On the threshold of his political career, and what can be argued as one of his last films (Vishwaroopam 2), Kamal Haasan talks about being pitted against Rajinikanth, his undying love for cinema, and political plans
Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth
You've spent almost six decades in the film industry. Do you still feel the excitement when your film is ready to release?
The best part about filmmaking is watching how an idea solidifies and gets developed into a film. It's always exciting to witness it. The next best thing is the process between the making of the film and the screening for the audience. Yes, there are trials and tribulations, but believing that you can deliver the product is a great feeling. I don't consider acting a job. If I did, I would feel claustrophobic. I have never worked to attain money or fame. I stopped pursuing that when I was 21. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than being on a film set.
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How do you justify quitting films, which has been your bread and butter, to enter politics?
I have earned enough bread and butter to survive. It may not be as much as Mr Mukesh Ambani, but I am satisfied [laughs]. Even if he has 20 bedrooms in his house, he has to sleep in one. When it comes to any ailment, we are both in the same boat. I am happy where I am today. The question that arises in my mind is 'what have I done for the people who admired and loved me unconditionally?' I shouldn't while away my time languishing on my past laurels. With the limited time I have, I want to offer my services to the people. I may sound like a kanjoos [miser] as I spent 60 years satiating my needs, but if I go away without giving anything, I will feel guilty.
Won't you miss the magic of making movies?
I am happy watching them, so I won't miss the magic. Even when I am making Vishwaroopam 2, it's not all about me. I am proud when someone tells me that they saw a new side to Rahul Bose [co-actor] in the film. I learnt this from my mentor K Balachander, who owned all my performances as his without stealing my thunder, like a parent. I have always thought of a film as my child.
Kamal Haasan
In 2013, you stated that you do not wish to enter the Parliament in the name of service to people. What changed the decision?
I believe this is the right time for me to take the plunge into active politics. We need better governance. Thirty-five years ago, MGR had asked me to join politics, but I refused to do it. However, I have been in social service for more than 35 years. I am a politiculturist, not an opportunist. I have come with an agenda to make necessary changes for the betterment of the society.
Before launching your party [Makkal Needhi Maiam] you said that greatness can come from simple beginnings. Is it the same ideology on which the foundation of your political party has been laid?
Yes. I am a fan of Mahatma Gandhi. I would use the word 'fan' carefully, as I don't follow his ideology all the way. I can be his critic and son at the same time. I would rather think of him as a common man with a great mind, than as a Mahatma. Gandhi is imitable in today's time and that is how a great life should be led. It takes guts to follow ahimsa and I am trying to follow that. My party is centrist, which is gaining popularity.
But in films like Indian (1996) and Vishwaroopam you have portrayed characters inclined towards the right wing.
Films and politics are two different things. In films, it is all about changing the world and it happens by the end. I am not promising that to my people, neither am I assuring them of temporary solutions. I am not a leader to give advice; I am a worker, who is going to listen to the advice of the people.
You hope to create leaders in the future, yet we hear only of Kamal Haasan as the representative of Makkal Needhi Maiam.
I am not making a movie, which will have superstars in it. I am trying to get qualified people on board and by 'qualified' I don't mean existing politicians. There are a lot of IAS and IPS officers, who have joined the party. We even have doctors, lawyers and concerned citizens who have never been in politics before, but understand it. So, we will reveal things about the party in time.
Do people's expectations give you sleepless nights?
My fans are like my family, and they don't expect anything but for me to succeed. I have been like an elder brother directing them, but those coming new to the party, come with criticism, and I have to work to solve their issues or questions.
We are living at a time where anyone can be lynched for their opinion. What do you make of this situation?
It's cruel. Recently, an 11-year-old physically challenged girl was raped by 17 men in Tamil Nadu. It's a shame on our state. I am a Tamilian, and I hang my head in shame. I have let down my daughters by not taking care of them. I feel guilty and all fathers should. Don't tell them that they should dress properly so that they are safe or wear your caste on your forehead to be safe. What kind of an assurance is that? Tomorrow if a two-year-old trips and falls everyone should gasp in concern and reach forward to help. If that doesn't happen, this is not a society.
What stops the ruling government from talking about these issues? In fact, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has an outlet with Mann Ki Baat...
[Interrupts] Manoranjan alag hai, aur mann ki baat alag hai. You need to understand people's minds to talk and that's what the PM is trying to do, but invariably in governance, manpasand jo hai woh hi kar lete hai. We are still learning democracy. We look at our leaders as monarchs, which needs to change. My party was also accused of carrying slogans similar to others. I apologised and assured people that it won't happen again. Unlike Arvind Kejriwal, who was unknown, but makes a dent in politics, I am a known person, who has been worshipped without my consent. Now, I have to tell those people that we have other things to do.
Movies to now politics, there is constant comparison between Rajinikanth and you.
It is unfair to compare two people with different ideologies. Our films are proof of it. Similarly, we have set our own path in politics. It is not right to make it a Kamal vs Rajini battle.
If a situation arises, in the best interest of Tamil Nadu, would you see a collaboration with his party?
That entirely depends on his manifesto. I will not be party to non-secular rabble-rousing. We will be tough with him if there is any criticism, and would be equally open to appreciation. Right now, we are saying opposite things; if it continues then it is going to be difficult. This kind of alliance is an opportunistic agreement and not a political stand, and I think both of us would stay away from indulging in it.
What is the first change you hope to bring, if your party is given a mandate by Tamil Nadu people in 2021?
I would sign the Lokayukta Bill, so that it puts the sword of Damocles even above my head. I know it's going to be a sword, which might fall anytime on me, but if I don't do it, how am I going to be different from any other politician. Lokayukta is not just going to be a mirror on the wall, which says 'who is the fairest of them all'. It will show an ugly face.
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