Kamal Hassan - Tamil actor

Kamal - introduction

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Kamal was born to parents, Srinivasan and Rajalakshmi as the fourth and youngest child. His father gave all three of his sons the suffix of "Haasan" as a sign of his friendship to one Mr. Haasan. Kamal entered the film world as a child actor at the tender age of 6 in the film Kalathur Kannamma and has been associated with the film world since then. Kamal learnt the fine arts in his early years instead of school work. As a teenager, he started working as an assistant choreographer in movies and it was during this time that his long and fruitful association with notable Tamil film director,K.Balachander began.

Kamal - Marriage Life

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Endowed with a fiercely independent spirit, Kamal is a self-professed non-conformist and a follower of Periyar though some of his movies have put forward Communist views (like in Anbe Sivam) as well as exposing fundamentalist Hindutva views (like in Hey Ram). Kamal is the first actor to turn his fan clubs into registered non-profit service organizations.

Though born to an affluent Iyengar family, he denied his caste Endowed with a fiercely independent spirit, Kamal is a self-professed non-conformist and a follower of Periyar though some of his movies have put forward Communist views (like in Anbe Sivam) as well as exposing fundamentalist Hindutva views (like in Hey Ram). Kamal is the first actor to turn his fan clubs into registered non-profit service organizations. Though born to an affluent Iyengar family, he denied his caste

Kamal Hassan Biography

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Kamal Hassan’s name symbolizes experiments. A versatile actor parexcellence, who refuses to be typecast, Kamal has been experimenting formore than three decades and it is his penchant for experiments that kepthim going great guns.He came to the film world at the age offour. His first film Kalathur Kannama won him President’s GoldMedal. As a child and as a young artiste Bharatanatyam was his forte. He did choreography and small roles in a few movies in the 70s before KBalachander discovered him. K Balachander, who has discovered manytalented new faces, gave him a big break in his offbeat movie ApoorvaRagangal and Kamal never looked back after that. Incidentally,Apoorva Ragangal was also a break for the other legendary hero ofTamil films, Rajnikant.

Apoorva Ragangal came at a time when Tamil filmdom was somehow feeling the void created by the non-appearance of veterans like Shivaji Ganeshan, M G Ramachandran,Gemini Ganeshan etc. who were wanting to acquire new realms in thepolitical arena. Kamal, along with Ranjnikanth, aptly filled the gap. It is difficult to chronicle the career path of a great actor who has spent more than 35 years in the industry. From rebellioushero (Apoorva Ragangal) to aging mafia don (Nayakan), from a desperate lover (Moondram Pirai) to grand old lady (AvvaiShanmukhi) Kamal has delineated varying roles with envying perfection that other actors can only dream. Amazing is his acting range. His skills in classical dance Bharatanatyam further honed hisacting skills. Apart from the flexibility of body movements, he ability to bring about varying facial expressions coupled with perfect timing of dialogue delivery in a style of his own makes him an uniqueactor.

Always with an in-born inclination to explore newervistas, Kamal couldn’t have confined himself to Tamil films. He forayed into Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi movies to satiate his urge for newness. But it cannot be said that he savored his experience withBollywood, though starred in super hits like Sadma, Sannamteri Kasam, Giraftaar, Saagar, Raj Tilak, Chachi 420, and he took a break from Bollywood. But after a long gap he reappeared in Bollywood in Chachi 420 a couple of years back and later in Hey Ram last year.A number of times awards and recognition came to him. Kamal Hassan won National Award for best acting three times, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Sate awards twice each and innumerable Filmfare awards . He was conferred the title Padmashree by the Government of India in the year 1990 and Kalaimamani by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Trivia

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His innovative acting has earned him the title "the first, and perhaps the last, complete hero in Indian Cinema".

Kamal's hobby is magic.

On April 27 2002 Kamala Haasan was detained at Toronto airport and denied boarding his flight to L.A. because he had an Arab name/look and was considered a potential terrorist.

Is the only actor to have earned a Best Actor in a Leading Role award and a Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination for the same movie (Saagar (1985)) at Filmfare Awards.

