Chennai, November 11: Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan has made a heartfelt request to fans, media, and the film fraternity to refrain from using honorifics like ‘Ulaganayagan’ (Universal Hero) when mentioning his name. In a personal note issued on Monday, Haasan humbly urged that he be referred to simply as “Kamal Haasan,” “Kamal,” or “KH.”
Reflecting on the love and admiration he’s received, Kamal Haasan expressed his gratitude for the titles bestowed upon him over the years, saying, “I have always felt a deep sense of gratitude for being given endearing titles such as Ulaganayagan. Such accolades, given by the people and recognized by esteemed colleagues and admirers, have been humbling, and I’m genuinely moved by your love in conferring them upon me.”
Emphasizing his commitment to the art of cinema, Haasan continued, “Cinema transcends any one individual. I am but a student of the craft, forever hoping to evolve and learn. The true essence of cinema lies in its collaborative nature— it is brought to life by countless artists, technicians, and audiences who together create a reflection of humanity’s diverse and evolving stories.”
Haasan’s statement conveyed a powerful message about humility and artistic purpose, asserting that an artist should never be elevated above their art. “It is my humble belief that the artist must not be elevated above the art,” he wrote. “I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve.”
Thanking fans for their continued support, Haasan concluded, “Please know that this decision comes from a place of humility and a desire to stay true to my roots. To all my fans, the media, the film fraternity, and fellow Indians, I request that henceforth I be referred to simply as Kamal Haasan or Kamal or KH. Thank you for your kindness and love over the years.”
Notably, Kamal Haasan isn’t the only actor to have expressed this sentiment. Earlier, Ajith Kumar, another celebrated Tamil star, asked fans to avoid using titles like ‘Thala’ when referring to him, similarly seeking simplicity and connection with audiences.
Haasan’s statement resonates as a reminder that great artists often see themselves as perpetual learners, valuing humility over honorifics in their journey through cinema.
