MUMBAI MIRROR (July 30, 2019)

Playback singer Chinmayi Sripaada has hit out against Bigg Boss Tamil, hosted by Kamal Haasan, after a contestant announced proudly that he used to travel in buses during his college days to grope women.

In the interaction, hosted by Kamal Haasan, Tamil actor Saravanan was seen admitting that he used to travel in buses when he was in college to grope female passengers.

Reacting to this, Chinmayi tweeted recently: “A Tamil channel aired a man proudly proclaiming he used the Public Bus Transport system to molest/grope women, to cheers from the audience. And this is a joke. To the audience. To the women clapping. To the molester. Damn.” Chinmayi also shared a video footage of the interaction with the post.

Besides the singer, netizens have reacted strongly to the episode and also against Haasan for failing to condemn the remark.

Chinmayi became a prominent voice in the #MeToo movement in the film industry last year after she outed lyricist Vairamuthu as an alleged sexual predator, after an event in Switzerland sometime in 2005-2006. The singer had said that after the event, the organiser asked her and her mother to stay back and meet Vairamuthu at his hotel room. When she asked ‘why?’ the reply was to ‘co-operate.’

Meena Iyer (DNA; July 23, 2018)

Tamil cinema icon and Padma Bhushan recipient Kamal Haasan, who has been making headlines since February when he launched his party (Makkal Needhi Maiam), confesses that his political sojourn is chicken soup for his soul. But the actor, who holds a record 17 Filmfare Awards and three National Awards, also knows that cinema will always remain his first claim to fame. He admits that while he will devote more time to politics from now on, he will come back with a new film each year.

On his recent trip to Mumbai to promote his next action-drama Vishwaroopam 2, After Hrs caught up with the icon, the politician and the parent. Excerpts:

Is Vishwaroopam 2 a sequel to your 2013 mystery, crime-thriller titled Vishwaroopam?
This one is a sequel and a prequel, both. It goes back and forth and to the very beginning of my character, Wisam Ahmad Kashmiri, how and why he was recruited.

You don’t believe in resting on past laurels, right?
I always work on keeping up with the latest. My previous film is my past, my next is my future. I have to move forward and not rest on my past laurels. They’re not even laurels, but only ground covered.

You’re being modest...
That’s only the miles you cross. Miles are miles, footage is footage, nothing more than that. You have to improvise on it, otherwise someone else will.

Is there a foreign crew involved in Vishwaroopam 2 as well?
Yes, lots of them. I’ve been working with them for various departments. There are two cinematographers and the sound designer Kunal Rajan is from Los Angeles. The stunts have been supervised and choreographed by Stefan Richter from Germany and Parvez and Feroze, who are from here. Besides, a variety of stuntmen were required for the film.

With your foray into politics, will cinema lose a good actor, an icon?
Even before I made a move into politics, I had already started taking up fewer movies.

Why is that?
I like to work only on films where I think I can give it all. I do only one film in a year, sometimes one in two years. This time, there has been a long gap because of politics.

Don’t you think your habit to call a spade a spade will land you in trouble?
But is politics about calling a hammer a spade? I’m a fan of Mahatma Gandhi ji, K Kamaraj ji, C Rajagopalachari ji, and above all, EV Ramasamy Periyar and B R Ambedkar. It looks like I’m picking from across the spectrum. But why not? That is a vantage position that I’m in and being a man of today, it gives me a better angle of our ancestors, to choose politics and not take sides. Shooting straight is something we learnt from Gandhiji and Periyar, both opposite ends of the spectrum. They started together, but ended up on either side.

Your fans are excited to see you enter politics...
What can be more touching for me? Fans are a small cluster of people who have a penchant for that kind of work. What I’m receiving after my foray into politics is a traction that is unprecedented in my memory. It’s frightening and encouraging at the same time.

Is this happening because of the cinema you have been associated with?
This has nothing to do with cinema. What I’m talking about is something that runs parallel. Many people, who are associated with me, my social work and who are a part of my political journey, haven’t seen my films, some say they don’t like my movies but are with me on this cause. Some of them have seen very few films and say they’re not impressed with them, but they are with me for what I stand for now. Few others say they are fans of another actor, but in this, they are with me. That’s very heartening. I’ve been travelling extensively, three-four days a month to about 20 towns every day, from early morning till late into the night. During the course of my travels, I meet countless people. It is a unique experience. It has nothing to do with the characters that I have played on screen! They don’t call me Venu Nayakan, for example. They connect with me purely for what I am.

I’m also doing reality television entertainment. I’m using it as a platform for talking to people. The reason I’ve taken up this show (Bigg Boss in Tamil) is to communicate with people. The TVP rating of 12.8 is unprecedented and also an encouraging sign. Whether they agree with me or not, they are coming back every Saturday to listen to me talk, not merely about the show, but life, politics and everything that is there. For me, every Saturday is equal to addressing 50-60 public meetings because the reach of the reality show that I am doing is so wide. I’m reaching about 3.7 crore people each weekend. That’s an unheard number even for me.

