Legendary actor, filmmaker and politician Kamal Haasan turns 71 on Friday. One of India’s most versatile and iconic artistes, Haasan continues to inspire generations with his unmatched talent, intellect and dedication to cinema.

Currently serving as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, representing Tamil Nadu, Kamal Haasan’s illustrious career spans more than six decades, a journey that began when he was just six years old.

Haasan made his acting debut in the Tamil classic 'Kalathur Kannamma' (1960), earning the President’s Gold Medal for Best Child Artist. Reflecting on his early years, he once revealed that his stint as a child actor ended abruptly when he lost his front teeth, a charming anecdote that continues to amuse his fans.

Since then, Kamal Haasan has traversed every major Indian film industry, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi and Bengali, earning the title of 'Universal Hero' for his linguistic fluency and his ability to embody diverse characters with depth and authenticity.

Over the years, Haasan has received five National Film Awards for Best Actor and twenty Filmfare Awards across five languages. In 2000, in a remarkable gesture of humility, he requested Filmfare to exclude him from future nominations so that younger talent could be recognised.

For his immense contribution to Indian cinema, he was conferred the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2014, two of India’s highest civilian honours.

Known for his fearless experimentation and intellectual storytelling, Haasan has delivered numerous pathbreaking performances. His 1987 classic 'Nayakan', directed by Mani Ratnam, is regarded as one of the greatest Indian films ever made and was featured in TIME magazine’s “All-Time 100 Best Films.”

As a filmmaker, Haasan’s directorial ventures, such as 'Hey Ram', 'Virumaandi', and 'Vishwaroopam' pushed creative boundaries. 'Hey Ram' was India’s official entry to the Oscars in 2000, and Haasan remains the only Indian actor with the highest number of films submitted to the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

In 2008, he astonished audiences with 'Dasavathaaram', in which he played ten distinct roles, a feat that set new standards for makeup and prosthetic artistry in Indian cinema.

Beyond films, Kamal Haasan has also been deeply involved in social and political causes. Through his welfare organisation Narpani Iyakkam, he has supported several humanitarian initiatives. In 2018, he entered active politics by founding the party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), focusing on transparency, anti-corruption and good governance.

Whether it is the romantic melancholy of 'Moondram Pirai', the patriotic fervour of Vishwaroopam, or the philosophical insight of 'Anbe Sivam', Haasan’s work consistently challenges conventions and reflects his fearless approach to storytelling.

After a four-year hiatus, Haasan made a massive comeback with the blockbuster 'Vikram' (2022), followed by his recent appearance in 'Thug Life', which hit theatres on June 5, 2025.

Even at 71, Kamal Haasan remains a lifelong learner, constantly exploring new languages, ideas and art forms. His films have been showcased at international festivals, and he has represented Indian cinema at global forums, including Harvard University.

As fans and admirers across the world celebrate his 71st birthday, Kamal Haasan is being hailed not just for his cinematic brilliance but for his relentless pursuit of excellence and truth, a legacy that continues to shape the future of Indian cinema.