Kamal Haasan worked in many superhit films across multiple languages and is considered one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema history. Know about Kamal Haasan's biography, affairs, age, birthday, father's name, mother's name, religion, relationship, family, political career, annual salary & net worth $108 million (₹450 crore), awards, height, weight, body measurements, controversies, new photos, and latest updates.
The legendary actor known as "Ulaganayagan" (Universal Hero) has transcended regional cinema to become a global icon, with his films being selected seven times as India's official Oscar entries. His recent political venture with Makkal Needhi Maiam and his appointment to the Rajya Sabha in 2025 showcase his influence beyond entertainment.
This comprehensive biography covers Kamal Haasan's six-decade journey from child artist to political leader, his groundbreaking performances in classics like "Nayakan" and "Indian," his massive net worth of $108 million (₹450 crore), and his continuing legacy in both cinema and politics as he approaches his 71st birthday in 2025.
Real Name | Parthasarathy Srinivasan |
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Nick Name | Ulaganayagan, Universal Hero, Aandavar |
Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Politician |
Date of Birth | November 7, 1954 |
Age | 70 years (as of 2025) |
Birth Place | Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India |
Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) approx. |
Net Worth | $108 million (₹450 crores) 2025 |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Nationality | Indian |
Kamal Haasan is famous as Ulaganayagan and is a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. He is renowned as an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, and politician and is considered one of the greatest performers in world cinema.
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Born as Parthasarathy Srinivasan, Kamal Haasan began his journey as a child artist in 1960 with "Kalathur Kannamma" and evolved into one of India's most versatile performers. His ability to portray multiple characters in a single film, master various art forms, and seamlessly transition between acting, directing, and producing has earned him the title "Universal Hero." His rationalist philosophy and atheistic views have made him a unique voice in Indian cinema and politics.
Currently serving as a Rajya Sabha member after founding his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam in 2018, Kamal Haasan represents the rare breed of entertainers who have successfully ventured into governance. His influence extends beyond regional boundaries, with international recognition including France's highest civilian honor, Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Lettres, making him a global ambassador of Indian cinema.
Like other legendary performers such as Rajinikanth and Vijay Thalapathy, Kamal Haasan has carved a unique niche in the entertainment world through his dedication to experimental cinema and social causes.
Kamal Haasan was born on November 7, 1954 in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu. His father's name is D. Srinivasan, who worked as a lawyer, and his mother's name is Rajalakshmi Srinivasan, who was a homemaker. Kamal Haasan has three siblings - Charuhasan (elder brother and actor), Chandrahasan (younger brother and director), and Nalini Raghu (sister).
Growing up in a middle-class Iyengar Brahmin family, Kamal was exposed to classical arts from an early age. His father, despite being a lawyer, encouraged his children's artistic pursuits, while his mother nurtured their cultural interests. The family's appreciation for literature, music, and dance significantly influenced Kamal's artistic development. His early exposure to Bharatanatyam and Kathak dance forms would later enhance his screen presence and choreographic abilities in films.
The family relocated to Chennai when Kamal was young, which proved pivotal in shaping his film career. His brother Charuhasan's involvement in theater and films created an environment conducive to artistic growth. The family's intellectual discussions on philosophy, rationalism, and social issues helped form Kamal's progressive worldview that would later influence his choice of unconventional roles and political activism.
Kamal Haasan completed his schooling from Sir M.Ct.Muthiah Chettiar Boys Higher Secondary School in Chennai, and later attended Hindu Higher Secondary School, Chennai. He was an average student academically but showed exceptional interest in dramatics, dancing, and cultural activities. His teachers recognized his artistic talents early and encouraged his participation in school plays and cultural programs.
Due to his early entry into films as a child artist, Kamal's formal education was limited to high school. However, he compensated for this through extensive self-learning and became well-versed in literature, philosophy, and world cinema. His autodidactic approach helped him master multiple languages and gain deep knowledge of filmmaking techniques, making him one of the most intellectually accomplished figures in Indian cinema.
Kamal Haasan has been married twice and had a long-term relationship. His first marriage was to classical dancer Vani Ganapathy in 1978, which lasted until 1988. His second marriage was to actress Sarika Thakur in 1988, which ended in divorce in 2004. Both marriages ended due to personal differences and career pressures.
