March 4th, 2009
People willingly lent him their ears when renowned South Indian actor Kamal Haasan delivered a scintillating speech at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Kannada film industry in Bangalore recently. The actor, with his usual candour and witticism, appealed to all those whom he called “chauvinists” not to politicize the film industry for their personal benefits. Speaking eloquently in Kannada, the actor said, “In no way should politics and the film fraternity be mixed. They are like oil and water; they cannot be mixed.”Drawing multiple analogies to the film industry, Kamal opined, “Film industry is like a train journey, where people can get in irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or any such hurdles… I consider Kannada industry as my aunt and sister to Tamil industry. Though my identity as a Tamilian can never be changed, I have to say that I have been inspired by many of my mentors from Kannada including Gundu Rao (Nagesh) and Dr. Rajkumar. Also, I have a so many friends from Kannada film industry and arts — B Saroja Devi, Girish Karnad, P. Lankesh, Kasaravalli, Ananthamurthy, Puttanaji, B.V. Karanth and others.”
Referring to Superstar Rajinikanth , Kamal said, “Shivaji Rao Gaekwad is my best competitor and we are both students of the Tamil film industry.” Finally, Padmashri Kamal made a humble, tongue-in-cheek request to the Kannada industry when he said, “Please do invite me for your centenary celebrations of Kannada cinema and don’t ignore me saying ’Avaru Ondhu Mudhuka’ (He’s an old man).”
About one lakh people gathered at the event were enraptured by Kamal Hassan’s fluent, high-spirited speech in Kannada. Everyone, including the State Chief Minister Mr. Yediruppa, appreciated and felicitated the actor. Kudos to Kamal and his kamaal ka performance (wonderful performance)!
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