Is a very very strong fan of Ilayaraja and always ropes him as the composer for all his home productions.

Has two daughters,Shruti K.Haasan and Akshara.

Gets his wife/girlfriend to do costumes for his films.

Three movies that he has starred in have been sent to represent India in Oscars for Best foreign movie category, highest by any Indian.

Trained in the classical Indian dance form of Bharatanatyam.

Has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi films.

Kamal in " Vasool Raja MBBS"

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Kamal-Crazy Mohan combo has come with yet another laughter medicine. ‘Vasool Raja MBBS’, the tamil version of Munnabhai MBBS, has come under the banner of Gemini Film Circuit. After a long time, Prabhu has acted along with Kamal, playing the role of ‘vaddi’. The movie is not just filled with comedy; it includes a blend of humor and sentiments. It does bring out social issues along; like the way patients are treated in government hospitals.

Nayakan on All-'Time' Top 100 Movies

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Bollywood is shorthand for Bombay Hollywood, seat of the largest Indian film industry. But it manufactures only about 200 of the thousand or so Indian feature films; a half-dozen regions boast production sites larger than most of the worlds national cinemas. Madras, capital of the Tamil state, is one such place, and its leader - arguably India's top pop-film auteur - is Mani Ratnam. His movies, often dramatizing social unrest and political terrorism, churn with narrative tension and camera energy that would be the envy of Hollywood directors, if they were ever to see them. Nayakan, an early, defining work in his career, tells the Godfatherish tale of Velu, a boy who e mbraces a life of crime after his father is killed by the police. Velu (Kamal Hassan) has trouble juggling his family life with his life-and-death mob "family"; Ratnam has no such difficulty blending melodrama and music, violence and comedy, realism and delirium, into a two-and-a-half-hour demonstration that, when a gangster's miseries are mounting, the most natural solution is to go singin' in the rain. - Excerpt from Time Magazine.

Again, just like the Oscars for a tamil movie, I don't think something is achieved when you have a Tamil movie featuring in the list of global all-time favorites. But it's a feel good factor. One reason why I am personally happy is for Mani Ratnam's Nayakan[needs subscription making it to the Time's Alltime Top 100 movies, is that despite being based on Mario Puzo's God Father God Father script, Nayakan had its own share of Mani Ratnam's brilliance at throughout the movie. If you ask me to stick out a single favorite shot from the film, I may be dazzled. Nayakan had a team that was one of the best during that decade. It had geniuses like Illayaraja, PC Sriram and the Nayakan himself.

After 25 years Rajini and Kamal act togather

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After twenty five years Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan acts in a new film. Two supporting Tamil film industry actors acted together in a Tamil film Thillu Mullu, directed by their Guru K. Balachander in the year 1980. The same Guru is directing the film Poi and to show great respect to K. Balachander, both Kamal Hassan and Rajinikanth accepted his request to act in this film. After a gap of 25 years both are acting together and this film will definitely be a superhit. This film is produced by Prakash Raj, who is also introduced to the film industry by K.Balachandar.

Kamal as Producers

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Owing to his immense popularity in the Indian film industry, Kamal began producing films. He began with Raja Paarvai in 1981. A more recent production was the film Virumaandi in 2004.

His privately-held production house Raj Kamal Films produced several classics like Apoorva Sagodharargal, Thevar Magan, Kuruthipunal etc. His more recent production ventures include the films Virumaandi and Mumbai Xpress.

His magnum opus, Marudha Naayagam, is a period film set in early 18th century Madurai about a warrior/freedom fighter Yusuf Khan Sahib or Muhammed Yusuf Khan. The film's launch was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. However, the film is yet to be released. In 2005, he launched a new business unit called Raj Kamal Audio in a drive to corporatise all his film commitments. In 2006, he purchased prime real estate for a state-of-the-art multiplex cinema.

Awards

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Kamal is a three-time winner of the National Film Award for Best Actor for the films Nayagan, Moondram Pirai, and Indian. He also won the national award for Best Child Actor for his performance in Kalathoor Kannamma.

