Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan officially took oath as a member of parliament for Rajya Sabha on Friday. The actor took his oath in Tamil which drew thunderous desk thumps from many parliamentarians.
Kamal Haasan got into the Parliament's Upper House following a pre-election agreement struck with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The actor-turned-politician was declared elected to the Rajya Sabha on June 12, unopposed, along with three candidates put up by the ruling DMK and two candidates nominated by the opposition party AIADMK. DMK MPs Kanimozhi, Tiruchi Siva and other leaders met Kamal Haasan earlier today ahead of him taking oath as Rajya Sabha Member.
Speaking to reporters before entering the parliament, he said, "I am very proud and honoured." He further affirmed that he will fulfil his duty with honour.
In a long statement on X, Kamal said that he does not arrive in Parliament as a mere critic, but as a "committed contributor to the idea of India." "Where I must oppose, I will do so with reason. Where I must support, I will do so with conviction. And where I must advise, I will do so constructively not to score points, but to build consensus," he wrote and added that he "will strive to be the voice of Tamil Nadu in Delhi". "I will speak not for one community, but for the common good. Not for narrow gain, but for national growth," he asserted.
Congratulations have been in order for Kamal Haasan with several fellow actors and film industry professionals wishing him for a fruitful tenure at the Parliament. Producer G Dhananjayan said, "Hearty congratulations to our Pride & Legend Kamal Haasan sir on becoming a respected Parliamentarian from today. Wishing him a memorable tenure ahead for both him & people of our country. Proud of him." A week earlier, Kamal met his contemporary Rajinikanth and shared the news to him.
Kamal Haasan, who launched MNM in 2017, has been juggling both his film and political careers side by side. He was last seen in Mani Ratnam's Thug Life which saw the actor-director reuniting after 38 years. The film, unfortunately failed to make a mark at the box office and was met with lukewarm response from audiences. Up next, he has the untitled KH 237, directed by stunt choreographer duo Anbariv which is expected to go on floors in August.
