Kamal Haasan set to quit film career to concentrate on politics

Superstar Kamal Haasan, who is all set to announce his political party on February 21, has decided to bid goodbye to his film career. An illustrious career spanning over five decades, Haasan is considered a veteran in Indian cinema. While many had expected that the actor would quit films to concentrate on his political career, the official announcement was made only on Wednesday by the actor while speaking to a news channel.

"Except for the two films which are coming out(Vishwaroopam 2 and Indian 2), there will be no more films for me," declared Haasan and added, "I am earnest. I am not here to improve my bank account. I could have led a happy, retired, popular life. My decision to come into politics is, as I do not want to die merely as an actor. I will die in the service of people and that I have promised myself.”

When he was asked whether he would continue to be in active politics even if he lost the elections, Haasan said, " "I will have to do something for an honest living. But I don't think I am going to lose."

“I may not have been a political entity but we have been in social service for 37 years. In these 37 years, we have collected about 10 lakh loyal workers. They are with me for the past 37 years. At my instruction, they have engaged more and more younger people in our welfare movement over the years including about 250 lawyers. All would become volunteers," the actor added.

Expressing his discontentment about the growing Hindu extremism in the country, the actor stated that he could not just keep complaining about it.

The 63-year-old actor, who is forming a new political party, said he did not associate himself with the saffron colour. The actor stated that the colour of his politics is “black” and he is concerned about saffron colour. He said black in his politics reflects a Dravidian tone and the dark skin.

"It's culturally not a bad colour for us Tamils."

Hassan called himself a fan of Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru and said, "This country in all its diversity is what makes India for me.”

Haasan went on to clarify that he is not a Hindu hater. "I cannot be hating Hindus or be the virodhi (opponent) of Hindus as I have many in the family. I am just saying this kind of extremism is bad for our lot."

On whether there would be any alliance with another superstar of Tamil cinema Rajinikanth, who has also announced his entry into politics, Haasan said if Rajinikanth's colour of politics is saffron then there would be no alliance.
Haasan revealed that he had been thinking of getting into politics for the last 12-10 years but wasn't clear on how to go about it. Now that he has, he said, "I can't keep complaining and get angry. You have to (get into politics). Unless you do that you cannot bring the reforms I am envisioning for Tamil Nadu."