He has also received the Best Actor award at the Asian Film festivals held in 1983 and 1985 for Saagara Sangamam and Swathi Muthyam respectively. Six of his movies have been sent as India's official entry to the Oscars. Kamal has won the Filmfare awards 18 times. He was awarded the fourth highest recognition given to Indian civilians - the Padmashri in 1990. He was conferred an honorary doctorate by Sathyabama Deemed University, Chennai in 2005.

Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu

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Actor Kamal Hassan joining forces with Goutham Menon could not be construed as unexpected. The famed director had always desired to do a film with an individual, known for his desire to experiment even while striving for perfection.Kamal's penchant for khaki and the thrust he provided in his earlier films with such a theme is only too well known.

With the first schedule of Vettayadu Vilayadu going as if it was programmed that way, Goutham Menon shared his thoughts of his latest baby. Kamal Haasan sporting a khaki uniform a decade or so after Kuruthi Punel has raised the expectations sky high.

Initially, Goutham faced a few sceptical queries as to whether his latest will be an extension of the police-gangster plot of Khaka Khaka. That was more of an experimental film portraying the life of a police officer in the daily walk of life. The magnitude is on a higher plane here matching the pace of the movie. Kamal's efforts could be seen in every frame, going to any length in the interactive sessions with the New York Police Department. You will find the astute brilliance of cameraman Ravi Varman in the helicopter sequence, shot with a great degree of risk.'

Besides Jyothika, the scene-stealer of Khaka Khaka, Bengali girl Kamalinee Mukherjee has been zeroed on to play an important character. 'The script demanded a fresh face and so it was,' said Goutham, pleased-as-punch.

Now that the uncertainty is over with producer Manickam Narayan of Seventh Channel filling in for Khada Moideen, Goutham said the prospect of a Tamil New Year release looms large. 'With total freedom and no constraints on the budget, the film is shaping to a nicety. I strove for perfection in a similar theme last time. Now the challenge is enormous and the platform is that much higher. It had been a dream to work with an artiste of Kamal's range. Instead of weighed down by the burden, the focus was on team work and score collectively. No compromise on the commercial front with the film shaping on the lines of a different genre.' Cameraman Ravi said he relished the challenge of canning much of the action in the busy streets of New York.

'It was all hustle and bustle with the happenings in a breakneck speed.The trickier part was the helicopter sequence shot from the most difficult angle.

'Dasavatharam' unit in Malaysia

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The unit of 'Dasavatharam' is in Malaysia for picturising some important scenes for the film. Kamal Hassan plays 10 different characters in the film. Asin plays the female lead opposite Kamal Hassan in the film.

The film also has leading actors Jayaprada and Mallika Sherawat in special roles. The film is being directed by KS Ravikumar. The film is progressing at a brisk pace with scenes being shot at some beautiful locales in and around Kuala Lumpur. The post-production work has also commenced.

Kamal Filmography

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Kamal Filmography

Listed below is the best guesstimate available of Kamal's 240-odd releases till date in at least six regional markets.
1960 - Tamil debut
1962 - Malayalam debut
1977 - Bengali debut
1977 - Kannada debut
1977 - Telugu debut
1977 - Hindi debut

As Actor Noughts

2008 – Marudha Nayagam (shoot commenced in 2000) (a) (b) (c)
2007 - Untitled Film with Saran
2007 - Dasavatharam (announced) (ten roles)
2006 – Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu
2005 - Rama Shama Bama (Kannada)
2005 – Mumbai Xpress (a) (b)
2005 - Mumbai Xpress (Hindi) (a) (b)
2005 - Mumbai Xpress(Telugu) (a) (b)
2004 – Vasool Raja MBBS
2004 - Virumaandi (a) (b) (c)
2004 - Pothuraju (Telugu) (a) (b) (c)
2003 – Nala Damayanthi (guest) (a) (b)
2003 – Anbe Sivam (b)
2002 - Panchathanthiram
2002 - Pammal K Sambandham
2002 - Brahmachari (Telugu)
2001 – Parthale Paravasam (guest)
2001 - Paravasam (Telugu) (guest)
2001 - Aalavandhan (dual role) (b) - remade in Hindi as Abhay
2001 - Abhay (Hindi) (dual role) (b)
2001 - Abhay (Telugu) (dual role) (b)
2000 - Thenali
2000 - Thenali (Telugu)
2000 – Hey Ram (a) (b) (c)
2000 - Hey Ram (Hindi) (a) (b) (c)

