'Entered politics after seeking advice from Pinarayi Vijayan'; worked by taking ideas from Kerala model, says Kamal Haasan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said that he had come to Kerala and sought the advice of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan after deciding to enter politics. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Keraleeyam program, which showcases the progress and cultural heritage of Kerala. Kamal said that people across the country should listen to what he has to say about Kerala and thus understand the state.

"Kerala is an important place in my life journey. People in Kerala have always encouraged my artistic career. I always come to Kerala to learn something new or get inspiration from it. I did a Malayalam film for the first time when I was seven or eight years old. It was also the first film of my dear director Sethumadhavan sir. Cinema in Kerala has always played a crucial role in shaping the cultural space of Kerala. Malayalam cinema influenced my views towards cinema. Films in Kerala always address social issues. This highlights Kerala's social commitment and vigilance in such matters," Kamal Haasan said.

"I am proud that my film 'Madanolsavam' is being screened in the film festival here. I did 'Madanolsavam' when I was 21 years old. Every single person behind that film gave me a lot of freedom. After I decided to enter politics in 2017, I came to Kerala and sought advice from your beloved Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. My idea of ​​people-centred politics itself is derived from the Kerala model. My idea that local administrations in Tamil Nadu should be strengthened was modelled on the People's Plan campaign implemented by Kerala in 1996. Democracy is truly implemented through decentralized planning. In that, Kerala is a model that India can adopt," he said.

"Tamil Nadu and Kerala share not only a border but also a culture. The development of people and progress in health and education is the policy of both states. People from both these states are interested in music and classical arts. Our linguistic similarity had helped me to work in Malayalam cinema from a young age," he added.