In the beginning, in 1975, just how big a star Kamal Haasan was, today's generation does not know.
Politics is too big a game to feel the absence of a Kamal Haasan.
I sneaked out of school to watch 'Nayakan.' I must have watched it at least 15 times at Anand theatre.
When Kamal Haasan did 'Nayakan,' he had done a few roles that had him aged and demanded a lot of commitment from. He was already a veteran and a master.
Everyone's amazed by the question that how did I succeed as an actor in the industry, which has Kamal Haasan? It's because I grew as an actor watching Kamal's acting.
It's a great honour for me to be a part of a Kamal Haasan film.
Despite strict instructions from my mother not to step out of the house, I cycled all the way to Vellore to watch 'Thevar Magan.' In fact, I grew up watching classic films such as 'Naayakan,' 'Thaalapathi' and 'En Bommukutty Ammavukku.'
I like Kamal Haasan's daring choice of roles. When I was in school and college, I modelled myself on him. I was so much in awe of him.
Over the years people would ask me which co-star have you been a fan of or admired. I have always said Rishi Kapoor and Kamal Haasan. They are my two co-stars from whom I have really learnt a lot. I have been a great fan of both of them.
After my experience working with Kamal Haasan sir, the 'Aval' team was the most professional and well-planned group I've come across. They were so meticulous that I completed my portions in just 22 days!
Nayakan,' 'Sathya' and 'Thevar Magan' are my biggest influences.
I grew as an actor just by watching Kamal Haasan acting. I had the good fortune of being able to observe Kamal Haasan from close quarters.
I was very young during 'Chachi 420' and don't remember much now.
There is an unrealistic pressure to perform like Kamal Haasan, and it's unnatural, because he's been in the industry for so many years, I don't even take the comparisons seriously.
Usually, you know how politicians are. Whenever they are around, you will see at least 10-15 people by their side. But with Kamal Haasan, that's not the case.
Kamal Haasan is a huge talent.
'Marmayogi' has a budget of Rs 110 crore, and I think only a gifted person like Kamal Haasan can do justice to such a film.
I am proud to say that I was launched in Tamil through 'Poi' by Balachander sir, who was the one who launched the legends like Rajni sir, Kamal sir & Prakash Raj sir.
I was a huge Kamal Haasan fan, but not really a die-hard wackadoo.
Kamal Haasan makes sure that his co-artists wear the safety gear when they perform stunts.
For an actor with his experience, Kamal Haasan's never shown a complacent 'Been there; done it' attitude.