Nineties

1998 – Kadhalaa Kadhalaa
1998 – Chachi 420 (Hindi) (a) (b) (c)
1996 – Avvai Shanmugi - Remade in Hindi as Chachi 420
1996 - Bhamane Satyabhamane (Telugu)
1996 - Indian (dual role) - Remade in Hindi as Hindustani
1996 - Hindustani (Hindi) (dual role)
1996 - Bharateeyudu (Telugu) (dual role)
1995 - Kuruthipunal (songless) (a)
1995 - Drohi (Telugu) (songless) (a)
1995 - Subha Sankalpam (Telugu)
1995 – Sathi Leelavathi (a)
1994 - Nammavar
1994 - Magalir Mattum (guest) (a)
1994 - Aadavaallaku Maatram (Telugu) (guest) (a)
1994 - Mahanadhi (b)
1993 - Kalaignan
1993 - Maharasan (a)
1992 – Thevar Magan (a) (b) - Remade in Hindi as Viraasat with Anil Kapoor
1992 - Kshatriya Putrudu (Telugu) (a)
1992 - Singaravelan
1991 - Guna
1990 - My Dear Marthandan (guest)
1990 - Michael Madhana Kamarajan (four roles) (a)
1990 - Michael Madhana Kamaraju (Telugu) (four roles) (a)
1990 - Indran Chandran (dual role)

Eighties

1989 - Indrudu Chandrudu (Telugu)(dual role) - remade in Tamil as Indran Chandran and dubbed in Hindi as Mayor Saab
1989 - Vetri Vizha
1989 - Chanakyan (Malayalam)
1989 – Apoorva Sagodharargal (triple role) (a) - Dubbed in Telugu and Hindi
1989 - Appu Raja (Hindi) (triple role) (a)
1989 - Apoorva Sahodarulu (Telugu) (triple role) (a)
1988 - Unnal Mudiyum Thambi
1988 - Soora Samharam
1988 - Daisy (Malayalam)
1988 - Sathya (a)
1988 - Pesum Padam (voiceless)
1987 – Pushpak (Hindi) (voiceless)
1987 - Pushpaka Vimanam (Telugu) (voiceless)
1987 - Pushpaka Vimana (Kannada) (voiceless)
1987 - Kadamai Kanniyam Kattupaadu (guest) (a)
1987 - Nayakudu (Telugu)
1987 - Velu Nayakan (Hindi)
1987 - Nayagan - Remade in Telugu and Hindi. Copied in Hindi as Dayavan
1987 - Per Sollum Pillai
1987 - Andarikante Ghanudu (Telugu)
1987 - Viratham (Malayalam)
1987 - Kadhal Parisu
1986 - December Pookkal (guest)
1986 - Dance Master (Telugu) (dual role)
1986 - Punnagai Mannan (dual role)
1986 - Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (Telugu)
1986 - Vikram (a)
1986 - Naanum Oru Thozhilali
1986 - Sippikkul Muthu
1986 - Swathi Muthyam (Telugu) - Remade in Hindi as Eeshwar with Anil Kapoor