After his second divorce, Kamal entered a relationship with actress Gautami Tadimalla in 2004, which lasted for 12 years until 2016. Gautami was not only his romantic partner but also served as his costume designer for several films. Their separation was amicable, with both citing irreconcilable differences while maintaining mutual respect.
From his marriage with Sarika, Kamal has two daughters - Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, both of whom have followed their father into the entertainment industry. Shruti has become a successful actress and singer in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, while Akshara made her debut in Bollywood with "Shamitabh."
Kamal Haasan is known for his intellectually curious and disciplined lifestyle. He enjoys reading extensively on philosophy, science, and world affairs. His favorite food includes traditional South Indian cuisine, particularly Karimeen fish, and he maintains a balanced diet to stay physically fit despite his age.
Favorite Food | Karimeen fish, South Indian cuisine |
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Favorite Color | Blue, White |
Favorite Actor | Nagesh, Sivaji Ganesan, M.G. Ramachandran |
Favorite Music | Classical Carnatic, Ilaiyaraaja compositions |
Hobbies | Reading, Dancing, Singing, Writing, Photography |
Favorite Destination | Paris, New York, Kerala backwaters |
As a rationalist and atheist, Kamal follows humanistic principles and supports various social causes, including education, healthcare, and environmental conservation. His disciplined approach to fitness includes regular yoga and traditional dance practice, which helps maintain his agility for demanding film roles. He is also passionate about technology and often incorporates cutting-edge filmmaking techniques in his projects.
Kamal Haasan started his career in 1960 as a child artist with "Kalathur Kannamma" at the age of 6. His breakthrough came when legendary director K. Balachander recognized his potential and cast him in multiple films. The early years were marked by learning various aspects of filmmaking, from acting techniques to understanding the technical side of cinema production.
Career Debut | |
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First Movie | Kalathur Kannamma (1960) |
Director | A. Bhimsingh |
Co-stars | Gemini Ganesan, Savitri |
Role | Child Artist |
Recognition | President's Gold Medal for Best Child Actor |
During the 1970s, Kamal faced the typical struggles of transitioning from child artist to lead actor. He worked extensively in supporting roles, learning from stalwarts like Sivaji Ganesan and M.G. Ramachandran. His association with director K. Balachander proved instrumental, as films like "Apoorva Raagangal" (1975) and "Moondru Mudichu" (1976) established him as a serious actor capable of handling complex emotional roles.
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw Kamal experimenting with different genres and languages. He faced initial skepticism about his unconventional looks and acting style, which differed from the typical Tamil cinema heroes of that era. However, his persistence in choosing challenging roles and working with innovative directors helped him carve out a unique identity in South Indian cinema.
Kamal Haasan gained massive international recognition with "Nayakan" (1987), directed by Mani Ratnam. This film became India's official entry to the Academy Awards and established him as an actor of global caliber. His portrayal of Velu Naicker, inspired by Mumbai's underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar, was particularly praised for its depth and authenticity.
His versatility reached its peak with films like "Indian" (1996), where he played both father and son, "Dasavathaaram" (2008) featuring 10 different roles, and "Hey Ram" (2000), which he also produced and directed. These projects showcased his ability to handle multiple characters, master different accents, and excel in various filmmaking departments simultaneously.
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Currently, Kamal continues to challenge conventional cinema with projects like "Vikram" (2022), which became one of Tamil cinema's highest-grossers, and the upcoming "Thug Life" directed by Mani Ratnam. His production company, Raaj Kamal Films International, has produced several critically acclaimed films, while his association with "Bigg Boss Tamil" as host since 2017 has connected him with younger audiences across Tamil Nadu.
Kamal Haasan has achieved remarkable financial success through his diverse career spanning six decades in entertainment and politics. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $108 million (₹450 crores), making him one of the wealthiest actors in Indian cinema.
Net Worth (2025) | $108 million (₹450 crores approx.) |
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Annual Income | $12 million (₹50 crores) |
Monthly Income | $1 million (₹4 crores) |
Per Movie Fee | $7.2 million (₹30 crores) |
TV Hosting Fee | $600,000 (₹2.5 crores) per season |
Other Income Sources | Production, Politics, Endorsements |
Kamal's wealth comes from multiple revenue streams, including his astronomical acting fees, successful film production through Raaj Kamal Films International, hosting "Bigg Boss Tamil" for multiple seasons, and various business investments. His historic achievement as the first Indian actor to earn ₹1 crore for a single film in 1994 set new benchmarks for actor remuneration in Indian cinema.
