
"I was a happy child, a parrot, not cage": Kamal Haasan opens up about his childhood, calls himself "lucky" to become star
In the recent media interaction for the promotion of his upcoming film Thug Life in Delhi, the National Awardee actor Kamal Haasan recalled his childhood phase and opened up about his journey of becoming a star in the cinema industry.
After stepping into the entertainment industry at the age of six years old, many fans of
Kamal Haasan
wondered about the actor's childhood phase and how he stepped into the profession of acting to become a megastar.
To burst this bubble of suspense, Kamal Haasan, in a recent media interaction in Delhi to promote his upcoming film, Thug Life, recalled his childhood phase and opened up about his journey to becoming a star in the cinema industry.
During the press conference of 'Thug Life', Kamal said that he was a happy child like a "parrot" who was not "caged". He called himself
lucky
to become a "star" despite being surrounded by many talented and intelligent children during his theatre days.
"I was a happy child. I was a parrot, not cage, but they taught me, and I repeated. It's only after 7 when I joined the theatre and all that, I realised that so many intelligent children, and I've been lucky to have become a star. That's when I actually started learning outside of school," said Kamal Haasan.
However, the 'Vikram' actor believes that he cannot remain in his childhood phase because he is evolving every day.
While recalling his meeting with filmmaker MRatnam during 'Nayakan', the actor said that he is not the same person today that the director met during that time.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
The Killer New Toyota 4Runner Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look)
MorninJoy
Undo
They both seems to have evolved, he added.
"So I think I have evolved. I have today also it is also coming out, but not that same one, not even the same one, he (Mani Ratnam) met or I met during 'Nayakan'. We both evolved and changed for the good. That's why I said retaining sensibilities and changing," said Kamal Haasan.
During the press conference, Kamal also addressed the reports about the movie's OTT release.
While speaking about the eight-week OTT window for Thug Life, the 'Vikram' actor revealed that the team of Thug Life requested the OTT platform to have an eight-week gap between the theatrical and the streaming release date of the film.
The actor further emphasised that this move can help other movies too.
He shared, "We requested them, it was not a negotiation or deal breaker. We wanted them to do this for us. Hopefully, we are experimenting in this together for both the company and the OTT platform. And if it works, we would have made it easier for the people to do both businesses."
Co-written by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, 'Thug Life' is set to be released in theatres on June 5.
The film also features
Trisha Krishnan
, Sanya Malhotra, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan,
Aishwarya Lekshmi
, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and
Rohit Saraf
.
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jaya Bhattacharya about her character in Kumkum Bhagya; says 'I'm thrilled to be sharing the screen with Gurdip for the first time'
TV's iconic and long-running show Kumkum Bhagya continues to captivate its loyal audience with an emotionally charged new chapter that follows the evolving love story of Prarthana (Pranali Rathod) and Raunak (Akshay Dev Bindra). With the recent entry of Namik Paul as the intense and mysterious Shivansh, the drama has reached new heights. Now, adding further intrigue to the storyline is the entry of popular television actor Jaya Bhattacharya , who joins the cast in a pivotal role as Shivansh's Bua Maa Respected and revered by Shivansh, Bua Maa may appear to be the guiding matriarch of the household, but there's more than meets the eye. Known for portraying powerful, layered characters, Jaya steps into a grey-shaded role marked by control, manipulation, and hidden intentions. While she projects warmth and care for Shivansh, her character hides a simmering desire for revenge against Smita (Gurdip Punjj), which is set to spark intense drama in the episodes to come. Jaya Bhattacharya said, 'Coming back to a show on the channel truly feels like a homecoming. Being part of Kumkum Bhagya is an absolute delight. It's heartening to see so many familiar faces and witnessing how they've grown is incredibly fulfilling. Balaji Telefilms was the first production house to trust me with a negative role, which became a turning point in my career. I haven't looked back since.' She further added, 'This new character is exciting because she's so layered and complex. She's helping me tap into a different dimension of portraying grey roles, pushing me to explore new boundaries as an actor. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo I'm also thrilled to be sharing the screen with Gurdip for the first time—she's a phenomenal performer and brings incredible depth to her character. The atmosphere on set is vibrant and collaborative, and I'm really enjoying being part of such a passionate team. The audience has already shown me so much love through their messages, and I'm truly grateful for their continued support. There's a lot of high-voltage drama ahead—full of twists and surprises—that will definitely keep viewers hooked.' While Jaya Bhattacharya makes her grand entry into the show, it will be interesting for viewers to watch what's next since Shivansh has already married Prarthana (Pranali Rathod) to seek revenge against Smita Zaveri?


Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
When words cost crores: How controversial comments by stars have derailed film releases in India
In India, where cinema is more than just entertainment, often treated with the reverence reserved for religion, actors and directors carry not just the weight of their artistry but also the burden of public responsibility. Over the years, a pattern has emerged: one controversial comment from a celebrity, and an entire film's release can face hurdles, bans, or boycotts. These aren't just skirmishes of opinion; they are flashpoints where politics, language, regional pride, and public sentiment converge, sometimes threatening to undo months and even years of filmmaking effort. The recent uproar surrounding 'Thug Life', Kamal Haasan's much-anticipated film directed by Mani Ratnam , is the latest chapter in this saga. The 'Thug Life' Row: A lesson in linguistic sensitivities In May 2025, Kamal Haasan's comments about the Kannada language and its roots sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka. Speaking at a public event, Haasan reportedly remarked, "Kannada is a derivative of Tamil and owes much of its classical structure to Tamil traditions," a statement many Kannadigas perceived as dismissive of their linguistic heritage. Pro-Kannada groups protested immediately, calling for a ban on 'Thug Life' in Karnataka. Despite the film's pan-Indian ambitions, with stars from multiple industries, including Trisha and Jayam Ravi, the controversy led to calls for a state-wide boycott. The Karnataka Film Chamber received multiple requests to stall the film's release until Haasan offered an apology. This isn't the first time an actor's or filmmaker's words have caused a film to hit a wall. Several previous examples highlight how statements off-screen can deeply impact what unfolds on it. When Ranveer Singh was asked about 'Padmavati' controversy Past controversies that disrupted film releases 1. Aamir Khan and 'PK' / 'Dangal' In 2015, Aamir Khan's comment about rising "intolerance" in India during an interview at the Ramnath Goenka Awards sparked political fury. He said: 'As an individual, as part of this country, I am alarmed. I am afraid for my children.' His remark was met with boycott campaigns against his then-upcoming films 'Dangal' and 'PK', with some theatre owners refusing to screen his films in select regions. Although 'Dangal' eventually performed phenomenally well, the backlash highlighted the fine line public figures walk in India. 2. Deepika Padukone and 'Padmaavat' In 2017, 'Padmaavat' faced violent opposition even before its release. Deepika Padukone, who played Rani Padmavati, stated: 'We have not distorted history. Those who are protesting are doing it without watching the film.' Rajput groups, particularly the Karni Sena, were enraged, threatening violent action and vandalism. The controversy led to bans in several states, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, until the Supreme Court intervened. The film was forced to change its name from 'Padmavati' to 'Padmaavat' and include disclaimers. 3. Naseeruddin Shah's 'Fear of Living' and the Fallout on 'A Wednesday' Although 'A Wednesday' had been released in 2008, Shah's later comments in 2018—"The death of a cow is given more importance than the death of a police officer"—provoked right-wing backlash. Social media erupted with demands to boycott his past and future work. His upcoming theatre performances and screenings of older films were temporarily cancelled in some cities. 4. Vishal Bhardwaj and 'Haider' In 2014, 'Haider', based on Kashmir's insurgency, drew controversy due to Bhardwaj's comments on the role of the Indian Army in Kashmir. Critics accused him of being "anti-national." There were protests in Jammu and threats to theatres, leading to limited release in the region. While Bhardwaj insisted the film was about human suffering and not politics, it did not prevent the storm. 5. Mansoor Khan and 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' (Retrospective) Though not a contemporary case, Mansoor Khan's candid remarks in a 2020 interview regarding how Bollywood had catered "too much to the North Indian audience" caused online backlash, with netizens revisiting his films and accusing him of regional bias—even though 'QSQT' was released decades earlier. This shows how even retrospective comments can trigger backlash in today's hyperconnected environment. The High Cost of Controversy The impact of such controversies isn't limited to hurt egos or trending hashtags. A ban or boycott—even if unofficial—translates into real losses. Producers often have to: Postpone release dates , affecting scheduling and promotions. Bear legal fees if court interventions are required. Edit content , leading to artistic compromise (as seen with 'Udta Punjab' and its 89 cuts originally demanded by the CBFC). Suffer regional revenue loss , especially in key markets like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh. In the case of 'Thug Life', with its high-profile ensemble and multi-crore budget, even a partial ban could dent profits and impact its pan-India appeal. Kamal Haasan, a political figure and outspoken public intellectual, has had run-ins before, notably with 'Vishwaroopam' (2013), which was banned in Tamil Nadu. In an era of hyper-visibility, celebrities are always a soundbite away from controversy. Some argue this restricts free speech; others contend that with influence comes responsibility. Filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap have stood by controversial statements, while others, like Sanjay Leela Bhansali , have issued apologies to keep the peace. The 'Thug Life' episode is a stark reminder that in India, cinema is political. Language, religion, and regional identity are powerful triggers, and when a star speaks, the ripple effects reach millions. Until a middle ground is found, the industry will continue to navigate this uneasy terrain, where a single sentence can make or break a film's destiny. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .


The Hindu
29 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Kamal Haasan moves Karnataka High Court for ‘Thug Life' release after boycott calls
The makers of Thug Life have filed a plea before the Karnataka High Court seeking a release of the upcoming Tamil film in the State. The gangster drama, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, is set to hit the screens worldwide on June 05, 2025. The film's release in Karnataka remains in limbo owing to a controversial statement from Kamal Haasan. According to a report in Bar and Bench, a co-producer of the production house Raajkamal Films International, helmed by actor Kamal Haasan, has filed the plea in the Karnataka HC against boycott calls. During the audio launch of Thug Life in Chennai on May 24, Kamal Haasan made a remark that 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada.' The actor's statement spurred a row, with people from Karnataka, including Kannada groups and the BJP, criticising him for hurting their sentiments. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has demanded an apology from veteran the actor for his controversial remarks on Kannada. The film chamber has decided to not screen Thug Life in Karnataka until the actor's apology. Raajkamal Films has said that the statement was misquoted and taken out of context, and Kamal Haasan's remarks were meant to express love and camaraderie between the people of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, according to Bar and Bench. The banner argued that the comment was made by the actor while expressing his admiration for Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, who in turn has stressed that Kamal Haasan always held Kannada in high regard. The plea says that Kamal Haasan's remark has been misconstrued, resulting in backlash from Karnataka. Reports said that the producer had written to the Karnataka police, seeking the release of Thug Life without disruption. After receiving no response from the authorities, the makers is said to have moved to the High Court. ALSO READ:Kamal Haasan on controversial Kannada language remark: Won't apologise if I am not wrong The matter is yet to be heard in the court. Made on a budget of Rs 300 crore, the movie marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after the iconic Nayakan (1987). Also starring Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Ashok Selvan and Joju George, the film has music from A R Rahman.