How Kamal Haasan's Rajya Sabha berth may turn his political future
Kamal Haasan is no stranger to the spotlight—or to controversy. Just as he was basking in the glow of Thug Life's audio launch, marking his much-anticipated reunion with director Mani Ratnam after the iconic Nayakan (1987), he stirred a storm in Karnataka with a comment that Kannada was born from Tamil. The remark angered Kannada groups, who threatened to block the film's release in Karnataka.Even before the dust could settle, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) announced Haasan as one of its Rajya Sabha nominees—part of an electoral understanding forged during the Lok Sabha elections last year. While the nomination was expected, it marks a key moment in Haasan's political journey. He will join senior advocate P. Wilson and writer-activist Salma in the Upper House, a trio that blends legal acumen, cultural presence and diverse representation.advertisementAfter launching Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018 and contesting two elections without success, Haasan aligned with the DMK in 2024 for the Lok Sabha election, campaigning across Tamil Nadu. 'In the last assembly election [in 2021], MNM split votes in key constituencies. The DMK saw more value in projecting Kamal Haasan as a star campaigner rather than restricting him to one seat,' observes senior journalist and political commentator A.S. Panneerselvan.Unlike actor Vijay, who is stepping away from cinema to pursue politics, Haasan continues to straddle both worlds. With a Rajya Sabha seat, he now gains a national political platform while being active in the film industry. Whether he will finally bid farewell to cinema as he enters Parliament remains to be seen. As part of the DMK alliance, he is expected to play a prominent role in the 2026 assembly election campaign.advertisement
Observers say Salma's nomination also reflects the DMK's efforts at inclusive representation. As a Muslim woman and noted Tamil writer, she brings both gender and minority voices into Parliament.'The DMK has regularly ensured the presence of women within the party and in representational spaces like the legislature and Parliament,' says Panneerselvan. 'In 2004, both Subbulakshmi Jegadeesan and Radhika Selvi were not just made MPs but also as ministers in the Centre. The party has reserved a deputy general secretary post for a woman.'Wilson's renomination rewards his work as a key legal voice for the DMK, especially on issues such as NEET (national medical entrance) and federal rights.While the DMK's list has largely been welcomed, there is some discontent among allies. MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader Vaiko, whose term ends, was reportedly hoping for a renomination but has made no public comment.The bigger friction lies within the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) camp. The contest for the two Rajya Sabha seats expected to go to the AIADMK is heating up with several contenders vying for the nominations. DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth recently claimed that the AIADMK had promised her party one seat—a claim denied by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.advertisementWith the AIADMK having revived its alliance with the BJP, sources indicate that the saffron party may push the AIADMK to allocate one Rajya Sabha seat to them in the upcoming by-elections. A section of the BJP is reportedly rooting for its former Tamil Nadu chief, K. Annamalai, to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Given Annamalai's well-known tensions with the AIADMK, this move could escalate conflicts.For Haasan, the Rajya Sabha nomination signals a new chapter in a life that has always blurred the lines between cinema and politics. Whether he continues to balance both or shifts more decisively into one realm remains to be seen. But with Parliament now part of his stage, his next act will be watched more closely than ever.Subscribe to India Today MagazineTune InTrending Reel
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