Kamal Haasan Bio, Career, Movies, Family and Achievements

Kamal Haasan is one of the most versatile, talented, and enduring actors in Indian cinema. With a career spanning more than six decades, he has won critical acclaim, mass popularity, and numerous awards

But Kamal Haasan is more than just an actor  he is a writer, director, producer, singer, dancer, makeup artist, and even a politician. His creative ambition and intellectual curiosity have made him a rare polymath in the Indian film world.

From early breakthroughs under director K. Balachander to mainstream success in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, he has transcended linguistic and regional boundaries.

In this article, we explore Kamal Haasan’s life, his major works, his impact on cinema, his political journey, personal life, and legacy.

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Kamal Haasan’s Biography

Early Life and Background

Kamal Haasan was born as Parthasarathy Srinivasan on November 7, 1954, in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu. ¹

His father, D. Srinivasan, was a lawyer and freedom fighter, and his mother, Rajalakshmi, was a homemaker.²

He has two brothers, Charuhasan and Chandrahasan, and a sister, Nalini Raghu, who is a dancer.

இன்று குழந்தைகள் தினமாம் . 😄
உங்கள் உடல் எடையை வைத்து உங்களைக் குழந்தைகள் என்கிறார்கள். என்னைப் பொறுத்தவரை நீங்கள் நாளையின் மூதறிஞர்கள் . இன்றைய மூத்தோர் வெகு விரைவில் உங்களைப்போல் குழந்தைகளாகி விடுவார்கள் . அதுவரை அவர்கள் பாதுகாப்பில் உங்கள் குழந்தைப் பருவத்தை முழுவதுமாக…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 14, 2025

Name Change

Although he was born Parthasarathy Srinivasan, he later adopted the stage name Kamal Haasan.³

As per his family background, “Haasan” is not his ancestral surname: his brothers go by Charuhasan and Chandrahasan, but their full names include Srinivasan.

Early Interest in the Arts

Kamal Haasan grew up in a household that valued the arts. From a young age, he learned classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak, which later enriched his performances in many films.

His family supported his creative talents: his mother encouraged him, and his father’s progressive views allowed him to pursue artistic interests.

Entry into Cinema: Child Star to Rising Talent

Child Actor Debut

Haasan entered cinema at a very young age. His debut film was Kalathur Kannamma (1960), where he played a child role.

He won the President’s Gold Medal (Rashtrapati Award) for Best Child Artist for this film.

Growing Up On Screen

As a teenager, he acted in several films, gradually taking on more mature roles.

In 1974, he landed his first lead role in the Malayalam film Kanyakumari, which earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Actor.

Soon after, in 1975, he teamed up with the acclaimed director K. Balachander for Apoorva Raagangal, an important turning point in his career.

Mentor: K. Balachander

K. Balachander played a major role in shaping Haasan’s career. Their partnership was prolific, and Balachander acted as a mentor for Kamal.

Films like Apoorva Raagangal not only gave Haasan prominence but also explored bold themes – age, love, and societal norms.

Rise to Stardom: Notable Films and Milestones

Over the years, Kamal Haasan’s filmography has become a testament to his range and ambition. He has worked in many genres, languages, and roles.

Here are some of his most defining films and phases:

1. Apoorva Raagangal (1975) — This film was his breakthrough as a lead actor and explored unconventional romance.

2. Moondram Pirai (1982) — A deeply emotional film that won him his first National Film Award for Best Actor.

3. Sagara Sangamam (1983) — In this Telugu film, he played a classical dancer. His dance training added depth to the role.

4. Nayakan (1987) — A crime drama directed by Mani Ratnam; Haasan played a crime boss. He won another National Film Award for this role.

5. Pushpaka Vimana (1987) — Unique for having no dialogues, this black comedy was a bold experiment and became a cult classic.

6. Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989) — He played a dwarf in this film, showing his dedication to challenging roles.

7. Indian (1996) — A vigilante film in which he played dual roles (father and son). He won another National Award.

8. Avvai Shanmugi (1996) — A comedy loosely inspired by Mrs. Doubtfire, where he disguises himself as a woman to be close to his child.

9. Chachi 420 (1997) — The Hindi remake of Avvai Shanmugi, which he directed and starred in.

10. Dasavathaaram (2008) — In this sci-fi thriller, Haasan played 10 different roles.

11. Vishwaroopam (2013) & Vishwaroopam II (2018) — Spy-thrillers that he wrote, directed, and starred in.

12. Uttama Villain (2015) — A reflective film about an actor, aging, and legacy.

13. Vikram (2022) and Leo (2023) — In recent years, he returned in high-profile roles.

14. Kalki 2989 AD (2024) — A sci-fi dystopian film, where he appeared in a supporting role.

15. Indian 2 (2024) — He reprised his role in this highly anticipated sequel.

Creative Range: Beyond Acting

Kamal Haasan is not just an actor — his contributions to Indian cinema go far beyond.

• Writer & Screenwriter: He has written dialogues, screenplays, and scripts for over 30 films.

• Producer: Through his production house Raaj Kamal Films International, he has produced several of his own films, such as Apoorva Sagodharargal and Vishwaroopam.

• Director: He has directed films like Hey Ram (2000), in which he also starred.