His production ventures have been financially successful, with films like "Hey Ram," "Virumaandi," and "Vishwaroopam" generating significant profits despite their experimental nature. His political career, while primarily service-oriented, has also opened new avenues for public speaking engagements and brand associations aligned with his social causes.
Kamal Haasan enjoys a sophisticated lifestyle reflecting his intellectual pursuits and artistic sensibilities. He owns multiple properties across Chennai, Mumbai, and Los Angeles, with his primary residence being a sprawling mansion in Alwarpet, Chennai, valued at approximately $2.4 million (₹10 crores).
Houses | Chennai Mansion - $2.4 million (₹10 crores) Mumbai Apartment - $1.8 million (₹7.5 crores) Los Angeles Property - $3.6 million (₹15 crores) |
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Cars | BMW 7 Series 740Li - $120,000 (₹50 lakhs) Mercedes-Benz S-Class - $180,000 (₹75 lakhs) Audi A8 - $150,000 (₹60 lakhs) |
Investments | Film Production Company, Technology Startups, Real Estate Portfolio |
Kamal Haasan has appeared in over 220 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and Bengali languages during his illustrious career spanning six decades. His films have consistently broken box office records while earning critical acclaim for their innovative storytelling and technical excellence.
Movie Title | Year | Role/Character | Box Office Collection | Awards |
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Nayakan | 1987 | Velu Naicker | ₹15 crores | National Film Award |
Indian | 1996 | Senapathy/Chandru | ₹25 crores | National Film Award |
Hey Ram | 2000 | Saket Ram | ₹12 crores | Multiple International Awards |
Dasavathaaram | 2008 | 10 Different Roles | ₹200 crores | Filmfare Awards |
Vikram | 2022 | Agent Vikram | ₹434 crores | Commercial Success |
His recent blockbuster "Vikram" (2022), directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, became one of Tamil cinema's highest-grossing films with worldwide collections exceeding ₹434 crores ($52 million). The film's success demonstrated Kamal's enduring appeal across generations and his ability to adapt to contemporary filmmaking styles while maintaining his artistic integrity.
Seven of Kamal's films have been selected as India's official entries to the Academy Awards, including "Hey Ram," "Indian," and "Nayakan." His experimental approach to cinema has influenced countless filmmakers and actors, establishing him as a pioneer who consistently pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema both artistically and commercially.
His upcoming project "Thug Life," directed by Mani Ratnam and co-starring Trisha, is already generating significant buzz with advance bookings indicating another potential blockbuster despite recent controversies regarding the film's release in Karnataka.
Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
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Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) approx. |
Body Type | Lean and Fit |
Eye Color | Black |
Hair Color | Black (naturally graying) |
Skin Tone | Wheatish |
Distinctive Features | Expressive eyes, versatile facial expressions |
Kamal Haasan is known for his remarkable ability to transform his physical appearance for different roles. Despite being 70 years old, he maintains excellent physical fitness through regular yoga practice, traditional dance training, and a disciplined lifestyle that includes a controlled diet and exercise regimens.
His fashion sense has evolved from traditional South Indian attire in his early career to a sophisticated blend of ethnic and contemporary styles. He often wears custom-designed kurtas, handloom fabrics, and minimalist accessories that reflect his cultural roots and intellectual persona. His signature look includes well-groomed facial hair and distinctive eyewear that has become iconic among his fans.
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Kamal's commitment to physical transformation for roles has led him to suffer over 30 fractures while performing stunts throughout his career. His dedication to authenticity in character portrayal often involves significant physical preparation, including weight changes, martial arts training, and mastering specific skills required for his roles.
Kamal Haasan has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his outstanding contribution to cinema and society. His accolades span from national honors to international recognition, establishing him as one of the most awarded actors in Indian film history.
Year | Award | Category | Movie/Work |
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1990 | Padma Shri | Civilian Honor | Contribution to Arts |
2014 | Padma Bhushan | Civilian Honor | Distinguished Service |
2016 | Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Lettres | International Honor | French Government |
1987 | National Film Award | Best Actor | Nayakan |
1996 | National Film Award | Best Actor | Indian |
2000 | National Film Award | Best Actor | Hey Ram |
Multiple Years | Filmfare Awards | Best Actor | 19 wins across languages |
Kamal Haasan has achieved several historic milestones, including becoming the first actor to win the National Film Award for Best Actor three times. He was also honored with France's highest civilian decoration, the Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Lettres, in 2016, making him one of the few Indian artists to receive this prestigious international recognition.
