Chennai: Indian cinema legend Kamal Haasan, renowned for his multifaceted contributions to film over a career spanning more than six decades,  opened up about his close friend and acclaimed director Mani Ratnam during a promotional press meet for his upcoming film Thug Life.

While speaking fondly of their long-standing friendship and collaborative work, Kamal shared a light-hearted nickname he uses for the filmmaker — "Five-Thirty Mani Ratnam" — a moniker born out of their early morning shooting schedules.

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“Mani is one of my dearest friends,” Kamal said. “Working with him often brings great joy, but he can also get quite intense on set. Of course, I get annoyed with him too sometimes. And when I do, I call him by a name that I’ve never mentioned in public — until now.”

Explaining the origin of the nickname, Kamal added, “He arrives on set by 5:30 in the morning, sharp. And that means the rest of us, including the other actors, have to be there at the same time. To be ready by then, I have to wake up by 3:30 a.m.!”

The actor added that the demands of punctuality are not limited to him alone. “Someone like the cinematographer has it even harder — he needs to be there before all of us,” Kamal noted with a chuckle.

The anecdote, told in good humour, was part of Kamal’s reflections on the discipline and dedication Mani Ratnam brings to his craft. Despite the occasional frustrations, Kamal emphasised the deep respect and affection that defines their working relationship.

With Kamal Haasan's Thug Life generating significant buzz, fans were delighted to get a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes camaraderie shared by two of Indian cinema’s most respected figures. (With inputs from Agencies)