Kamal Haasan, often called the "universal hero" of Indian cinema or the OG pan-India superstar, has spent over six decades in the film industry, working across languages and genres. While he remains one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema, his tryst with Bollywood was surprisingly brief. Despite giving memorable performances in Hindi films such as Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Saagar, and Chachi 420, Kamal never actively pursued a long career in Mumbai’s film world.
Kamal Haasan once upset a legendary Bollywood filmmaker
In an old interview with Star Plus that has resurfaced online, the actor spoke candidly about why he didn’t continue in Bollywood. Kamal explained that the long and often delayed schedules of Hindi productions didn’t suit his working style. “By the time you finish a film in Hindi, it takes more than a year,” he said, noting how much can change in that period, from the actor’s appearance to the trends in fashion.
He admitted he preferred finishing projects quickly and moving on to the next, describing it as an “addiction.” The slow pace of production, he added, often made the process feel “tedious and frightening.”
Kamal recalled that he was approached by several major filmmakers from the North, including the legendary Manmohan Desai, known for his blockbuster entertainers. However, their meeting didn’t go quite as planned. The actor shared that he had requested to see the script before signing on to a film, reportedly Allah Rakha, which didn’t sit well with Desai. The filmmaker was reportedly surprised and told Kamal that even Amitabh Bachchan never asked for a script. Kamal, unfazed, replied that “Amitabh Bachchan can afford not to.”
Looking back on the incident, Kamal laughed at his own nervousness during that meeting. He admitted that he was so starstruck by Desai’s presence that he completely forgot to offer him tea. “So this guy didn’t offer me tea and then asked for a script,” Kamal joked, recalling how the filmmaker might have perceived him. The actor said he might have missed a few opportunities because of that meeting, though he bore no regrets about staying true to his principles.
Interestingly, Kamal’s approach to filmmaking and storytelling has often set him apart. In another interview, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj revealed that a project they had discussed years ago didn’t materialise because Kamal wanted to shoot it in both Hindi and Tamil simultaneously, while Vishal preferred keeping it in one language. "He wanted the film to be bilingual, but I thought that would become a business trap,” Vishal had said. The two remain on friendly terms, with Kamal often jokingly asking him, “When am I getting my call sheet?”
Kamal Haasan's upcoming projects
Today, Kamal Haasan continues to redefine longevity in cinema. On the work front, Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam's Thug Life, which didn't work well at the box office. He is also in a potential sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, and has several roles through his production company, Raaj Kamal Films International
Kamal Haasan once upset a legendary Bollywood filmmaker
In an old interview with Star Plus that has resurfaced online, the actor spoke candidly about why he didn’t continue in Bollywood. Kamal explained that the long and often delayed schedules of Hindi productions didn’t suit his working style. “By the time you finish a film in Hindi, it takes more than a year,” he said, noting how much can change in that period, from the actor’s appearance to the trends in fashion.
He admitted he preferred finishing projects quickly and moving on to the next, describing it as an “addiction.” The slow pace of production, he added, often made the process feel “tedious and frightening.”
Kamal recalled that he was approached by several major filmmakers from the North, including the legendary Manmohan Desai, known for his blockbuster entertainers. However, their meeting didn’t go quite as planned. The actor shared that he had requested to see the script before signing on to a film, reportedly Allah Rakha, which didn’t sit well with Desai. The filmmaker was reportedly surprised and told Kamal that even Amitabh Bachchan never asked for a script. Kamal, unfazed, replied that “Amitabh Bachchan can afford not to.”
Looking back on the incident, Kamal laughed at his own nervousness during that meeting. He admitted that he was so starstruck by Desai’s presence that he completely forgot to offer him tea. “So this guy didn’t offer me tea and then asked for a script,” Kamal joked, recalling how the filmmaker might have perceived him. The actor said he might have missed a few opportunities because of that meeting, though he bore no regrets about staying true to his principles.
Interestingly, Kamal’s approach to filmmaking and storytelling has often set him apart. In another interview, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj revealed that a project they had discussed years ago didn’t materialise because Kamal wanted to shoot it in both Hindi and Tamil simultaneously, while Vishal preferred keeping it in one language. "He wanted the film to be bilingual, but I thought that would become a business trap,” Vishal had said. The two remain on friendly terms, with Kamal often jokingly asking him, “When am I getting my call sheet?”
Kamal Haasan's upcoming projects
Today, Kamal Haasan continues to redefine longevity in cinema. On the work front, Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam's Thug Life, which didn't work well at the box office. He is also in a potential sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, and has several roles through his production company, Raaj Kamal Films International
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