Kamal Haasan embarks his political journey with Makkal Needhi Maiam

Kamal Haasan is one of the most famous names in Indian film industry. It has been three decades since Kamal has been contributing his bit to the industry. In addition to his acting prowess, the Kollywood star is also popular for his actions towards empowerment of society.  As a matter of fact, he even converted many of his fan clubs into welfare organisations, and is involved in social-service activities through the clubs under the name Kamal Narpani Iyakkam (Kamal Welfare Association). Apart from being a well-renowned actor, Kamal is also an acclaimed director, screenwriter, producer, playback singer, and lyricist too. With his latest announcement, the world will now see Kamal Haasan don the role of a politician as well.

On Wednesday, Kamal launched his political party, ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam’, which literally translates to People’s Justice Centre. The actor turned politician embarked his journey from Rameswaram. The party symbol is a set of hands holding one another by the wrist with a star in the middle which symbolises the companionship of all the southern states.

As a part of his speech yesterday, Kamal said, “I am your worker, not your leader.” He stated his main aim would be to reduce corruption. “If we reduce corruption, all of us will get power in our homes. I will not give Rs 6,000 for a vote. Because I don’t have the money. But even if I did, I won’t give,” he said in an apparent reference to the recent RK Nagar by-election in which parties allegedly bribed voters.

Addressing his fans, who had gathered in large numbers at Othakadai in Madurai, he added, “I was in your heart all this while. Now I want to be in all your homes. You had looked at me like a star all along. Now I request you to look at me as a lamp. Light me in all your homes.”

Kamal seems to be getting positive support not only from his fans but also different political parties. Earlier, Arvind Kejriwal of Aam Aadmi Party had said, “Till date, people of Tamil Nadu were stuck between two parties – DMK and AIADMK. Kamal offers an honest political alternative. Next time don’t vote for a corrupt party. Now you can vote for an honest party. Vote for Kamal Haasan.”

The Chief Ministers of Kerela and Andhra Pradesh, in their own ways, welcomed Kamal into politics.

While this political entry certainly seems to hearten his fans, Kamal’s statement that he might soon call it quits on his acting career is turning out to cause major disappointment among film lovers across the globe.