’t able to see properly — “I must get my glasses, you see”!

Thevar Magan: Sakthi is talking to his father with hesitation and fear. In between, he wants to counter-argue; he emerges partially from behind the pillar and softly puts forward his view.

Mahanadhi: Innocence is the hallmark of Krishna in the first part of the movie. He is duped and realises it only when his finance company goes bust. Angry customers storm the office and manhandle him; he floats above the sea of people helplessly.

Kurudhippunal: Though considered to be excessive violence, the climax still remains etched in memory. The mauled-up face seems to have no more strength left; he looks like a vegetable. Yet, Aadhi wants to redeem himself and defies the villain with his mumbled words.

Hey Ram: Saket tries to move onto a settled life with his new wife. But the ghosts of his past haunt him, depicted on screen using special effects. He is terrorised by them and pours water on himself, not knowing what to do. Things do not improve still and he clings onto the washing-stone and trembles.

There are more moments in my head, but I stop here to limit it to a memorable ten. This piece was inspired by this post on rkvision blog.

What’s your favourite Kamal moment? Chip in with your choice in the Comments section! I could publish a compilation of the best ones as a separate post.

Here’s an old interview that appeared in Screen, done around the time of Chachi 420 (Hindi version of Avvai Shanmughi). So, among many other things, this interview also includes Kamal’s point of view on what went wrong with Shantanu Sheorey (who was the director of Chachi at the start). Excerpts:

I feel I am yet to discover the method of consistently doing things right. Again, it depends on what you mean by success…For me, work is an exercise. And you never stop exercising if you want to remain fit.

I am constantly trying to run away from monotony. Because I am scared of playing into the hands of mimicry artistes. Once a mimicry artiste takes you over, you are finished. I don’t mind their mimicking my vernacular accent, but not my style.

My hope is Marlon Brando. He took chances. And with great success. He played contrasting characters with ease. On the other hand, Dustin Hoffman, who has been doing different things, hasn’t become an icon.

I do make films to give full play to my talent.

We are in a money-driven system, a financial society. They will allow you to be a maverick at your own expense.

I should have taken to directing films long ago. I had come into the industry to be a director. I had started out as a choreographer, then I wrote a couple of screenplays. Direction should have been the next step.

When a film doesn’t need fine-tuning, like for instance Indian, I didn’t have much to do. Shanker was in full control…During Nayakan I used to help Mani’s assistants in working out the details.

I revel in recognition. I always refer to myself as a limelight moth. I like people to recognise what I recognise in myself. I get thrilled even when a poem of mine gets published in a local magazine.

Mumbai industry needs to rethink on the myths it has perpetuated. Stars are not permanent, the industry is….Why pamper the stars, boost them to the skies and then pull them down, make them a scapegoat for the ills of the industry?

My aim is to create a facility to produce films continuously and reach them to the people. on the lines of the studio system in Hollywood. It can only happen through individual enterprise…