Recently sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan wrote an incredibly introspective open letter to the Indian people, particularly those in his native Tamil Nadu. He called this a “historic turning point” and outlined his vision for the nation in the letter, emphasising the need for inclusiveness, moral leadership, moderate governance, and national unity.
Haasan stressed that his admission into Parliament is not merely a formality but rather a sincere commitment to preserve the Constitution with honesty, bravery, and wisdom in his capacity as he leads Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) as its founder and current president.
I step into Parliament not merely to criticise, but to actively uphold and contribute to the very idea of India. If I have to disagree, I will do so rationally. If I have to lend my support, I will do so firmly. And when I have to offer advice, I will do so in a way that fosters consensus rather than gaining points,” he wrote.
Kamal Haasan firmly supported moderation as a concept, not as a compromise, in a clear statement of his political beliefs. He described moderation as MNM’s core principle, calling it “the art of striking a balance—where equity meets efficiency, freedom walks alongside fraternity, and tradition blends seamlessly with progress.”
Inspired by the Indian freedom movement and reaffirming the notion of unity amid diversity, Haasan wrote:
It was a brilliant mosaic rather than a march in black and white. Ambedkar’s constitutionalism, Nehru’s pluralism, Gandhi’s non-violence, Patel’s pragmatism, and Periyar’s rationality all found a place under one roof.
This spirit of moderation, he claimed, may once more aid in shielding our nation from the perils of discord.
India is at a pivotal juncture, Kamal Haasan cautioned, one of consequence rather than comfort. He claimed that despite having the largest youth population in the world, the nation is full of potential energy and must avoid letting complacency ruin its future.
“Calls for equality, employment, education, and moral governance must not be ignored by those in positions of authority.”
He promised to represent Tamil Nadu in Delhi in a “clear, compassionate, and committed manner.”
“I shall advocate for the common good, not simply for a community. Not for personal benefit, but for the advancement of the country.
Kamal Haasan also honoured his late father, a freedom fighter who taught him the importance of justice, liberty, and reform.
“His ideals, forged in the furnace of our freedom struggle, shaped by Gandhiji’s dreams, Ambedkar’s wisdom, and Periyar’s conviction, flow through my veins, not just his blood.”
In 2017, Kamal Haasan founded Makkal Needhi Maiam, which focuses on inclusive development and clean, alternative politics. The party received around 4% of the vote in Tamil Nadu at the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He was barely defeated by Vanathi Srinivasan of the BJP for the Coimbatore South seat in the 2021 Assembly elections.
He joined the ruling DMK in 2024, claiming it was a “need of the hour.” It’s interesting to note that Haasan first suggested monthly ₹1,000 financial aid for women during his 2021 campaign, which is one of the main welfare programs of the DMK.
Haasan said in a statement on Thursday:
I have felt a great sense of pride from the start. I understand that there’s a long and challenging road in front of me. I’m hoping to live up to the high expectations. I will make an effort to speak for Tamil Nadu and India while remaining truthful and sincere. Kamal Haasan