# Kamal Haasan > Indian actor, activist and joker (born 1954 ) **Wikidata**: [Q381477](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q381477) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamal_Haasan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kamal-haasan ## Summary Kamal Haasan is an Indian actor, activist, and entertainer born in 1954, widely recognized for his multifaceted contributions to cinema, including acting, directing, screenwriting, and music composition. He is one of India's most celebrated film personalities, known for his versatility, innovation, and cultural impact across multiple decades. ## Biography - Born: November 7, 1954 - Nationality: India - Education: Studied at Little Flower Convent School, Thanjavur - Known for: Pioneering Indian parallel cinema, multilingual filmography, and artistic versatility - Employer(s): Raaj Kamal Films International - Field(s): Acting, directing, screenwriting, choreography, singing, lyricism, composing, philanthropy ## Contributions Kamal Haasan has made significant contributions across various creative and cultural domains: - **Film Career**: Active since 1960, he has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films, often taking on multiple roles such as actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. - **Raaj Kamal Films International**: Founded in 1981, this production house has been instrumental in producing and distributing many of his films. - **Creative Roles**: He has written screenplays, composed music, written lyrics, and directed several films, showcasing a rare combination of artistic control and creative vision. - **Cultural Impact**: Through his work, he has influenced Indian cinema by blending commercial storytelling with socially relevant themes. ## FAQs **What is Kamal Haasan known for?** Kamal Haasan is known for his extensive and versatile career in Indian cinema, particularly in South Indian films, where he has taken on roles as an actor, director, screenwriter, composer, and lyricist. He is also recognized for his activism and contributions to cultural discourse. **What are some of Kamal Haasan's creative roles in films?** He has worked as a film actor, director, screenwriter, choreographer, singer, lyricist, composer, and producer. His ability to take on multiple roles in film production has made him a unique figure in Indian cinema. **Which awards has Kamal Haasan received?** He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the National Film Award for Best Actor, the Padma Bhushan (India's third-highest civilian award), and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France. **What production company is Kamal Haasan associated with?** He is the founder of Raaj Kamal Films International, established in 1981, which has produced and distributed many of his films. **In which languages has Kamal Haasan worked?** He has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi films, making his career multilingual and pan-Indian in scope. ## Why They Matter Kamal Haasan has redefined Indian cinema through his artistic range and willingness to experiment with genres and narratives. His work has bridged mainstream and parallel cinema, bringing socially conscious themes to wider audiences. As a pioneer of new storytelling techniques and a champion of creative independence, he has inspired generations of filmmakers and artists. His influence extends beyond cinema into cultural activism, where he has used his platform to address social and political issues. ## Notable For - **Multifaceted Artist**: Actor, director, screenwriter, composer, lyricist, choreographer, singer, and producer - **Founder of Raaj Kamal Films International**: A production house established in 1981 - **National Film Award for Best Actor**: Recognition for his exceptional acting talent - **Padma Bhushan Recipient**: India’s third-highest civilian honor - **Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres**: French cultural distinction - **Multilingual Filmography**: Worked across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema - **Cultural Icon**: Known as "Ulaga Nayagan" (Universal Hero) in Tamil cinema - **Creative Control**: Often writes, directs, produces, and stars in his own films - **Socially Relevant Themes**: Advocates for progressive narratives in Indian cinema - **Longevity in Industry**: Active since 1960, spanning over six decades ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Kamal Haasan was born on November 7, 1954. He began his career in Indian cinema in 1960 as a child artist in the Tamil film "Kalathur Kannamma." His early education took place at Little Flower Convent School in Thanjavur. From the outset, he demonstrated a flair for performance and storytelling, which would later define his expansive career. ### Career Evolution Over the decades, Kamal Haasan evolved from a child actor to one of India's most respected and versatile film personalities. He has taken on numerous roles in the film industry, including actor, director, screenwriter, composer, lyricist, and producer. His career spans over six decades, during which he has worked in multiple Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. ### Raaj Kamal Films International In 1981, Kamal Haasan founded Raaj Kamal Films International, a production company that has since become synonymous with innovative and high-quality Indian cinema. The company has produced and distributed many of his films, allowing him to maintain creative control and artistic integrity. ### Creative Roles and Contributions Kamal Haasan is known for his multifaceted involvement in films: - **Actor**: Starred in over 200 films across multiple languages. - **Director**: Directed and produced films that blend commercial appeal with artistic depth. - **Screenwriter**: Wrote scripts that explore complex social and philosophical themes. - **Composer and Lyricist**: Created music and lyrics that resonate with cultural and emotional depth. - **Singer and Choreographer**: Contributed to the musical and dance elements of his films. ### Awards and Recognition Kamal Haasan's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards: - **National Film Award for Best Actor**: Acknowledges his exceptional acting prowess. - **Padma Bhushan**: India’s third-highest civilian award, awarded for his contributions to Indian cinema. - **Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres**: A French cultural honor recognizing his artistic achievements. ### Cultural and Social Impact Beyond his filmography, Kamal Haasan has used his platform to address social and political issues. His work often reflects progressive values and a commitment to social justice. He is known as "Ulaga Nayagan" (Universal Hero) in Tamil cinema, a title that reflects his widespread appeal and cultural significance. ### Legacy and Influence Kamal Haasan's influence on Indian cinema is profound. He has inspired a generation of filmmakers and artists with his innovative storytelling and artistic integrity. His work has helped bridge the gap between mainstream and parallel cinema, making socially relevant films accessible to wider audiences. His legacy continues to shape the Indian film industry, encouraging new forms of creative expression and cultural dialogue. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. general catalog of BnF 3. MusicBrainz 4. [Source](http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/kamal-haasan-gautami-split-living-together-13-years-live-in/1/799818.html) 5. Integrated Authority File 6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 7. BBC Things