Kamal Haasan (born 7 November 1954) is an Indian actor, filmmaker, writer, singer and politician. He is widely regarded as one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema. Starting as a child star, he has acted in more than 200 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Kannada, and he has won multiple National Film Awards. He founded the party Makkal Needhi Maiam and became a Rajya Sabha MP in 2025.
Quick Facts
| Full name | Kamal Haasan |
| Born | 7 November 1954, Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Age | 71 |
| Known as | Ulaganayagan (“Universal Hero”) |
| Child debut | Kalathur Kannamma (1960) |
| Party | Makkal Needhi Maiam (founder, 2018) |
| Office | Member of the Rajya Sabha (since 2025) |
| Daughters | Shruti Haasan, Akshara Haasan |
| Honours | Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2014) |
Early Life
Kamal Haasan was born in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, the son of a lawyer. At about six he made his film debut in Kalathur Kannamma (1960) and won a President’s gold medal for his performance. As a teenager he trained in classical dance and worked as a dance assistant.
Career
K. Balachander’s films of the 1970s, including Apoorva Raagangal (1975) with Rajinikanth, made Kamal Haasan a leading man. He won National Awards for Best Actor for Moondram Pirai (1982), Nayakan (1987) and Indian (1996). Nayakan, directed by Mani Ratnam, was later listed by Time magazine among the greatest films ever made. His Hindi films include Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981), with songs by S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Saagar and Chachi 420.
Kamal Haasan is known for bold experiments: playing a dwarf in Apoorva Sagodharargal, a woman in Avvai Shanmughi and ten different roles in Dasavathaaram (2008). He wrote and directed films such as Hey Ram (2000) and Vishwaroopam (2013). His action film Vikram (2022) was a major hit. In 2025 he reunited with Mani Ratnam for Thug Life.
Politics
In 2018 Kamal Haasan launched the party Makkal Needhi Maiam. It later allied with the DMK, and in 2025 he was elected to the Rajya Sabha, taking his oath in Tamil.
Personal Life
Kamal Haasan was married to the dancer Vani Ganapathy and later to the actress Sarika. With Sarika he has two daughters, the actresses Shruti and Akshara Haasan.
Selected Filmography
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Kamal Haasan born?
Kamal Haasan was born on 7 November 1954 in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India.
What honours has Kamal Haasan received?
Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2014).
