Kamal Haasan's Induction as Rajya Sabha MP: A Fulfillment of a Lifelong Dream

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan was sworn in as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha earlier this year, marking a significant milestone in his career. This achievement fulfills a lifelong aspiration for Haasan, who views his new role as an extension of his commitment to public service. Despite his political responsibilities, he remains active in the film industry, recently appearing in Mani Ratnam's *Thug Life*.

Kamal Haasan's mother always wanted him to get a govt job. At 71, he has fulfilled his mother's wishWION

During a session at the Hortus Art and Literature Festival in Kerala, Haasan expressed immense pride in his induction as an MP. He recounted a poignant moment when he signed the official documents, reflecting on his parents, D Srinivasan Iyengar and Rajalakshmi. Haasan, a school dropout, shared that his mother had always wished for him to secure a government job, specifically mentioning that had he completed his schooling, he might have worked in the railways. "I was a school dropout, and my mother would always tell me that if I had at least passed the SSLC exam, I would’ve gotten a government job in the railways," he stated.

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At 71, Haasan feels he has finally achieved his mother's dream. He expressed a desire to call her and share the news of his new government position, stating, “I wanted to call my mother or somebody and say, 'I’m in a government job.' That’s how proud I feel.”

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In addition to his personal reflections, Haasan discussed his political ideology, identifying himself as a centrist. He highlighted casteism as a significant challenge in politics, which he aims to combat. Furthermore, he mentioned that his production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, supports projects aligned with his ideological beliefs.

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While Haasan's induction has been met with pride from his supporters, some critics question the effectiveness of film personalities transitioning into political roles. They argue that the entertainment industry often lacks the necessary experience and understanding of governance to address complex societal issues.

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Kamal Haasan's statements during the festival reflect a deep sense of responsibility towards public service. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people, stating, “I am proud to serve people, just as I have always wanted.”

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• “I went, and when I signed, the first thing that came to mind was my father and mother.” — Kamal Haasan

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Kamal Haasan's journey from a celebrated actor to a Rajya Sabha MP illustrates the intersection of cinema and politics, embodying both personal fulfillment and a commitment to public service.

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