• Make-up and Transformation: To prepare for demanding roles like Dasavathaaram, Haasan learned make-up and prosthetics, even training under Hollywood make-up artist Michael Westmore.

• Music & Singing: He has sung in films, composed lyrics, and contributed creatively to musical aspects of his projects.

• Photography & Writing: Outside cinema, he is a photography enthusiast and has written books, including a novel.

Awards, Honors and Recognition

Kamal Haasan’s talent and influence have been recognized through many awards and honors:

• He has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor (for Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, and Indian).

• He has won 20 Filmfare Awards in total across South Indian cinema and Hindi making him one of the most awarded actors.

• Padma Shri (1990) and Padma Bhushan (2014) from the Government of India.

• Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier) by the Government of France.

• In 2025, he was invited to become a member of the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to global cinema.

Also Read: Rajinikanth’s Biography, Journey, Movies, Age, Family and Legacy

Political Journey

Kamal Haasan’s ambitions also extend into politics:

• In December 2021, he launched his own political party called Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), which means “People’s Justice Center.”

• The party positions itself as centrist, with a focus on anti-corruption and accountability.

• In June 2025, Haasan was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament, beginning his term in July 2025.

• His political role represents a shift from cinema to public life, leveraging his popularity and intellectual appeal.

Personal Life

• Marriages and Relationships:

  • He was first married to dancer Vani Ganapathy (1978–1988).

  • Later, he married actress Sarika; they had two daughters, Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, both of whom became actresses. Their marriage ended in 2004.

  • He was in a long-term relationship with Gautami from about 2005 to 2016.

• Children:

  • Shruti Haasan – an actress and singer.

  • Akshara Haasan – also an actress.

• Assets & Lifestyle:

  • His net worth is estimated to be around ₹ 450 crore (approx US$ 70 million).

  • He commands very high remuneration: reportedly, he asked for ₹ 150 crore for Indian 2.

  • Real estate: He owns properties in Chennai worth over ₹ 131 crore.⁴

  • He owns luxury cars and lives a refined lifestyle.

Controversies and Challenges

Kamal Haasan’s life and career have not been without controversy:

• Language Remark: During the promotions for his film Thug Life, he sparkingly said that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” which led to a backlash from pro-Kannada activists.

• Criticism of Overacting: Some critics and fans have said that his performances have become overly dramatic or “painfully performative” in recent years, calling into question whether versatility is being mistaken for excess.

• Bollywood Career Decline:

  • There are claims (in less formal sources) that his Bollywood career suffered because other actors and producers resented his talent and influence.

  • According to some rumors, his personal life (extramarital relationship with Sarika) was used against him by powerful people in the industry to limit his Hindi film opportunities.

While these controversies are part of his public life, they also reflect the complexity of sustaining a multi-decade acting career across different film industries.

Legacy and Impact

Kamal Haasan’s legacy in Indian cinema is profound.

Some of his contributions and influence include:

1. Artistic Versatility: He has played a vast range of characters — from a dwarf to a freedom-fighter vigilante, from a classical dancer to a crime boss.

2. Genre Innovation: His willingness to experiment (silent films like Pushpaka Vimana, science fiction like Dasavathaaram) has pushed Indian cinema’s boundaries.

3. Technical Excellence: His commitment to using prosthetics, learning make-up skills, or adopting challenging acting techniques has set new benchmarks.

4. Social Relevance: His films often address social issues corruption in Indian, identity and legacy in Hey Ram, and morality in his other works.

5. Mentorship and Influence: He has inspired generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences. Many see him not just as a star but as a thinker.

6. Political Voice: By entering politics, he also channels his public influence into civic engagement, championing accountability and justice through his party.

As a “living legend,” Kamal Haasan remains active in cinema and public life, proving that true artistry never fades.

 

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Key Stats

FAQ’s

1. What is Kamal Haasan’s original name?

He was born Parthasarathy Srinivasan, and later adopted the name Kamal Haasan for his film career.

2. When did he start acting?

He started acting as a child artist in the film Kalathur Kannamma (1960), when he was about 6 years old.

3. How many languages has Kamal Haasan acted in?

He has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and other regional languages, making him a truly multilingual actor.

4. What are some of his most famous films?

Some of his most iconic films include Apoorva Raagangal, Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, Indian, Dasavathaaram, Vishwaroopam, and Uttama Villain.

5. Has he won major national awards?

Yes. He has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor. 
He has also won 20 Filmfare Awards, and national honours like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.

Conclusion

Kamal Haasan is not just a superstar, he is a cultural institution. His ability to reinvent himself, his fearless approach to storytelling, and his intellectual curiosity have made him a towering figure in Indian cinema.

Whether he is acting, directing, writing, or stepping into politics, he continues to challenge norms and push boundaries.

His journey from a child actor in rural Tamil Nadu to a national icon and Rajya Sabha MP is a testament to his dedication, talent, and vision. While he has had his share of controversies, his impact on film, art, and society remains enormous.

For anyone who loves cinema, Kamal Haasan’s life is a study in passion, discipline, and artistry. He is not just an actor of the past, he is an ongoing force in Indian culture, shaping stories today and inspiring generations for years to come.

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1. britannica
2. indiatimes
3. en.wikipedia.org
4. financialexpress