Today we celebrate the birthday of one of India’s most talented actors who has had an unforgettable journey in Hindi and Tamil films. Kamal Haasan is one of the most versatile method actors, a successful screenwriter and one of the most brilliant directors in our country. On his birthday, I decided to share my favorite Kamal Haasan films and celebrate these memorable cinematic moments!
1) Ek Duuje Ki Liye
A huge blockbuster in the 80s, this film directed by K. Balachander was a remake of Kamal’s Telugu film, Maro Charithta. I love the simplicity of this timeless love story where Kamal Haasan played a South Indian man in love with a North Indian girl played by Rati Agnihotri. He was totally cute in his attempt to learn Hindi and the songs were beautiful. I wish it didn’t have such a tragic ending though.
2) Saagar
Ramesh Sippy’s love triangle had Dimple Kapadia in a sensuous avatar and Rishi Kapoor. Kamal Haasan played a man hopelessly in love with Dimple’s character and I loved watching him dance in the Goan wedding song O Maria with Dimple. He even won a Filmfare Best Actor Award for this one.
3) Sadma
This was one of Kamal Haasan’s greatest performances and he won his first National Award for this one. He essayed the role of a school teacher in love with an autistic woman played by Sridevi.
The movie was a heart wrenching classic which was a defining point in both their careers and the songs move me to tears.
4) Chachi 420
This remake of the Robin William starrer Mrs. Doubtfire was directed by Kamal himself. It was a lot of fun watching him in a comedy after seeing so much of him in very serious characters. Kamal was fab as the multitasking Chachi who the kids love.
5) Hindustani
The film was selected as India’s entry to the Academy Awards that year and won Kamal Haasan his third National Award for Best Actor. Hindustani had a strong message about corruption in the country and sees Kamal take on a challenging double role. He shared some amazing chemistry with Manisha Koirala and who can forget the funniest lyrics ever, Telephone Dhun Mein Hasne Wali and Melbourne Machli Machalne Wali..hee hee!
And finally,
6) Hey Ram
The movie was written, directed and produced by him and had Kamal in the leading role as well. It was a controversial plot as it had references to religion, Partition and the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Though it did not receive box office success, it was critically acclaimed and I believe it was one of his most sensitive and unique characters.
Kamal Haasan is one of the most celebrated actors in the history of Indian cinema with a multitude of Filmfare, National Awards and even a Padma Shri to his credit.
He’s been acting since the age of 5 and has helped in transforming Indian cinema with some cult classics like Apoorva Sagodharargal, Avai shanmughi and Dasavathaaram, a movie where he played ten different characters. I truly admire his work and the fact that he experiments with so many different genres and unique stories.
Currently, he is busy working on his flick Viswaroopam, which will be released in Hindi as well as Tamil. We pray for the success of his ambitious venture and truly hope that he has a rewarding and fulfilling year ahead. We at Team MissMalini wish Kamal Haasan a super 57th birthday and lots of luck as he continues to surprise us with his work.