Unforgettable Kamal Haasan: From Child Actor to Legend
As one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan has left an indelible mark on the industry with his talent, hard work, and innovative approach. A true icon, he has captivated audiences with his transformative performances and groundbreaking contributions to the world of films. Here are some lesser-known but enlightening facts about the Kamal Haasan Andavar.
A Multilingual Marvel
Kamal Haasan is the only Indian actor to have appeared in six different languages: Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali. This phenomenal feat showcases his adaptability and commitment to the craft. He is also the first Indian actor to earn a Rs 1 crore salary for a single film, a record previously held by Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan.
Childhood Stardom
Interestingly, Kamal Haasan's acting journey began at a tender age. In 1959, aged just 9, he played a child artiste in the film Kalathur Kannamma, which earned him the Presidents Gold Medal for his performance. Following this, he continued to act in five more child roles. This early exposure undoubtedly honed his skills and prepared him for his future successes.
Genius in Acting and Technology
While Kamal Haasan is widely celebrated for his acting skills, his curiosity in film technology sets him apart. He is known for his willingness to experiment and push boundaries, such as wearing nine glasses to play an old man in a film. Interestingly, this wasn’t a simple visual decision; it was a calculated one. According to a 1980s incident, when a younger actor tried to emulate this, they were unable to see anything due to the blurriness. Kamal Haasan, a step ahead, used a -9 contact lens to neutralize the effect and achieve the desired look. This ingenuity is a testament to his understanding of the craft and his dedication to perfecting his art.
Bowling Us Over with Awards
Perhaps one of the most inspiring aspects of Kamal Haasan's career is his undying passion for winning awards. After winning his first Filmfare Award, he faced a rather interesting challenge from his brother. His brother wanted to know if he could break Dilip Kumar's record of 12 Filmfare Awards. When Kamal Haasan won his 13th award, his brother's response was, “Dilip Kumar has won 12 Filmfare awards in a single language, Hindi; break this record and then I will be impressed.” This response from his brother encouraged Kamal Haasan to strive for excellence, culminating in his 13th consecutive Filmfare Award in 1988, for acting in the Hindi film Mahanati.
The Making of a Legend
In 2009, Kamal Haasan marked a significant milestone by completing 50 years in the film industry. His contributions to cinema are vast and varied, including:
Writing his first script at the age of 18 for the film Unarchigal in 1976. Winning a Padma Shri in 1990 for his contributions to the Indian film industry. Receiving the CNN IBN Best Indian of The Year in 2010. Awarded an international award for his direction of Virumaandi, which won the Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival in South Korea. Being honored with the FICCI Living Legend Award in 2009. Receiving a lifetime achievement award at the 15th Mumbai Film Festival in 2013.Other notable achievements include being one of the few Indian actors to have completed 50 years in cinema and receiving multiple national, state film, and Filmfare Awards.
His filmography is also characterized by his daring stunts, which have resulted in 32 fractures. Moreover, six of his films were submitted for the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, though none were nominated. Nonetheless, his impact on the film industry and his pursuit of excellence continue to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers.