‘No longer Ulaganayagan...’: Actor Kamal Haasan decides to go sans titles

In a surprise move, veteran Tamil actor and politician Kamal Haasan has decided to give up his popular screen title ‘Ulaganayagan’ and others and wishes to be simply called by his name “Kamal Haasan” or “Kamal” or “KH”.

In a statement issued on Monday, Kamal Haasan said, “I have always felt a deep sense of gratitude over being bestowed with endearing titles such as Ulaganayagan, among others. Such accolades, given by the people and recognized by esteemed colleagues and admirers, has always been humbling, and I've been genuinely moved by your love in conferring it upon me.”

The actor said cinema is a collaboration of countless artists, technicians and audience and he is just a student of the craft. “It is my humble belief that the artist must not be elevated above the art. I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve,” he said.

“I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve. Hence, after considerable reflection, I feel compelled to respectfully decline all such titles or prefixes. I humbly request that all my fans, the media, members of film fraternity, party cadre and fellow Indians, to here on after, refer to me simply as Kamal Haasan or Kamal or KH,” the Thug Life actor said. The actor stressed his decision comes from a place of humility and a “desire to remain true to my roots and purpose”.

Kamal Haasan’s decision comes at a time when his recent production ‘Amaran’ starring Sivakarthikeyan is running successfully in theatres. Besides, Ulaganayagan, Kamal Haasan is also called Andavar, a complete actor among other names.

Earlier, actor Ajith Kumar had issued a statement saying he no longer wishes to be addressed as ‘Thala’, as fondly called by his fans.

The title ‘Ulaganayagan’ was reportedly first used for Kamal Haasan in the film ‘Thenali’, directed by veteran K.S. Ravikumar, as his close friend and competitor Rajinikath was called 'Superstar'.

Recently, in the date announcement teaser of his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’, the actor’s name was used without any prefixes. Indian 2 was the actor’s last theatrical release and it did not fare well.