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Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam leader Kamal Haasan Wednesday said he took advice from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan before entering active politics.
The veteran actor was present in Kerala on Wednesday to participate in the inauguration event of Keraleeyam, a celebration announced by the Left government to showcase Kerala’s progress, achievements, and cultural heritage to the world. He noted that, much like at the beginning of his acting career, he had come to Kerala to learn and take inspiration before he entered politics.
“In 2017, when I decided to take the plunge into active politics, once again, I turned to Kerala and took advice from our dear Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. My people-centric politics draws inspiration from the famed Kerala model of development. When I called for the strengthening of local bodies in Tamil Nadu, I was hoping to emulate the miracles of Kerala’s de-centralised governance championed by the Peoples Plan Campaign of 1996,” Haasan said.
Haasan, who took part in the event amid the presence of CM Vijayan, senior CPI(M) leaders and other actors, including Mamooty, Mohanlal and Shobana, said Kerala holds a very special place in his life, and the people of the state have always been generous to embrace his art.
He added that most states have struggled to achieve real democratic governance, decentralisation to local bodies and Kerala stands as a beacon of inspiration and that he hopes the rest of the country emulates it.
He stated that both Tamil Nadu and Kerala share not only geographical borders but also a bond of culture. “Both states are committed to knowledge and individual development with governance focused on improving health and education systems. Our people share a deep love for classical arts, music and dance. Our linguistic and culinary similarities, especially helped me as a young child when I came to work in Kerala,” Haasan said.
The MNM leader also noted that it was in Vaikom in Kerala in 1924 that a common man called E V Ramaswamy transformed into the legendary Dravidian icon Periyar and added that during the Satyagraha movement against caste oppression, he earned the moniker ‘Vaikom Veerar’.
Lauding the movie industry of Kerala, Haasan noted, “The film industry in Kerala has played a critical role in shaping the cultural landscape of this state as well as my outlook towards cinema. The movies we make not only captivate audiences worldwide but also play a critical role in addressing pertinent social issues. This commitment to social narratives reflects the state’s progressive and socially conscious ethos. I have pride to emulate the same in my artistic career.”
According to the Kerala government, seminars, exhibitions, trade fairs, food and film festivals, flower shows, cultural fest, etc., are set to take place in the one-week Keraleeyam event at 40 venues in Thiruvananthapuram.
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