File: Actor and politician Kamal Haasan speaking to The Hindu in Chennai on March 21, 2024. Photo Courtesy: Raveendran.R

Saying that cinema is bigger than any individual and that he has been a student, renowned actor Kamal Haasan on Monday announced his decision to give up titles like ‘Ulaganayagan’ (universal hero) given to him and said that he should not forget his May be addressed by name, or simply K.H.

Haasan, also the president of Makkal Needhi Maiam, the party he founded in 2018, said he always feels a deep sense of gratitude when honored with the lovely titles.

“Such accolades given by people and recognized by esteemed colleagues and fans are always humbling and I am truly touched by your love in bestowing this upon me,” the actor said in a statement.

Other titles given to Haasan in the past include ‘Kalaignani’, which means a person talented in the arts. Furthermore, many fans address him as ‘Sagalakala Vallavan’ to admire his amazing versatility. MNM cadre call him ‘Nammavar’, which means ‘our man.’

“The art of cinema is beyond any one individual and I am a student of this art, who always hopes to evolve, learn and grow. Cinema, like any other form of creative expression, belongs to everyone. It is the collaboration of countless artists, technicians and audiences that makes it a true reflection of humanity’s diverse, rich and constantly evolving stories.” thug Life-The star said, it was his humble belief that artists should not rise above art. “I like to stay down to earth, constantly aware of my shortcomings and my duty to improve. Therefore, after much consideration, I feel compelled to respectfully reject all such titles or prefixes.”

He requested his fans, members of the film fraternity, media, party workers and ‘fellow Indians’ to refer to him as ‘only Kamal Haasan or Kamal or KH’. She added, “Please know that this decision comes from humility and a desire to remain true to my roots and purpose, to always remain one of us all – to live among lovers of this beautiful art.”

Kamal Haasan is the second Tamil superstar to give up his title in recent years. In 2021, actor Ajith Kumar wrote an open letter to the media and public, requesting them to no longer refer to him as ‘Thala’.

Talking about work front, Kamal Haasan will be seen in the next film. thug LifeAn action-driven gangster drama in which he reunites with Nayakan-producer Mani Ratnam. Apart from working as a narrator in Malayalam anthology series ManorathangalKamal’s slate for 2024 includes production of blockbuster Sivakarthikeyan-starrer AmaranAnd humming the sensational ‘Yaro Ivan Yaro’ track Miyajhagan,