Kamal Haasan’s Transition from Cinema to Politics

Kamal Haasan, the renowned actor-turned-politician and leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), is poised to take on a new role as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament. Scheduled to be sworn in on Thursday, Haasan expressed his honor and awareness of the responsibilities that come with this position. In an exclusive interview with NDTV while en route to Delhi, he shared his commitment to meeting the expectations placed upon him. “I am honored to begin with. I know I’ve to do a lot. Something is expected of me – I hope I live up to those expectations. I’ll try my best to be honest, earnest and speak for Tamil Nadu and India,” he stated.

Political Milestone for Kamal Haasan

This appointment marks a significant milestone in Haasan’s political journey, which began in 2017 when he founded MNM with a focus on combating corruption, promoting rural development, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Despite securing around 4 percent of the vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, MNM faced challenges in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where Haasan narrowly lost the Coimbatore South seat to BJP’s Vanathi Srinivasan.

Strategic Alliances and Future Prospects

Although MNM opted out of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it extended support to the ruling DMK, which has now facilitated Haasan’s entry into the Upper House. He described this strategic shift as a “need of the hour.” Notably, Haasan’s vision for direct benefit transfers to women was embraced by the DMK, leading to the implementation of a Rs 1,000 monthly assistance scheme for eligible women heads of households.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

With his alignment with DMK now official, MNM is expected to participate in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the DMK-led alliance. This upcoming election is anticipated to be a high-profile contest, featuring actor Vijay’s TVK making its political debut.

A New Chapter in Public Life

Kamal Haasan’s entry into Parliament signifies a new chapter in his public life, transitioning from a celebrated cinema icon to a reformist politician and now a national lawmaker. His journey reflects his dedication to addressing key issues and advocating for change at both state and national levels.