Kamal Haasan is back as the host of the reality television show, Bigg Boss , on Star Vijay from June 17. Though he hosted the first season only as an actor, he used it as a platform to announce his entry into politics. Today, he has fully assumed his political avatar.
Mr. Haasan skilfully used the platform provided by the show every weekend not just to announce his political plunge, but also to discuss complex problems such as the implementation of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for medical admissions in the country.
With the audience keen to see the themes he would tackle, the actor admitted that the entertainment show comes with certain limitations.
“It may not be the right platform, but we can hint at issues. It can be used for reiteration,” said Mr. Haasan, adding, “Discussions [on complex issues] have to be deeper, and we have already been doing this in Makkal Needhi Maiam [his political party].”
When asked if there were specific themes that he would explore or touch upon during the course of the show, Mr. Haasan said, “There are things such as the rights of people…we can also constantly remind people about the ethics of voting and how ethical we have to be in public life.”
However, he clarified that he wouldn’t be taking names of political parties or promoting his own party. The announcement that he would be hosting the second season of the reality show was met with mild criticism as Mr. Haasan, just like Rajinikanth, who has announced another film with director Karthik Subbaraj, was deemed as being ‘non-serious’ about his political career.
‘Silly criticism’
Mr. Haasan rejected this criticism as ‘silly’. “I basically believe that it is hypocritical to expect that everybody will do social work selflessly. I [have] got to take care of myself and also my country and my people.It would be a different matter if I take up a post — whatever it may be. Till then, I have to make money...I am running a party. If they [his critics] say I can’t do that, they are being silly. I have only invested what I could afford, and won’t do anything more.”
Mr. Haasan said it had taken so long for him to enter politics because it took time for him to learn. However, he questioned politicians who keep raising the issue of “actors coming into politics” just because they are icons in society.
“Other politicians are laughing,” he said, speaking of how he had been seeking funds for his political party. “I am asking people for money, there is no shame in that. It sounds like I am doing the reverse, as if they are doling out money. The fact remains that I am asking for money openly to do service for them. These politicians take money from the people and want to return it as per their whims. When people need schools and jobs, they give them scooters,” he said.