Will your next film be a sequel to Shankar’s Indian?
Yes, Shankar and I are working on it. I don’t know where it will take me, but it seems to be in the correct direction. It looks like it’s going to be my next movie.

How are you able to divide your time between your show, film and politics?
The show is only once a week, so that’s four days a month. The rest is all for politics.

And films? No time for cinema?
As I said, I have reduced my film workload. I am also not taking up direction. It’s a full-time responsibility, like this one (Vishwaroopam 2). I’ve to be there for the mixing and background, etc. Fortunately, I’ve done it all much before I started my party.

Rajinikanth is re-entering politics. And you are making your debut almost simultaneously. However, your political ideologies seem to differ, right?
It’s not the same from what I hear. Both are on the opposite ends of the spectrum.

The earlier generation has seen the two of you on screen. Gen-Now is curious to see Rajini and you together...
I don’t think it will happen now. As it is, both of us are doing few films. Once we’re in politics full-time, it will be even fewer. I don’t think we will do a film together.

An actor, a politician and also a parent. Are you able to juggle it all?
My daughters (Shruti and Akshara) are happy. There is no end to my parental duty, it is a lifelong commitment which I have made to my children. However, I am enjoying this new role; not because of the veneration it gets, but because of the satisfaction it gives. I sincerely hope I can give people what they expect from a leader. I will work towards it, I also hope I can get the results they want.

You seem to be in a happier place now.
I am. I understand tears, laughter and agony, too. My empathy towards people has increased. Now, there is no cynicism.

Is there a departure from the earlier Kamal Haasan?
Yes, it’s happening. People call it their ‘calling’. I’ve been thinking about it for over 15 years. After the success of a film, I have often said, ‘This is not what I’m meant to do’ and my friends have asked me, what is the meaning of ‘meant to do’? They thought I needed therapy because I was complaining after success. Now I understand what was troubling me. People probably become lawyers, scientists, nuns and evangelists because that is their true calling. My true calling is politics.

Does it have to do anything with the fact that you have turned older now (63)?
But there is no connection with that. A change has been happening within me for some time.

People who have known you for 30-odd years see a change in you. Do you sense any difference?
I am the same person. I have the same anger and remorse. But there is also an acceptance of everything around me.

There are also those who are suspicious of your foray into politics. Can you comment on this?
The worst people can say about me is that he’s arrogant and seeking power. That would be the worst insult. But one dare not raise a finger at me because of corruption. No one thinks that I will take away people’s money. They know that I am honest and I have to live by that. I was never avaricious. It was never there in my movies. It was my legitimate money. I could have made a little more or got away with less work, but I’ve never cheated. I’ve broken my back to deliver what I had to.

Are your daughters happy with your decision to enter politics?
They were not in the beginning. They asked what happens to the artiste we pride on. We pride on not only knowing the artiste, but having the same DNA. I said nothing happens to the DNA, you carry it on, whether you get into politics, die, change the profession or fail... One can be in the same profession and be obliterated by time. The DNA is still there. I have always wanted to be like people who have waved and walked away from everything in their prime. I’ve spoken to my friends. Many people brag and say that the day they know they are stretching it, they will throw in the towel and walk away. But they don’t do that. They are still hanging on. That is why I have admired someone like Sunil Gavaskar, who quit when he was still at the top of his game.

Do you see this new journey as an extension of yourself?
This is not an alternate at all. This is my dimensional growth. I’m proud of it. And I’m also ashamed that I wasted at least a couple of decades, making this call.

Is politics your true calling?
Absolutely, that’s why I keep telling people; for all that life offered me, I gave back very little. I intend to correct that.

Sharanya Cr (BOMBAY TIMES; June 19, 2018)

The energy is quite palpable as we walk into the set of one of the most awaited TV reality shows, Bigg Boss Tamil 2. Young men are rushing from one set to another, getting things organised for the show. They are shooting the launch episode with Kamal Haasan, who’s hosting the show this time around, too. The actor-turned-politico is sharp on time to give interviews and shoot his portions. We settle down for an interview with Kamal in a new avatar, one who is unabashed about speaking his mind on everything from films to politics to this TV show he’s hosting. Excerpts:

There was so much enthusiasm when Bigg Boss Tamil was launched as audience were curious about the show and how things would work. But now that people are aware of it, how are you planning to up season 2?
I have seen various other Bigg Boss formats, unlike the audience of the first season. I not just wanted to educate myself on the modus operandi, but also learn the rules of the game. What is interesting is that even in the English and Hindi versions, they change the rules every season. But here, it is reflective of life, unlike the American game, Monopoly, which is all about making money. This is something else and that is what I first gathered from the concept. This is a great tool to gently jog their minds about themselves. I just don’t mean the housemates. For instance, it is like the lessons an elder brother will learn as soon as a younger brother is born. New lessons are being taught because the mistakes the younger brother makes someday become a lesson for the elder brother. He takes the parental role and imitates his parents. And that’s what I became when I saw these people. I was not going through the same claustrophobia that they were, but I could understand it. I’ve had a view, which I was also trying to go back to, and reflect when back in my home. I could help them and understand them. And while I was doing all that, I analysed myself. When it can happen to me as an anchor, I am very sure it can happen to the audience, too. That’s why I am here again.

