Kamal Haasan, the president of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party, handed over a cheque of Rs.3 Lakh and assured assistance to M. Sharmila, Coimbatore’s first woman bus driver, in her entrepreneurial endeavors. He also pledged assistance to her by acquiring a seven seater Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) car on behalf of the “Kamal Panbattu Maiam” (Kamal Cultural Centre) to further her driver-entrepreneur aspiration.

Sharmila recently submitted her resignation to a private agency following an alleged dispute with the conductor and operator. During this time, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament Kanimozhi (DMK) honored Sharmila and even traveled alongside her on the bus. Recognizing Sharmila’s determination and dedication, Haasan personally handed over the 3 Lakh cheque to her on June 26, 2023, as confirmed by her father, K. Mahesh.