Latest update, 1.50 pm: Ahead of actor Kamal Haasan's party launch, Congress leader Veerappa Moily said that his party doesn't have much political space to grow in Tamil Nadu sees its prospects on its own steam "very marginal".
Far from the sphere of the reel, actor Kamal Haasan will take his plunge into the real world of politics on Wednesday by addressing a string of meetings and unveiling his party flag in Madurai, marking the commencement of his new journey.
The actor-turned-politician will address his first public meeting in the afternoon at Ramanathapuram near the iconic palace entrance. He will later leave for nearby Paramakudi and then
Manamadurai and address meetings there before reaching Madurai in the evening. He is also set to spell out the name of his party.
File image of actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan. PTI
In keeping with his announcement last month, Haasan will first visit the residence of former president APJ Abdul Kalam at Rameswaram on Wednesday and then the school where the late leader studied. Also, he would pay a visit to the memorial of Kalam at Pei Karumbu off Rameswaram apart from interacting with the fishermen community at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram.
Announcing his political tour in his weekly column in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan on 18 January, the actor had said he too shared the vision of Kalam, who dreamt of a "good Tamil Nadu."
By launching his tour from the residence of Kalam, he would be moving forward towards that goal, he said, writing in his weekly column.
On Wednesday, actor Seeman, who strongly opposes Rajinikanth on the basis of his non-Tamil origin, met Kamal at his home in Chennai. He told reporters that Kamal had expressed a wish to meet him but he felt that he should come to his residence because he was elder to him. Seeman also recalled that he also hailed from Ramanathapuram district.
Meanwhile, in a letter to party cadre, Stalin wrote: "The DMK is like a banyan tree which has strong roots and branches. It cannot be shaken by anyone. Parties may come during a season but they are just like paper flowers which don't have flagrance. They will wither soon."
Kamal called on DMK president M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence to seek his blessings. Stalin was also present then.
With inputs from agencies
Published Date: Feb 21, 2018 13:50 PM | Updated Date: Feb 21, 2018 14:43 PM
Highlights
Kamal Haasan says no politics involved in visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial
Actor Kamal Haasan, who was upset at not being allowed admission into Kalam's school by the administration, said that no one can stop him from learning and there was no politics involved in his plan to visit the memorial and the school.- CNN-News 18
AIADMK calls Haasan a 'genetically modified seed', says he has no leadership skills
Ahead of the actor's political party launch, AIADMK minister D Jayakumar called him a "genetically modified seed" and said he had no leadership skills, reported India Today. "I agree with MK Stalin what he refered these flim stars are like paper flowers and never can blossom," he said.
Not much political space for Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu: Congress leader Veerappa Moily
Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that veteran actor Kamal Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu does not have much political space to grow and sees its prospects on its own steam "very marginal".
"Unless they (Kamal Haasan's party) have a regional agenda of their own which is better than DMK and AIADMK, what space they will occupy? He (Kamal Haasan) must have thought AIADMK will collapse, and he can occupy that space, I don't think that is happening," the former Karnataka chief minister said. He said, the Congress will be "very strongly" with DMK in Tamil Nadu, adding his party would continue to strive to strengthen its base in the state, even while aligning with the DMK for the present.
-PTI
WATCH: Haasan pays tribute at Kalam's memorial in Rameswaram
Visuals of Haasan at the Kalam memorial
Kamal Haasan's political debut, like the opening of big films, will be keenly watched
Being an actor, Kamal knows that like the opening of a big-hero film, his political debut will also be keenly watched for the kind of crowds he attracts. His political managers in charge of crowd control will try to make it look big, because future alliances and combinations are built on it.
Read full article here
Kamal Haasan will address gathering in his hometown Paramakudi next
The actor, set to launch his political party today, visited APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial on Tuesday. He will visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district and address a gathering there.
Kamal Haasan emails his fans
According to India Today, actor Kamal Haasan sent an email to his fans saying that the time to stop complaining is over. He also added that as his first step in politics, he will adopt eight villages and work for their development. He also urged his fans to send in suggestions for the same.
I am a great fan of Mahatma Gandhi: Kamal Haasan
Haasan chose 21 February to launch party as it is International Mother Language Day
'Don't see much difference between films and politics'
"I don't see too many differences between films and politics. the both of them need the support of people just about equally, but the responsibility in politics is a lot bigger. Whatever money I have is the money of the public," said Kamal Haasan in Rameswaram, according to NDTV.