So, will the tasks be tougher this time?
I think so… from what they have told me. And there is no need for anyone to take offense as it is still a game.

Some of the contestants who appeared on the show last year have alleged that they were projected in a certain manner...
The cameras didn’t show them that way (laughs!). Will you ask a mirror why are you showing me ugly? The mirror doesn’t mess up your hair; you messed it up and stood in front of the mirror. It is not the fault of the mirror. Here, the camera is just a mirror. You can’t blame it saying, ‘You have shown me like this.’ They have put a mirror inside you, too. It is a great opportunity to correct yourself. How many people get a mirror for their mind? This is a mirror that they can use to see their real selves.

When news of you hosting the second season of the show was announced, there was immediate criticism asking why you were taking this up after making your political announcement…
People think a politician should get money from the people to make his living. I don’t think so. A politician should find a job and make his own living so that he doesn’t touch people’s money. That is who I want to be. I am making money out of this show and I want to spend it on myself; and if there is something left, I want to spend it for my party. Most of my party members are not giving away all their money. Now, when the election commission says that everything is fine, we will ask the people... we will openly ask people for money.

Some even ask why you and Rajinikanth, who has also announced his entry into politics, are still signing films...
Supposing if I was a provision store owner or running a company, should I shut it down to become a politician? When someone comes without anything, what will happen when he wants to save himself ? Is he going to live off the people? That is why it is important to have an earning or a living. But yes, if I take up a position, then I should stop doing films at once.

You made several political statements through this show last year. Can we expect you to announce your political ideals in this season, especially since the show reaches every household.
I did it only a little. Because, it is not my show… in the sense that it is not my television channel. And they have rules and parameters to adhere to. So, I can’t make it my podium entirely. Yes, I will use this platform to lift the weight gently off my shoulders.

There is always some amount of scrutiny that happens when actors speak. But now that you have announced your political entry, it’s more than usual. For instance, Rajinikanth’s statements on the Thoothukudi massacre have not gone down well with people. How do you plan to handle such things?
I think my strength would be honesty. When I indulge in doublespeak, people will catch on to it. And you will then have to explain why you said two different things. If you can’t explain, people will know that you are talking with a forked tongue. And this is something any politician will have to be careful about. Any politician who speaks his mind will get into trouble, but will also get out of trouble. Because you are speaking your mind, it is not going to please everybody. There is going to be a percentage of the population who will disagree with it. But that is the idea of democracy — agree to disagree. I have no paper in my hand, except for facts, as I can’t misrepresent them. I can’t say the names wrongly and that is why I have a paper. I don’t like to pretend that I have everything in mind... my acting is not coming into play in this.

How are Shruti and Akshara taking to your new role of a politician?
Oh, they are worried. They understand the purpose as to why I am here, but they don’t understand how it works. All they hear is through the media and there’s nothing nice for them to listen to. I tell them not to generalise — that sensationalised news is the only way politicians operate. They say that they know that there are good politicians, but according to them, they are all dead. Civilisation will be dead and will be born again. I am one of the newborns. I ask them not to worry. But that kind of scepticism, fear and concern for me is there among all the youth. Some say, so far so good. But finally, they say, ‘Do something.’ That’s when I tell them that they are all looking for leaders. I tell them that they are the leaders and I am an appointed person who will be put in office. They must lead... which means they must be in continuous vigil. You can’t appoint a watchman and go to sleep. Democracy doesn’t operate like that. You can sleep when the police take the rounds, but you must check during the day if the police are doing their job.

Moving on to your films, the teaser of Vishwaroopam II has been received warmly. The film seems to have a lot of action sequences and CGI. Is that the reason why the film took this long?
No, once again, politics was involved. Even the first time, it was only politics. On the finance part, most people in the film business find it difficult to complete a project. It’s become a very common thing, with only the very big companies managing to complete a project. Smaller productions are finding it hard to make ends meet. So that aspect was one of the reasons for the delay — a maximum of one year. But the rest of it was because politicians were stepping on our toes.

When will you begin shooting for Indian 2?
I will have to finish Sabash Naidu first. That is almost half complete. I will wind that up before I shoot for Indian 2.

Is this look of yours for Indian 2?
No, this look is part of Kamal Haasan (smiles).

Lastly, if you were a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil, what is the one thing you will do and one that you will not do?
I will be myself and I will never cease to be me because it is about winning. That is what I will do anywhere in life, not just inside the Bigg Boss Tamil house.