'Should not just see Vijay as a film star’: Kamal Haasan backs Tamil Nadu CM, seeks industry support
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has extended strong support to newly sworn-in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, saying the actor-turned-politician should no longer be viewed ‘just as a film star’ as he takes charge of the state.
Sharing details of his recent meeting with Vijay, Haasan said he personally congratulated the Tamil Nadu CM and discussed the future of the state as well as the challenges faced by the Tamil film industry.
Posting pictures from the meeting on X, Haasan wrote in Tamil that Vijay spoke passionately about his vision for Tamil Nadu and that the interaction left him ‘filled with pride’.
“Today, I met in person with the Honorable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Brother Vijay, and conveyed my best wishes. He enthusiastically shared many dreams for the betterment of Tamil Nadu. The humility and affection he displayed during the meeting filled me with pride,” Haasan wrote.
The veteran actor also revealed that he submitted six important demands to the Tamil Nadu government, stressing the urgent need for support for the Tamil film industry, which he said is currently facing several obstacles.
“I have made 6 important demands to the Tamil Nadu government, emphasising the need for support and warmth for the Tamil film industry, which is facing various obstacles,” he added.
Haasan has repeatedly backed Vijay’s early decisions as Chief Minister, particularly the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located near temples, schools, colleges and bus stands across Tamil Nadu.
Praising the move, Haasan said liquor sales should never become a primary function of the government and urged the administration to continue shutting more such outlets in the state.
He had earlier said, “We should not just see Vijay as a film star. He has other responsibilities as well. Anyone can come to politics from any field. It is a matter of pride that Vijay has come to power from our industry.”
Vijay’s party TVK scripted a massive upset in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections by defeating both the DMK and AIADMK in its debut election campaign.
The party won 108 seats and later secured the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, crossing the majority mark of 118.