Kamal Haasan is one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and celebrated figures—an actor, filmmaker, writer, playback singer and politician whose career spans more than six decades. Known for risk-taking roles, technical experimentation and social commentary, Haasan has left an indelible mark on Tamil and Indian cinema while branching into national politics. This comprehensive biography traces his early life, film career, notable achievements, political journey, and legacy.
Profile Data
- Full Name: Parthasarathy Srinivasan
- Stage Name: Kamal Haasan
- Born: November 7, 1954
- Age: 71 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, India
- Nationality: Indian
- Occupation: Actor, director, producer, screenwriter, playback singer, lyricist, politician
- Height: ~ 1.65 m (some sources report ~ 1.70 m)
- Religion: Hindu (born into a Tamil Brahmin Iyengar family)
- Parents: Father – D. Srinivasan (lawyer & freedom-fighter); Mother – Rajalakshmi
- Siblings: Brothers – Charuhasan and Chandrahasan; Sister – Nalini Raghu
- Spouse(s): Vani Ganapathy (married 1978–1988), Sarika Thakur (married 1988–2004)
- Children: Shruti Haasan, Akshara Haasan
- Net Worth: Reportedly ₹450 crore (or around US $70–100 million, depending on source)
Early life and background
Kamal Haasan was born on 7 November 1954 in a Tamil family in the town of Paramakudi (Ramanathapuram district), Tamil Nadu. He was born Parthasarathy Srinivasan but later became popularly known as Kamal Haasan. His father D. Srinivasan was a lawyer and freedom fighter and his mother Rajalakshmi a homemaker. Growing up amid a family that valued the arts and letters, Kamal’s exposure to stage and cinema began early — he made his film debut as a child actor and won national recognition at a very young age.
Child actor to lead man — breakthrough years
Kamal Haasan’s first major success as a child came with the film Kalathur Kannamma (1960), which earned him the President’s (Rashtrapati) Gold Medal for Best Child Artist. After several supporting and child roles through the 1960s, he transitioned into adult lead roles in the early 1970s. His breakout as a lead actor came with films that showcased his range—drama, romance and intense character pieces—rapidly establishing him as a major talent in South Indian cinema.
A versatile filmography: highlights and innovations
Kamal Haasan has acted in over 200 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali. His filmography is notable for its variety—art-house dramas, mainstream blockbusters, experimental works and multi-role performances. Noteworthy films include 16 Vayathinile, Moondram Pirai, Nayakan, Indian, Hey Ram, Dasavathaaram, Anbe Sivam, Vikram and many others. He is also known for doing intense physical transformations and playing multiple characters (notably in Dasavathaaram). Throughout his career he’s embraced new technologies and storytelling techniques, often pushing the boundaries of Indian cinema.
Awards and recognition
Kamal Haasan’s trophy cabinet is exceptional: multiple National Film Awards, a record number of Filmfare Awards (South) and numerous state honours. He has won National Awards for acting and filmmaking, and his tally of Filmfare Awards is one of the highest for any actor in India. Civilian honours include the Padma Shri (1990) and Padma Bhushan (2014); he was also made Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by France in 2016. His award-winning roles and contributions to cinema have cemented his reputation as a powerhouse performer and creative force.
Filmmaking, writing and music
Beyond acting, Haasan has written scripts, directed films and sung playback. He’s credited as director and writer on several projects that balance commercial appeal with artistic depth. His interest in music and lyrics has produced popular songs and experimental tracks. Kamal’s multifaceted involvement—from choreography to editing to makeup and visual effects—reflects a filmmaker who treats cinema as a complete craft rather than only performance.
Political journey — Makkal Needhi Maiam and beyond
In February 2018, Kamal Haasan launched a centrist regional political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), aiming to address governance, education, healthcare and corruption through a people-first platform. While the party’s early electoral outings (including 2019 general elections and a 2021 assembly contest) didn’t yield legislative victories, MNM established itself as a voice of a certain urban and reform-minded electorate in Tamil Nadu. More recently, Kamal Haasan’s political role has broadened, and he has taken a more active stance in national conversations as well.
Recent note: Kamal Haasan also entered the Rajya Sabha, taking oath as a Member of Parliament, marking another chapter in his public life as a national-level legislator.
Personal life and family
Kamal Haasan’s family is closely linked to the arts: his daughters Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan are actors and musicians in their own right, and his siblings have also been associated with film and art. His personal life has been public and sometimes controversial, but his professional reputation for dedication to craft remains widely respected.
Legacy and influence
Kamal Haasan’s legacy is multifold: as an actor who consistently reinvented himself, as an auteur who experimented with form and content, and as a public figure who stepped into politics to seek broader social change. Filmmakers, actors and critics frequently cite him as an inspiration—his career is a case study in longevity, reinvention and creative fearlessness.
FAQs
When and where was Kamal Haasan born?
He was born on 7 November 1954 in Paramakudi (Ramanathapuram district), Tamil Nadu.
How many films has Kamal Haasan acted in?
He has acted in over 200 films across multiple Indian languages.
What are Kamal Haasan’s major awards?
He has won multiple National Film Awards, numerous Filmfare Awards (South) and civilian honours including Padma Shri (1990) and Padma Bhushan (2014).
What is Makkal Needhi Maiam?
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is the political party founded by Kamal Haasan in February 2018.
Is Kamal Haasan active in politics now?
Yes — beyond MNM, Kamal Haasan has taken roles in parliamentary and national discussions and has served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha.
Conclusion
Kamal Haasan’s life reads like a masterclass in artistic evolution. From a celebrated child actor to one of India’s most respected performers and an engaged political figure, he has continuously pushed boundaries in cinema and public life. Whether remembered for landmark films, inventive filmmaking or a commitment to civic engagement, Kamal Haasan’s contribution to Indian culture is deep and enduring.