Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan turned 71 on November 7, marking the occasion with visits from prominent Tamil Nadu political figures. Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin, accompanied by his son, actor and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, visited Haasan at his residence to extend personal birthday greetings.

Haasan, who also shared the moment on social media, expressed gratitude for the visit, highlighting a decades-long bond with the Stalin family. Posting pictures and videos on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), the actor-politician described the occasion as a reflection of a relationship that transcends generations.

In his social media message, Haasan wrote: “I express my heartfelt thanks to the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, my dear friend Thiru M.K. Stalin and his wife Thirumathi Durga Stalin, for accepting my invitation, gracing my home with their presence, and honouring me and my elder brother Charuhasan; to the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, my dear young friend Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin and his wife Thirumathi @astrokiru; and to my dear friend Thiru Sabarisan, for all of this.”

Haasan reflected on the unique closeness he shares with the Stalin family. He noted that while children generally maintain a respectful distance from their father’s friends, his bond with the family, tracing back to M. Karunanidhi, the late former Chief Minister and father of M.K. Stalin, spans nearly three generations. Haasan described the relationship as built on “unconditional pure affection and boundless respect”, emphasising that this visit reaffirmed that enduring connection.

In addition to the personal greetings, Haasan received messages from several public figures celebrating his artistic achievements and political contributions. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took to social media to extend birthday wishes, lauding Haasan for his “multifaceted talent, taking Tamil cinema to world-class standards – an unrelenting artistic mission – and with an unquenchable patriotism to rescue our nation from fascist faces.” Stalin’s message also recognised Haasan’s role as the leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam, the political party founded by the actor.

Haasan, who serves as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha and heads Makkal Needhi Maiam, responded warmly to the Chief Minister’s message. On his social media account, he wrote: “Dear friend, who shines as the symbol of good governance and the hallmark of friendship, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, my birthday begins with your greetings. Thank you for the boundless love.”

Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister and DMK leader, also extended his birthday greetings to Haasan, calling him “the unparalleled personality of the Indian art world, artist, Rajya Sabha member, and leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam.” In his message, he added: “May the voice of Kamal sir, which resonates powerfully in public forums and Parliament against fascism without fearing opposition, prevail. Let his political journey shine more brightly.”

The birthday celebrations, while marked with personal visits and social media tributes, underline the longstanding relationship between Haasan and the Stalin family. Haasan’s reflections on decades of friendship, combined with public admiration from political peers, illustrate the blend of artistic excellence and political engagement that has defined his career.

As Haasan celebrates another year, the intersection of cinema, politics, and personal bonds continues to define his public persona, reinforcing his status not only as a celebrated actor but also as an influential political figure in Tamil Nadu and beyond. (With inputs from Agencies)