Kamal Haasan, the veteran actor, director, and producer, expressed deep gratitude towards Shah Rukh Khan for his selfless contribution to the 2000 film Hey Ram. In a heartfelt revelation, Kamal Haasan shared how Shah Rukh Khan worked on the film without charging any fee, emphasizing his admiration for Khan’s artistic sensibilities.
During the trailer launch event for his upcoming film Indian 2 in Mumbai, Kamal Haasan reflected on his collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan in Hey Ram. He described Shah Rukh Khan not just as a superstar, but as someone who deeply appreciates art and demonstrated his commitment by foregoing his usual fee for the film. Kamal Haasan highlighted the significance of their friendship during the filming process, where titles like ‘star’ or ‘director’ faded away in favor of a genuine artistic collaboration.
Hey Ram stands as a monumental period drama written, directed, and produced by Kamal Haasan himself. The film explores complex themes against the backdrop of India’s partition and Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Alongside Kamal Haasan and Shah Rukh Khan, the film also featured Rani Mukerji in a pivotal role.
Kamal Haasan also shared a poignant anecdote about his desire to cast the legendary Dilip Kumar in the Hindi remake of the Tamil film Thevar Magan (1992). Directed by Bharathan and produced by Haasan, Thevar Magan starred Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan in pivotal roles. Despite Haasan’s admiration and wish to work with Dilip Kumar, the timing did not align as Kumar had already retired from cinema.
Tribute to Dilip Kumar
A dedicated admirer of Dilip Kumar, Kamal Haasan revealed a touching tradition where he would visit Mumbai every December 11, the late star’s birthday, to pay his respects. He expressed profound admiration for Kumar’s legacy and considered himself a student of the cinematic icon.
Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2
Indian 2, slated for release on July 12, continues the story from Kamal Haasan’s highly acclaimed 1996 film Indian. Directed by S. Shankar, the sequel features Kamal Haasan reprising his dual role alongside a talented ensemble including Kajal Aggarwal, Siddharth, and Rakul Preet Singh. Produced by Subaskaran Allirajah’s Lyca Productions and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies, the film promises to deliver another impactful cinematic experience.
Kamal Haasan’s heartfelt tribute to Shah Rukh Khan and his reverence for Dilip Kumar underscore his deep-rooted passion for cinema and respect for fellow artists. As Indian 2 prepares to hit theaters, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Kamal Haasan’s iconic portrayal once again, alongside a compelling narrative that blends action, drama, and social commentary. Stay tuned for more updates as Indian 2 gears up to captivate audiences with its stellar cast and engaging storyline, continuing Kamal Haasan’s legacy as a versatile and visionary filmmaker in Indian cinema.
