The Tamil film industry and fans of actor Kamal Haasan erupted in joy on Saturday as news came in that the “Ulaganayagan” had been awarded the Padma Bhushan.
Responding to the news, Mr. Haasan said: “[I am] Proud to be an Indian. India is a country with great talents in various fields. While legions await to be honoured, I am honoured that I have been chosen for Padma Bhushan by my government.”
Mr. Haasan was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990. In a release sent to media houses, he said: “I think it is sheer chance and my good fortune that I have been chosen. I hope I would live long to do more to deserve this award. I don’t consider this an honour for work that I have already done. This would be an impetus for me to do more good work, perhaps only then would I deserve it. My heartfelt congratulations to the other Padma Bhushan awardees, especially my friend Mr. Vairamuthu.”
Apart from Mr. Haasan, lyricist Vairamuthu and ghatam exponent T.H. Vinayakram from Tamil Nadu were awarded the Padma Bhushan.
According to sources, Union Minister of the State for Tourism and Telugu actor K. Chiranjeevi and AVM Saravanan of the production house AVM Productions were among the first to congratulate the iconic actor and film-maker for being the recipient of the national honour. Many of his well-wishers have been calling the actor, who is currently in Chennai, over the phone to convey their congratulations.