'Serving people is my priority'
Addressing the media, Kamal Haasan said, "My political journey begins. Serving people is my priority. I live in people's hearts," he said while adding that APJ Abdul Kalam was an inspiration.
WATCH: Kamal Haasan at the press meet in Rameswaram
Kamal has taken our problems into his hands, Centre not taking care of us, says fisherman at press meet
"Kamal is an actor par excellence. He has now taken our problems into his hands. The Centre is not taking notice of us. The Sri Lankan navy has been capturing our fishing boats. He (Kamal) is curious and concerned about us. He is our "fisher-friend". It has come to a situation where we can't go and fish. If caught, we get two years of jail and pay a fine of up to Rs 2 crore. Such a thing will never exist in any democratic country in the world. Our livelihood is being taken away from us. Many years they've been telling us they'll do something. We begged Sushma Swaraj to solve our problem. Her only solution was don't go to international waters and fish there. Kamal Haasan is our life boat. I hope he can help us. We don't belong to any political party, we are just fisherfolk," said a fisherman at the press meet in Rameswaram.
'I didn't come to get fishermen to join me, I came to join them': Kamal Haasan
Actor Kamal Haasan brought fishermen to the press meet at Rameswaram and said that since he couldn't speak to them properly at Ganesh Mahal due to media presence, he will speak to them separately again. "We will talk separately again. I will come again, says Haasan to fishermen. Thank you very much for coming here and encouraging me," he said to the fishermen.
"I didn't come to get them (fishermen) to join me, I came to join them. I don't want shawls to be draped around me. I am your shawl, I am your protection," he added.
Kerala, Bihar CM were also invited to attend party launch
As per The Indian Express, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar were invited to attend Kamal Haasan's party launch but are unable to come for it. Instead, they sent video messages.
Kamal Haasan's hometown Paramakudi wears a deserted look on eve of his visit
Actor Kamal Haasan is set to visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu ahead of his political party launch on Tuesday. However, according to The Times Of India, the town wore a deserted look ahead of the actor's visit. Except a few hoardings, posters and a makeshift stage, there is not much "festivity on display".
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves his leaves residence to attend Haasan's party launch in Madurai
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wishes Kamal Haasan on his party launch
Visuals of Kamal Haasan at APJ Abdul Kalam's house earlier today
'Different governments have made different promises'
Speaking to the fishermen community in Rameswaram at Ganesh Mahal, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said, "Different governments have made different promises and then when people ask why the promises are not met, they bring different problems in front of them," reported NDTV.
'Will support fishermen community'
"I will be there, will support the community. There is a need to re-discuss international treaties. Your questions cannot be answered with violence," says Kamal Haasan as he addresses fishermen in Rameswaram.
Kamal Haasan addresses fishermen in Rameswaram
Speaking to fishermen, Kamal Haasan said, "Fishing is one of the most important livelihood options in Tamil Nadu, That's why I have come to visit you. I want to understand your issues and take it forward."
Greatness can come from simplicity, tweets Kamal Haasan
Tamil Nadu education department's decision to deny Haasan permission to visit Kalam's school is right
Haasan spoke about development politics, says Sheikh Dawood, APJ Abdul Kalam's grandson
Speaking to the media, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's grandson, Sheikh Dawood said during his visit to the former president of India's house in Rameswaram, actor Kamal Haasan said he shared Kalam's vision. "He said he shares Kalam's vision to talk about development politics
Haasan meets with APJ Abdul Kalam's family
Earlier on Tuesday, the actor briefly interacted with Kalam's nonagenarian brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar while being flanked by other close relatives of the former president in Rameswaram.
'Kamal is Kalam': Posters across Madurai project Haasan as the next APJ Abdul Kalam
Posters plastered across the streets of Madurai and Rameswaram show actor Kamal Haasan emulating iconic leaders including former president of India APJ Abdul Kalam.
He is shown next to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and other iconic leaders including rationalist leader Periyar and BR Ambedkar, reported NDTV. The report further states Haasan is shown as the second Kalam in some posters.
Kamal Haasan to meet fishermen at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram
'Greatness can come from simplest of houses, and this is one of them': Kamal Haasan after visiting Kalam's house
Arvind Kejriwal to attend Kamal Haasan's party launch in Madurai
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will be attending actor Kamal Haasan's party launch in Madurai, reported The Hindu.
Kejriwal had earlier met Haasan in September 2017 when the actor was hinting at pursuing a political career.