His contribution to Indian cinema has been acknowledged through numerous lifetime achievement awards from film festivals worldwide. He holds the distinction of having seven films selected as India's official entries to the Academy Awards, more than any other Indian actor. His influence on cinema technique and storytelling has earned him honorary doctorates from several universities and recognition from international film organizations.
Kamal Haasan founded his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (People's Justice Center) on February 21, 2018, with a centrist ideology focusing on anti-corruption measures, secularism, and rational governance. His political philosophy draws from his rationalist beliefs and humanitarian principles developed over decades in the entertainment industry.
In 2025, Kamal was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant milestone in his political career. His appointment reflects his growing influence in national politics and recognition of his contributions to arts, culture, and social causes. His political stance emphasizes transparency, education reform, and technological advancement in governance.
His political journey has been marked by consistent advocacy for social justice, women's rights, and religious harmony. Despite facing initial skepticism about his transition from cinema to politics, Kamal has established credibility through his articulate speeches, policy-oriented approach, and commitment to serving public interest over personal gain.
Political Party | Makkal Needhi Maiam |
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Founded | February 21, 2018 |
Current Position | Rajya Sabha Member (2025) |
Political Ideology | Centrist, Anti-corruption, Secular |
Key Focus Areas | Education, Technology, Social Justice |
Currently, Kamal Haasan is working on "Thug Life," directed by Mani Ratnam and co-starring Trisha Krishnan. The film is scheduled for release in 2025 and represents his return to commercial cinema after the massive success of "Vikram." The project has generated significant anticipation among fans and critics alike.
Project | Role | Director | Release Date | Status |
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Thug Life | Lead Role | Mani Ratnam | 2025 | Post-production |
Bigg Boss Tamil Season 8 | Host | - | 2025 | Ongoing |
Kamal recently faced controversy regarding his comments on Kannada language origins, which led to protests in Karnataka affecting the release plans for "Thug Life." However, he has maintained his stance while expressing respect for all regional languages and cultures. His appointment to the Rajya Sabha in 2025 has been widely covered in national media as a significant development in his political career.
His continued hosting of "Bigg Boss Tamil" has kept him connected with television audiences, while his social media presence remains active with political commentary and film updates. Kamal has also been involved in various humanitarian initiatives, including disaster relief efforts and educational programs for underprivileged children through his foundation.
Like many outspoken public figures, Kamal Haasan has faced various controversies throughout his career, primarily due to his bold artistic choices and forthright political statements. His rationalist views and criticism of religious orthodoxy have sometimes sparked protests from conservative groups.
The 2025 "Thug Life" Kannada language controversy emerged when Kamal made comments about the historical origins of the Kannada language that were perceived as derogatory by some groups in Karnataka. This led to protests and threats to ban the film's release in the state, though Kamal clarified his statements and expressed respect for Kannada culture and literature.
His 2019 remark calling Nathuram Godse "India's first Hindu terrorist" created significant political controversy, with several parties demanding apologies and filing complaints. However, Kamal defended his statement as historically accurate while emphasizing his commitment to non-violence and secular values. These controversies reflect his willingness to speak on sensitive topics despite potential backlash.
Here are some fascinating and lesser-known facts about Kamal Haasan that showcase his unique personality and journey:
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Kamal Haasan has a massive social media presence with millions of followers across platforms. He actively engages with fans and shares glimpses of his professional projects, political activities, and philosophical thoughts on contemporary issues.
Platform | Handle | Followers | Content Type |
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@ikamalhaasan | 2.5 million followers | Film updates, political content | |
Twitter/X | @ikamalhaasan | 4.2 million followers | Political commentary, social issues |
Kamal Haasan | 3.8 million likes | Official announcements, videos | |
YouTube | Kamal Haasan Official | 1.1 million subscribers | Film trailers, political speeches |
Kamal Haasan's social media strategy focuses on intellectual discourse and meaningful engagement rather than purely promotional content. His most viral posts include political commentary on current affairs, behind-the-scenes content from film sets, and philosophical reflections on life and society.
His engagement rates are consistently high due to his authentic voice and willingness to address controversial topics. Fans appreciate his direct communication style and his use of social media platforms to promote social causes, environmental awareness, and educational initiatives.
