After Ajith Kumar, Kamal Haasan requests fans and media to remove his prefix

admin August 29, 2023

In a move that has sparked widespread discussion across the film industry and among fans, legendary actor Kamal Haasan recently made an appeal to both his supporters and the media to drop the prefix ‘Ulaga Nayagan’ (World Leader) from his name. The actor, who is revered not only for his versatility and longevity in Tamil cinema but also for his philosophical outlook and social engagement, urged his fans to refrain from using titles or honorifics in front of his name. Haasan’s request came shortly after actor Ajith Kumar made a similar plea, asking his followers to abandon titles like “Thala” (Leader) in reference to him. While the context and personal motivations behind their appeals may differ, both actors’ calls for a simpler, less formal approach to their identities serve to offer deeper insight into the evolution of celebrity culture in Tamil cinema and its implications for their personal philosophies. Kamal Haasan’s decision to request that the prefix ‘Ulaga Nayagan’ be dropped is not a sudden or impulsive move, but rather a consistent part of his larger philosophy that emphasizes humility, self-awareness, and the rejection of adulation. Over the decades, Haasan has made it clear that he believes in being celebrated for his work, not for being placed on a pedestal or idolized. The actor has often stated that the most important thing for him is to be recognized as an artist and a human being, not as a demigod. This sentiment is aligned with his broader worldview, which has always leaned toward rationalism, secularism, and a democratic approach to fame. The use of titles like ‘Ulaga Nayagan’ in Tamil cinema is not a new phenomenon. In fact, such honorifics have been part and parcel of the industry for many decades. Actors, especially those who achieve iconic status, are often given prefixes or titles that elevate them in the eyes of their fans. This practice stems from a deep-rooted cultural context where film stars are often treated as semi-divine figures. These titles, in many ways, reflect the way cinema is perceived in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India—almost as a form of religious or spiritual worship. The prefix ‘Ulaga Nayagan,’ meaning ‘World Leader,’ was first coined by Kamal Haasan’s fans as a tribute to his versatile acting and immense popularity. While it was intended as a sign of admiration, Haasan has always been careful to maintain a distance from such exaggerated adulation. Kamal Haasan’s decision to remove this title is consistent with his desire to live a grounded life. In his public statements, he has been very clear that he does not want to be elevated above others or seen as a larger-than-life figure. His request can be seen as a pushback against the growing trend in the film industry of treating stars like deities. Haasan believes that placing an actor on a pedestal not only distorts the public’s perception of that individual but also contributes to an unhealthy celebrity culture where personal flaws and mistakes are overlooked in the name of admiration. He has always maintained that his focus is on doing good work and improving as an artist rather than on being hailed as a larger-than-life figure.

This appeal to remove honorifics is not an isolated incident in Haasan’s career. Over the years, Kamal has often distanced himself from the traditional, almost feudal relationship between stars and fans. His relationship with his followers has been one of mutual respect, where he encourages them to value his work and not the person behind it. He has frequently emphasized that fans should love his movies and the characters he portrays, not the persona he has built. This is part of a larger movement within Tamil cinema, where stars are now attempting to reshape their public image and redefine their relationship with their followers. Haasan’s humility and his refusal to accept the worship of his fans also ties in with his political ideology. As a founder of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, Haasan has made it clear that he wants to be a servant of the people, not a leader who demands deference. His political philosophy revolves around the idea of empowerment and self-reliance, rather than the worship of authority figures. By asking his fans to remove the title ‘Ulaga Nayagan,’ Haasan is reinforcing his political stance that leaders should be accountable and humble, not treated as infallible or larger-than-life beings. This move has added layers of complexity to his public persona, as it shows that his views on leadership extend beyond the cinematic world and into his political career. In a larger context, Haasan’s appeal also reflects a shift in the way contemporary celebrities are handling their fame. Social media, which has democratized the way people consume content, has also made it possible for fans to interact with their idols more directly. This has led to a rise in the cultivation of more relatable, down-to-earth public figures. The rise of social media influencers and the increasing visibility of behind-the-scenes moments in the lives of celebrities have made many fans expect a greater sense of intimacy and authenticity from those they follow. Kamal Haasan’s request can be seen as an attempt to foster a sense of this authenticity, asking his followers to engage with him as a human being, rather than as an untouchable figure. Furthermore, Haasan’s move comes at a time when Tamil cinema is undergoing significant changes in terms of how stars engage with their audience. While stars like Rajinikanth, who is also one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic figures, have been known to embrace their larger-than-life status, others like Ajith Kumar and Kamal Haasan are advocating for a different approach. Both Ajith and Haasan have expressed dissatisfaction with the ‘god-like’ reverence that fans often bestow upon them. By calling for the removal of such honorifics, they are signaling that they prefer a more egalitarian approach to celebrity culture—one that is grounded in mutual respect, rather than one-sided adulation. Kamal Haasan’s request for the removal of his.

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