1986 - Manakanakku (guest)
1985 - Dekha Pyar Tumhara (Hindi)
1985 - Japanil Kalyanaraman (dual role)
1985 - Mangamma Sabadham
1985 - Giraftaar (Hindi)
1985 - Saagar (Hindi)
1985 - Uyarndha Ullam
1985 - Andha Oru Nimidam
1985 - Kaakki Sattai
1985 - Oru Kaidhiyin Diary (dual role) - Remade in Hindi as Aakri Raasta with Amitabh Bachan
1984 - Karishma (Hindi)
1984 - Enakkul Oruvan (dual role)
1984 - Raj Tilak (Hindi)
1984 - Yaadgaar (Hindi)
1984 - Ek Nai Paheli (Hindi)
1984 - Yeh Desh (Hindi)
1983 - Thoongadhey Thambi Thoongadhey (dual role)
1983 - Benkiyalli Aralida Huvu (Kannada)
1983 - Poikkal Kudhirai (guest)
1983 - Sadma (Hindi)
1983 – Salangai Oli
1983 – Sagara Sangamam (Telugu)
1983 - Sneha Bandham (Malayalam)
1983 - Sattam
1983 - Uruvangal Maaralam (Guest Role)
1983 - Zara Si Zindagi (Hindi)
1983 - Vasantha Kokila (Telugu)
1982 - Paadagan (Dubbed version of Sanam Teri Kasam and released in mid-90's)
1982 - Agni Sakshi (Tamil - Guest role)
1982 - Pyara Tarana (Dubbed version of Ninaithale Inikkum and was released in the late 80's)
1982 - Pagadai Panirendu
1982 - Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya (First Dual role in Hindi)(Hindi)Remake of "Sattam En Kayil"
1982 - Rani Theni (guest)
1982 - Ezham Rathiri (Malayalam)
1982 – Sagalakala Vallavan
1982 - Sanam Teri Kasam (Hindi)
1982 - Simla Special
1982 – Moondram Pirai - Remade in Hindi as Sadma
1982 - Andhi Veyilile (Malayalam)
1982 - Andhagadu (Telugu)
1982 - Vazhvey Maayam (Malayalam)
1982 – Vazhvey Maayam
1981 - Do Dil Diwane (Dubbed movie)
1981 - Ellam Inbamayam
1981 - Tick! Tick! Tick!
1981 - Amavasya Chandrudu (Telugu) (a)
1981 - Sankarlal
1981 - Savaal
1981 - Kadal Meengal
1981 - Ek Duje Ke Liye (Hindi)
1981 - Raja Paarvai (a)
1981 - Ram Lakshman
1981 - Prema Pitchi (Telugu)
1981 - Meendum Kokila
1981 - Aakali Rajyam (Telugu)
1981 – Thillu Mullu (guest)
1980 - Natchathiram (guest)
1980 - Maria, My Darling (Tamil) - Remade in Kannada in the same name
1980 - Maria, My Darling (Kannada)
1980 - Varumayin Niram Sigappu
1980 - Guru
1980 - Ullasa Paravaigal