Kamal Haasan was born on November 7, 1954, and is currently 70 years old as of 2025.
Kamal Haasan stands 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 70 kg (154 lbs).
Kamal Haasan is currently single after his 12-year relationship with actress Gautami Tadimalla ended in 2016. He was previously married twice - to classical dancer Vani Ganapathy (1978-1988) and actress Sarika Thakur (1988-2004).
Yes, Kamal Haasan has two daughters from his marriage with Sarika - Shruti Haasan and Akshara Haasan, both of whom are active in the entertainment industry.
Kamal Haasan completed his high school education at Sir M.Ct.Muthiah Chettiar Boys Higher Secondary School and Hindu Higher Secondary School in Chennai. His formal education ended at the high school level due to his early entry into films.
Kamal Haasan started his career as a child artist in 1960 with the film "Kalathur Kannamma" at the age of 6. He won the President's Gold Medal for Best Child Actor for this performance, launching his journey into cinema.
Kamal Haasan's biggest hits include "Nayakan" (1987), "Indian" (1996), "Dasavathaaram" (2008), and recently "Vikram" (2022) which earned over ₹434 crores worldwide.
Kamal Haasan is currently working on "Thug Life", directed by Mani Ratnam, scheduled for release in 2025. He also continues hosting "Bigg Boss Tamil" Season 8.
Kamal Haasan reportedly charges ₹30 crores ($7.2 million) per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema.
As of 2025, Kamal Haasan's estimated net worth is $108 million (₹450 crores), earned through acting, production, television hosting, and political activities.
Kamal Haasan's car collection includes a BMW 7 Series 740Li, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and Audi A8, with a combined value of approximately ₹1.85 crores.
Kamal Haasan owns properties in Chennai (primary residence in Alwarpet), Mumbai, and Los Angeles, with his main residence valued at ₹10 crores.
Kamal Haasan founded Makkal Needhi Maiam in 2018 and currently serves as a Rajya Sabha member after his nomination in 2025.
Kamal Haasan loves traditional South Indian cuisine, particularly Karimeen fish, and maintains a balanced diet for his fitness regimen.
Kamal Haasan maintains his physique through regular yoga practice, traditional dance training (Bharatanatyam and Kathak), and a disciplined lifestyle despite being 70 years old.
Kamal Haasan actively supports education for underprivileged children and has funded scholarships for over 200 students across Tamil Nadu through his private foundation.
Kamal Haasan has won numerous awards, including Padma Shri (1990), Padma Bhushan (2014), National Film Awards (3 times), Filmfare Awards (19 wins), and France's Chevalier de L'Ordre Arts et Lettres (2016).
Kamal Haasan's official Instagram handle is @ikamalhaasan with 2.5 million followers.
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Across all platforms, Kamal Haasan has over 11 million followers, making him one of the most followed South Indian celebrities.
Yes, Kamal Haasan has faced several controversies primarily related to his outspoken political views and rationalist ideology, including recent issues regarding the "Thug Life" release in Karnataka and his comments on Nathuram Godse in 2019.
Kamal Haasan comes from a middle-class Iyengar Brahmin family. His father, D. Srinivasan, was a lawyer, and his mother, Rajalakshmi Srinivasan, was a homemaker. He has three siblings, including actor Charuhasan.
Kamal Haasan was born in Paramakudi, Tamil Nadu, India, and spent his childhood in Chennai after his family relocated there.
Born on November 7, Kamal Haasan's zodiac sign is Scorpio, which explains his intense personality and transformative nature in his artistic pursuits.
Kamal Haasan is fluent in 7 languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, English, and French, allowing him to work across multiple film industries.
Internationally, Kamal Haasan is known for his versatile acting, with seven of his films being India's official Oscar entries, and for receiving France's highest civilian honor for arts and letters.
Kamal Haasan has appeared in over 220 films across six different languages during his 64-year career from 1960 to 2025.
Kamal Haasan's uniqueness lies in his ability to completely transform for roles, his multi-faceted talents as actor-director-producer-writer, and his fearless choice of unconventional subjects that challenge societal norms.
Kamal Haasan is a self-proclaimed rationalist and atheist who believes in humanism over religious practices, though he respects all religious traditions and incorporates spiritual themes in his work.
Kamal Haasan has revolutionized Indian cinema through experimental storytelling, technical innovations, and his influence on multiple generations of filmmakers and actors across the country.
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