Kamal Haasan asks fans not to use the title ‘Ulaganayagan’

Chennai, November 11: Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam chairman Kamal Haasan has sincerely requested his fans, media and film fraternity not to use honorifics like “Ulaganayagan” (Universal Hero) when mentioning his name. In a personal note posted on Monday, Hassan humbly urged people to call him “Kamal Hassan,” “Kamal” or “KH” for short.

Reflecting on the love and admiration he has received, Kamal Haasan expressed his gratitude for the titles bestowed upon him over the years, saying, “I have always felt deeply grateful to have been given such a lovely title as Ulagana Yagan. Love. I am humbled by these honors given by the people and recognized by respected colleagues and admirers, and I am truly touched by your love.”

Hassan emphasized his commitment to the art of cinema, “Cinema transcends any individual. I am simply a student of the craft, always looking to evolve and learn. The true essence of film lies in its collaborative nature – countless artists, technicians and Audiences bring it to life, and together they create a reflection of humanity’s diverse and ever-evolving stories.”

Hassan’s statement sent a powerful message about humility and the purpose of art, asserting that artists should never be above their art. “I humbly believe that the artist must never be above the art,” he wrote. “I prefer to stay grounded and constantly aware of my flaws and my responsibility to improve.”

Thanking his fans for their continued support, Hasan concluded, “Please know that this decision was made out of humility and a desire to stay true to my roots. To all my fans, media, film fraternity and fellow Indians, I request that from now on Thank you for your kindness and love over the years.”

It is worth noting that Kamal Haasan is not the only actor to express this sentiment. Earlier, another famous Tamil star Ajith Kumar asked his fans to avoid using titles like ‘Tara’ when referring to him, similarly seeking simplicity and connecting with the audience.

Hassan’s remarks are a reminder that great artists often see themselves as eternal learners, valuing humility over honorifics in their journey through cinema.