Fan' Kamal Haasan meets Mamata Banerjee, discusses his political plans

CHENNAI: Calling himself a “fan” of Mamata Banerjee, actor Kamal Haasan on Friday met the West Bengal Chief Minister on the sidelines of a film festival and is understood to have discussed his political plans with her. The legendary Tamil film star was in Kolkata to take part in the 23rd Kolkata International Film Festival, graced by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

The meeting between Kamal Haasan and Mamata came three days after the film star declared that he was already in politics and would tour Tamil Nadu from January. The meeting assumes significance since Mamata is the third chief minister Kamal is meeting in the past two months after he announced his intentions to launch his own political party. He had met Kerala Chief Minister Pinnarayi Vijayan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the past, saying he was on a “learning curve.”

Though Kamal said his Kolkata visit had nothing to do with politics, it is believed that he discussed his political party and his future plans with Mamata, who has been opposing the BJP and its “Hindutva” policy. All three chief ministers with whom Kamal had meetings are anti-BJP leaders and the star has already made it clear that his colour was not “saffron.” “I always liked and loved the city and its festivals. Above all I am a film buff and fan of your chief minister (Mamata Banerjee). I have come here as a guest. I have come here before and I promise to come back again,” Kamal Haasan told reporters before meeting Mamata.

At the film festival, Kamal said his heart swelled with pride to be considered family by the people of Kolkata. “Here film festival is not just a ritual, but it is a celebration, of what we love as part of our lives. We belong to an august crowd like you that celebrates cinema every year in this way,” he said.