Kamal Haasan is trying to convey he will emulate APJ Abdul Kalam
Before he announces his political party and articulates its ideology, Kamal will head east to Rameswaram, the birthplace of the former President of India. This is also where Kalam was laid to rest. What connects Kalam and Kamal is that the actor grew up in neighbouring Paramkudi in Ramanathapuram district while Kalam did his schooling in Ramanathapuram town. Apart from the similar-sounding names, Kamal Haasan wants to convey that his ideas for the nation and Tamil Nadu are from Kalam's school of thought. The posters brag that the dreams and aspirations of Kalam will be fulfilled by Kamal. His supporters expect Kamal to come up with a Kalamism, when he addresses the gathering on Wednesday evening.
Read full article here
Kamal Haasan’s schedule for today:
· 7:45 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam's house
· 8:15 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam's school
· 8:50 am: Arrive at Ganesh Mahal to meet the fishermen
· 11:10 am: Arrive at APJ Kalam’s memorial
· 11:20 am: Leave for APJ Kalam’s memorial towards Madurai
· 12:30 pm: Public meeting at Ramanathapuram palace
· 2:30 pm: Paramakudi Public meeting
· 3 pm: Manamadurai public meeting
· 5 pm: Arrive at Othakadai ground in Madurai
· 6 pm: Political party flag hoisting
· 6:30 pm: Public meeting
· 8:10 pm to 9 pm: Nammavar’s speech
Tamil Nadu govt denied permission to Kamal Haasan to visit APJ Abdul Kalam's school
Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram
Kamal Haasan's visit to school where APJ Abdul Kalam studied, cancelled
Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram
Kamal Haasan to launch his political party today
The actor-turned-politician will address his first public meeting in the afternoon at Ramanathapuram near the iconic palace entrance. He will later leave for nearby Paramakudi and then, Manamadurai and address meetings there before reaching Madurai in the evening. He is also set to spell out the name of his party.
14:43 (IST)
Kamal Haasan says no politics involved in visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial
Actor Kamal Haasan, who was upset at not being allowed admission into Kalam's school by the administration, said that no one can stop him from learning and there was no politics involved in his plan to visit the memorial and the school.- CNN-News 18
14:18 (IST)
Kamal Haasan arrives in Ramanathapuram, reports NDTV
13:55 (IST)
AIADMK calls Haasan a 'genetically modified seed', says he has no leadership skills
Ahead of the actor's political party launch, AIADMK minister D Jayakumar called him a "genetically modified seed" and said he had no leadership skills, reported India Today. "I agree with MK Stalin what he refered these flim stars are like paper flowers and never can blossom," he said.
13:39 (IST)
Not much political space for Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu: Congress leader Veerappa Moily
Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that veteran actor Kamal Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu does not have much political space to grow and sees its prospects on its own steam "very marginal".
"Unless they (Kamal Haasan's party) have a regional agenda of their own which is better than DMK and AIADMK, what space they will occupy? He (Kamal Haasan) must have thought AIADMK will collapse, and he can occupy that space, I don't think that is happening," the former Karnataka chief minister said. He said, the Congress will be "very strongly" with DMK in Tamil Nadu, adding his party would continue to strive to strengthen its base in the state, even while aligning with the DMK for the present.
-PTI
13:37 (IST)
WATCH: Haasan pays tribute at Kalam's memorial in Rameswaram
13:25 (IST)
Visuals of Haasan at the Kalam memorial
13:24 (IST)
Recap: Actor earlier met Rajinikanth, DMK chief M Karunanidhi
Hours after meeting Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan on Sunday met DMK chief M Karunanidhi and DMK working president MK Stalin. Haasan called on Rajinikanth at his Chennai residence just days after he ruled out an alliance with the actor's political party. He told reporters it was a "friendly meeting". Both actors have announced their decision to take the plunge into politics in Tamil Nadu.
12:56 (IST)
Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin takes to Twitter to express his views
12:43 (IST)
Kamal Haasan's political debut, like the opening of big films, will be keenly watched
Being an actor, Kamal knows that like the opening of a big-hero film, his political debut will also be keenly watched for the kind of crowds he attracts. His political managers in charge of crowd control will try to make it look big, because future alliances and combinations are built on it.
Read full article here
12:39 (IST)
Kamal Haasan will address gathering in his hometown Paramakudi next
The actor, set to launch his political party today, visited APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial on Tuesday. He will visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district and address a gathering there.
12:17 (IST)
Kamal Haasan emails his fans
According to India Today, actor Kamal Haasan sent an email to his fans saying that the time to stop complaining is over. He also added that as his first step in politics, he will adopt eight villages and work for their development. He also urged his fans to send in suggestions for the same.
