Kamal Haasan is one of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema, known for his incredible acting skills and versatility. He started his journey in the film industry as a child artist and has become one of the most respected and highest-paid actors in India. Over his 64-year-long career, Kamal Haasan has set records that no other actor has been able to break. Recently, he appeared in Indian 2, the sequel to his 1996 blockbuster Indian, which won three National Awards. Now, Kamal Haasan is making headlines again for his upcoming film with director Atlee, where he will share the screen with Salman Khan in a big-budget, action-packed movie. Let’s take a look at some of the astonishing records set by this legendary actor.
1. The First Actor to Earn 1.5 Crores for a Film
Kamal Haasan has always been a trendsetter, even when it comes to his fees. In 1994, he became the first actor in India to charge a whopping Rs 1.5 crores for a single film. This was an unprecedented amount at the time, making him the highest-paid actor in the country. Today, Kamal Haasan’s fees have skyrocketed, and he charges anywhere between Rs 100 to 150 crores for a film. For his role in Indian 2, he reportedly took home Rs 150 crores.
2. The First Actor to Turn His Fan Club into a Welfare Organization
Kamal Haasan is not just an actor but also a philanthropist. He made history by transforming his fan clubs into a welfare organization named All India Kamal Haasan Narpani Iyakkam. This organization focuses on various social activities, including providing education to underprivileged children, organizing blood donation drives, and promoting eye donation. This initiative has made him the first actor in the world to unite his fans for such noble causes.
3. The Only Indian Actor with 7 Films Sent to the Oscars
Kamal Haasan’s talent has not just been recognized in India but also on the global stage. He is the only Indian actor whose seven films have been sent to the Oscars as India’s official entries. The films include Saagar, Swati Mutyam, Hey Ram, Indian, Nayakan, Kuruthipunal, and Thevar Magan. This achievement is a testament to his exceptional acting skills and the quality of films he has been a part of.
4. The Most Experimental Actor in Indian Cinema
Kamal Haasan is known for his willingness to take on challenging and diverse roles. He is the only Indian actor who has experimented with a wide variety of characters. In the film Dasavatharam, he played ten different characters, each with a unique look and personality. For this, he would sit for makeup for nearly nine hours and often had to follow a liquid diet. He has also played dual roles, such as father and son, and even took on the role of an elderly grandmother in Chachi 420. His dedication to his craft and his ability to transform into any character is unmatched.
5. Kamal Haasan in the Guinness Book of World Records
Kamal Haasan’s name is also in the Guinness Book of World Records for a unique reason. In 2021, one of his fans, Seevaaga Valuthi, created a 7-feet-tall portrait of Kamal Haasan using threads. This remarkable artwork earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, highlighting the incredible admiration and love Kamal Haasan’s fans have for him.
6. The Record for Most Broken Bones
Kamal Haasan is known for performing his stunts and action sequences, and this dedication has led to numerous injuries. He holds the record for breaking the most number of bones among actors, with a total of 34 broken bones so far. This record surpasses even the famous martial artist Jackie Chan, who has broken 20 bones. Despite these injuries, Kamal Haasan continues to perform with the same energy and passion, proving that nothing can stop him from delivering outstanding performances.
Kamal Haasan’s career is filled with remarkable achievements and records that speak volumes about his talent, dedication, and influence in Indian cinema. As he continues to entertain audiences with his powerful performances, his legacy as one of the greatest actors in the history of Indian cinema remains firmly intact.