Mani Ratnam Has Improved His Telugu, Says Kamal Haasan
Reflecting on their earlier collaboration, Kamal said, “I was happy to work with Mani Ratnam 34 years ago in Nayakan, but I’m even more excited now to work with the new-age Mani Ratnam. Both of us have evolved over the years, and it has been great working with each other again.”
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, in town to promote his upcoming film Thug Life, shared his excitement about collaborating again with legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam. “Mani Ratnam used to just say ‘Namaskaram’, but today he added ‘Andhariki’, so his Telugu has improved,” Kamal quipped. “Even his directorial skills have grown, though that doesn’t surprise me. His talent keeps evolving.”
Reflecting on their earlier collaboration, Kamal said, “I was happy to work with Mani Ratnam 34 years ago in Nayakan, but I’m even more excited now to work with the new-age Mani Ratnam. Both of us have evolved over the years, and it has been great working with each other again.”
The actor revealed that the delay in their reunion was due to his journey of learning. “I should be blamed for this delay. I was learning a lot about cinema, and now we’ve joined hands again, on equal terms. However, we’ve always been co-travelers, and I believe we’ll work together again at the right time.”
Addressing his younger co-stars, Kamal humorously urged them not to refer to him as ‘Dronacharya’. “I am still a student of cinema — and besides, all your thumbs are intact,” he laughed. “Let’s learn together. Don’t put me on a pedestal.”
A staunch supporter of meaningful storytelling, Kamal added, “I love to huddle with passionate filmmakers. Even if we are fewer in number, good cinema is what truly matters. It’s path-breaking.”
Though he admits he doesn’t clap or whistle at screenings, Kamal said he proudly carries innovative cinema on his shoulders. “I was glad to work with strong performers. I’ve also traveled a long journey with actor Nasser,” he concluded.