11:40 (IST)
I am a great fan of Mahatma Gandhi: Kamal Haasan
11:38 (IST)
Haasan chose 21 February to launch party as it is International Mother Language Day
11:36 (IST)
'Don't see much difference between films and politics'
"I don't see too many differences between films and politics. the both of them need the support of people just about equally, but the responsibility in politics is a lot bigger. Whatever money I have is the money of the public," said Kamal Haasan in Rameswaram, according to NDTV.
11:34 (IST)
Kamal Haasan to visit Kalam's memorial next
10:55 (IST)
'Serving people is my priority'
Addressing the media, Kamal Haasan said, "My political journey begins. Serving people is my priority. I live in people's hearts," he said while adding that APJ Abdul Kalam was an inspiration.
10:54 (IST)
WATCH: Kamal Haasan at the press meet in Rameswaram
10:51 (IST)
Kamal has taken our problems into his hands, Centre not taking care of us, says fisherman at press meet
"Kamal is an actor par excellence. He has now taken our problems into his hands. The Centre is not taking notice of us. The Sri Lankan navy has been capturing our fishing boats. He (Kamal) is curious and concerned about us. He is our "fisher-friend". It has come to a situation where we can't go and fish. If caught, we get two years of jail and pay a fine of up to Rs 2 crore. Such a thing will never exist in any democratic country in the world. Our livelihood is being taken away from us. Many years they've been telling us they'll do something. We begged Sushma Swaraj to solve our problem. Her only solution was don't go to international waters and fish there. Kamal Haasan is our life boat. I hope he can help us. We don't belong to any political party, we are just fisherfolk," said a fisherman at the press meet in Rameswaram.
10:45 (IST)
'I didn't come to get fishermen to join me, I came to join them': Kamal Haasan
Actor Kamal Haasan brought fishermen to the press meet at Rameswaram and said that since he couldn't speak to them properly at Ganesh Mahal due to media presence, he will speak to them separately again. "We will talk separately again. I will come again, says Haasan to fishermen. Thank you very much for coming here and encouraging me," he said to the fishermen.
"I didn't come to get them (fishermen) to join me, I came to join them. I don't want shawls to be draped around me. I am your shawl, I am your protection," he added.
10:34 (IST)
Kamal Haasan to address media shortly
10:33 (IST)
Kerala, Bihar CM were also invited to attend party launch
As per The Indian Express, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar were invited to attend Kamal Haasan's party launch but are unable to come for it. Instead, they sent video messages.
10:29 (IST)
Kamal Haasan's hometown Paramakudi wears a deserted look on eve of his visit
Actor Kamal Haasan is set to visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu ahead of his political party launch on Tuesday. However, according to The Times Of India, the town wore a deserted look ahead of the actor's visit. Except a few hoardings, posters and a makeshift stage, there is not much "festivity on display".
10:18 (IST)
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves his leaves residence to attend Haasan's party launch in Madurai
10:10 (IST)
Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wishes Kamal Haasan on his party launch
10:08 (IST)
Visuals of Kamal Haasan at APJ Abdul Kalam's house earlier today
10:07 (IST)
WATCH: Kamal Haasan speaks to fishing community
10:05 (IST)
Kamal Haasan to address media at Hyatt before leaving for Kalam's memorial
10:01 (IST)
Visual of Kamal Haasan addressing fishermen in Rameswaram
09:57 (IST)
'Different governments have made different promises'
Speaking to the fishermen community in Rameswaram at Ganesh Mahal, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said, "Different governments have made different promises and then when people ask why the promises are not met, they bring different problems in front of them," reported NDTV.
09:53 (IST)
'Will support fishermen community'
"I will be there, will support the community. There is a need to re-discuss international treaties. Your questions cannot be answered with violence," says Kamal Haasan as he addresses fishermen in Rameswaram.
09:50 (IST)
Recap: Haasan confident his brand of Dravidian politics will succeed
"You will know when I make it a success," he said, when asked about the presence of Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu and how he could succeed with the same ideology.
The actor has time and again expressed his appreciation of the Dravidian ideology. Last month, he had batted for unity among Southern states under the 'Dravidian' tag to leverage ties with the Centre. "It (Dravidian) is our identity, and it will give the southern states a leverage with the Centre," the actor had said.
Read more here
09:31 (IST)
Kamal Haasan addresses fishermen in Rameswaram
Speaking to fishermen, Kamal Haasan said, "Fishing is one of the most important livelihood options in Tamil Nadu, That's why I have come to visit you. I want to understand your issues and take it forward."