Seventies

1979 - Azhiyadha Kolangal (guest)
1979 - Neela Malargal (guest)
1979 - Mangala Vaathiyam
1979 - Kalyanaraman (Tamil)
1979 - Kalyanaraman
1979 - Idikatha Kaadu (Telugu)
1979 - Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum (Telugu)
1979 - Alavudheenum Arpudha Vilakkum
1979 - Andhamaina Anubavam (Telugu)
1979 - Ninaithale Inikkum
1979 - Thaayillamal Naan Illai
1979 - Alavudeenum Albutha Velakkum (Malayalam)
1979 - Neeya!
1979 - Sigappukkal Mookkuthi
1979 - Sommokadidhi Sokkadidhi (First Dual role in Telugu)(Telugu) Dubbed into Tamil as "Iru Nilavugal"
1978 - Thappu Thalangal (guest)
1978 - Thappitha Thala (Telugu) (guest)
1978 - Madanolsavam (Malayalam)
1978 - Yeetta (Malayalam)
1978 - Aval Appadithaan
1978 - Manidharil Ithanai Nirangala!
1978 – Sigappu Rojakkal
1978 - Vayanadhan Thamban (Malayalam)
1978 - Vayasu Pilichindi (Telugu)
1978 - Sattam En Kaiyil (First Dual role in Tamil)
1978 – Ilamai Oanjaladugiradhu
1978 - Maro Charithra (Telugu)
1978 - Nizhal Nijamagiradhu
1977 - Aadhyapaadham (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Sathyavaan Saavithri (Malayalam)
1977 - Kokila (First movie in Kannada)
1977 - Naam Pirandha Man
1977 - Aanandham Paramaanandham (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Aadu Puli Aattam
1977 – 16 Vayathinile
1977 - Oor Magal Marikkumo (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Nirakudam (Malayalam)
1977 - Ashta Maangalyam (Malayalam) (guest)
1977 - Kabita (Bengali)
1977 - Unnai Sutrum Ulagam
1977 - Sridevi (Malayalam)
1977 - Madhura Sopnam (Malayalam)
1977 - Avargal (guest)
1977 - Aasirvaadham (Malayalam)
1977 - Sivathaandavam (Malayalam)
1977 - Uyarndhavargal
1976 - Lalitha (guest)
1976 - Mogam Muppadhu Varusham
1976 - Moondru Mudichu
1976 - Nee Ente Lahari (Malayalam)
1976 - Ponni (Malayalam)
1976 - Idhaya Malar
1976 - Kumaara Vijayam
1976 - Kuttavum Sitshayum (Malayalam)
1976 - Unarchigal (Malayalam)
1976 - Oru Oodhappu Kan Simittugiradhu
1976 - Sathiyam
1976 - Aruthu (Malayalam) (guest)
1976 - Swimming Pool (Malayalam)
1976 - Manmadha Leelai
1976 - Samassiya (Malayalam)
1976 - Appoopan (Malayalam)
1976 - Agni Pushpam (Malayalam)
1975 - Andharangam
1975 - Raasaleela (Malayalam)
1975 - Mattoru Seetha (Malayalam)
1975 - Thiruvonam (Malayalam)
1975 – Apoorva Raagangal
1975 - Maalai Sooda Vaa
1975 - Gnan Ninne Premikkunnu (Malayalam)
1975 - Pattikkaattu Raja
1975 - Thangathile Vairam
1975 - Melnaattu Marumagal (Met Vani Ganapathy during the filming of this movie and later married her)
1975 - Then Sindhudhe Vaanam
1975 - Aayirathil Oruthi
1975 - Pattampoochi
1975 - Cinema Paithiyam
1974 - Panathukkaga
1974 - Aaina (Hindi) (uncredited onscreen)
1974 - Anthuleni Katha (Telugu) (uncredited onscreen)
1974 - Aval Oru Thudarkatha (Malayalam) (uncredited onscreen)
1974 - Aval Oru Thodarkathai (uncredited onscreen)
1974 - Vishnu Vijayam (Malayalam)
1974 - Anbu Thangai
1974 - Kanyakumari (Malayalam)
1974 - Naan Avanillai
1974 - Gumasthavin Magal
1974 - Paruva Kaalam
1973 - Sollathaan Ninaikkiren
1973 - Arangetram
1972 - Kurathi Magan
1970 - Maanavan

Sixties

1963 - Anandha Jodhi
1963 - Vaanampadi
1962 - Kannum Karalum (Malayalam)
1962 - Paadha Kaanikkai
1962 - Paarthaal Pasi Theerum (First double role ever)(guest)
1960 – Kalathur Kannamma (Won Best National Award for "Best Child Actor")

As Producer

Films marked (a) above were produced by Kamal
As Writer
1999 - Biwi No.1 (Hindi)
1997 - Virasat (Hindi)
In addition, films marked (b) above were scripted by Kamal

As Director

Films marked (c) above were directed by Kamal
2000 - Hey Ram
2004 - Virumaandi
As Miscellaneous Crew
2006 - Pudhu Pettai (playback singer)
2004 - Mumbai Xpress (playback singer)
2004 - Vasool Raja MBBS (playback singer)
2003 - Anbe Sivam (playback singer)
2003 - Nala Damayanthi (playback singer)
2000 - Hey Ram (choreographer, lyricist and playback singer)
1998 - Chachi 420 (playback singer: "Jago Gori") (as Kamal Haasan) *(presenter) (as Kamal Haasan)
1996 - Ullasam (playback singer)
1996 - Avvai Shanmugi (playback singer)
1995 - Sathi Leelavathi (playback singer)
1992 - Devar Magan (playback singer)
1987 - Nayagan (playback singer)
1985 - Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnulu (playback singer)
1975 - Andharangam (playback singer)
1974 - Aaina (dances)