I'm not an opportunist: Kamal Haasan on political debut
August 01, 2018 19:23
His mission is to keep India as diverse as it is now, says screen idol and politician Kamal Haasan who asserts he has arrived in politics at an opportune time but it does not make him an opportunist.
Haasan, who launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam in February this year, does not see politics as the next step in his journey but as something "essential" to his existence.
It is also something that he has been contemplating since 2000, while making the film Hey Ram, said Haasan, careful not to disclose his party's affiliations.
The actor-politician has met Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Asked if he is up for an alliance with them, he answers with a cryptic "anything is possible".
"We have to find what is right for Tamil Nadu and who can do the best for Tamil Nadu as it stands. Who has ruined the state and who should go and to do that who can help me. These are very simple questions. If I honestly answer that, I will know my alliances," Haasan told PTI in an interview.
Questioned about rumours that he may be siding with the BJP, directly or indirectly, he said his attitude and philosophy is very clear.
"I am not an opportunist. Though I came at an opportune moment, that doesn't make me an opportunist. I have a mission and I will deliver to the best of my capabilities. My mission is to keep India as diverse as it is."
Haasan and Rajinikanth, two of the biggest stars in southern cinema, have entered politics at a time there is a vacuum in Tamil Nadu with the death of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa and DMK's leader M Karunanidhi's ill health.
Rajinikanth is yet to announce a party though he has made it clear that he will play an active role in politics.
The latest in a long line of actors from Tamil Nadu to move from cinema to politics, Haasan said this is the only way for him to challenge the "status quo" and "existing stagnation" in the state.
"I used to think I am a kalakar (artiste). Why should I indulge in these things... It's about your personal duty towards civic society," he said.
"I wanted to challenge the status quo, challenge the existing stagnation and corruption," added the 63-year-old who is currently promoting the sequel to his 2003 film Vishwaroop.
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