09:20 (IST)
Greatness can come from simplicity, tweets Kamal Haasan
09:19 (IST)
Tamil Nadu education department's decision to deny Haasan permission to visit Kalam's school is right
09:17 (IST)
Haasan spoke about development politics, says Sheikh Dawood, APJ Abdul Kalam's grandson
Speaking to the media, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's grandson, Sheikh Dawood said during his visit to the former president of India's house in Rameswaram, actor Kamal Haasan said he shared Kalam's vision. "He said he shares Kalam's vision to talk about development politics
09:10 (IST)
Haasan meets with APJ Abdul Kalam's family
Earlier on Tuesday, the actor briefly interacted with Kalam's nonagenarian brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar while being flanked by other close relatives of the former president in Rameswaram.
09:08 (IST)
'Kamal is Kalam': Posters across Madurai project Haasan as the next APJ Abdul Kalam
Posters plastered across the streets of Madurai and Rameswaram show actor Kamal Haasan emulating iconic leaders including former president of India APJ Abdul Kalam.
He is shown next to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and other iconic leaders including rationalist leader Periyar and BR Ambedkar, reported NDTV. The report further states Haasan is shown as the second Kalam in some posters.
09:02 (IST)
Kamal Haasan to meet fishermen at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram
08:52 (IST)
'Greatness can come from simplest of houses, and this is one of them': Kamal Haasan after visiting Kalam's house
08:49 (IST)
Arvind Kejriwal to attend Kamal Haasan's party launch in Madurai
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will be attending actor Kamal Haasan's party launch in Madurai, reported The Hindu.
Kejriwal had earlier met Haasan in September 2017 when the actor was hinting at pursuing a political career.
08:42 (IST)
Recap: MK Stalin takes dig at Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, likens them to "glamorous paper flowers"
Taking a veiled dig once again at top actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for their political ambitions, DMK working president MK Stalin likened them to 'glamorous paper flowers' which do not spread fragrance.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, in a letter to party cadres said though "such flowers may bloom, they do not spread fragrance," which is seen as an indication that the duo could not succeed and shine in politics though they could enter the fray.
Read more here
08:38 (IST)
Visuals of Haasan visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house
08:37 (IST)
Kamal Haasan is trying to convey he will emulate APJ Abdul Kalam
Before he announces his political party and articulates its ideology, Kamal will head east to Rameswaram, the birthplace of the former President of India. This is also where Kalam was laid to rest. What connects Kalam and Kamal is that the actor grew up in neighbouring Paramkudi in Ramanathapuram district while Kalam did his schooling in Ramanathapuram town. Apart from the similar-sounding names, Kamal Haasan wants to convey that his ideas for the nation and Tamil Nadu are from Kalam's school of thought. The posters brag that the dreams and aspirations of Kalam will be fulfilled by Kamal. His supporters expect Kamal to come up with a Kalamism, when he addresses the gathering on Wednesday evening.
Read full article here
08:29 (IST)
Kamal Haasan’s schedule for today:
· 7:45 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam's house
· 8:15 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam's school
· 8:50 am: Arrive at Ganesh Mahal to meet the fishermen
· 11:10 am: Arrive at APJ Kalam’s memorial
· 11:20 am: Leave for APJ Kalam’s memorial towards Madurai
· 12:30 pm: Public meeting at Ramanathapuram palace
· 2:30 pm: Paramakudi Public meeting
· 3 pm: Manamadurai public meeting
· 5 pm: Arrive at Othakadai ground in Madurai
· 6 pm: Political party flag hoisting
· 6:30 pm: Public meeting
· 8:10 pm to 9 pm: Nammavar’s speech
08:27 (IST)
Tamil Nadu govt denied permission to Kamal Haasan to visit APJ Abdul Kalam's school
08:23 (IST)
Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram
08:22 (IST)
Posters of Kamal Haasan's face photoshopped as iconic leaders APJ Abdul Kalam, BR Ambedkar
According to NDTV, several posters could be seen with actor Kamal Haasan projected as leaders such as APJ Abdul Kalam and BR Ambedkar.
08:11 (IST)
Kamal Haasan's visit to school where APJ Abdul Kalam studied, cancelled
08:09 (IST)
Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram
08:09 (IST)
Kamal Haasan to launch his political party today
The actor-turned-politician will address his first public meeting in the afternoon at Ramanathapuram near the iconic palace entrance. He will later leave for nearby Paramakudi and then, Manamadurai and address meetings there before reaching Madurai in the evening. He is also set to spell out the name of his party.