Kamal Haasan on Bollywood black money and underworld connections has come back into focus after the veteran actor opened up about his decision to step away from the Hindi film industry. In a 2017 discussion, he explained the circumstances that led him to stay in Kollywood rather than pursue a long-term career in Bollywood.
Reasons Behind Kamal Haasan’s Departure from Bollywood
Having established himself as a leading figure in Indian cinema, Kamal Haasan has played diverse roles throughout his six-decade career, working in various languages across the country. Despite achieving early milestones in Bollywood, he ultimately chose to continue his journey predominantly in South Indian cinema.
During an interview with India Today, Haasan reflected on the differences he observed between the two film industries. He described himself as being a “poorer cousin of Hindi cinema” and commented on the attitude of Bollywood actors, who he saw as “spoilt and rich.” He further noted the contrast in work ethics, observing that actors in the Hindi film world could extend a single project over years or multitask across several films simultaneously, which he felt undermined personal and professional values.
“They could make one film for two and a half years and they could do 6 films at a time. I thought that was very defeating in character-building, both morally and technically speaking. That was one of the reasons,”
—Kamal Haasan, Actor.
Haasan also raised serious concerns about the influence of criminal elements and money laundering in Bollywood. He referenced the underworld presence and clarified that he preferred to avoid any confrontations related to such matters, refusing to either oppose or give in to illegal pressures.
“I was one of the actors to decide that I would not have anything to do with black money,”
—Kamal Haasan, Actor. He was firm in his stance, emphasizing that financial integrity played a significant role in shaping his career.
“I’m quite happy. I drove in a car. It is quite possible. Someone else did it earlier. Cameraman Vincent. He never touched black money. It was much before any government threatened him to not keep black money. My brother and I made that call,”
—Kamal Haasan, Actor.
Kamal Haasan’s Bollywood Filmography
Kamal Haasan made his Hindi film debut with K. Balachander’s “Ek Duuje Ke Liye” in 1981, a remake of his own earlier Telugu movie “Maro Charitra.” His acclaimed performance in Ramesh Sippy’s “Saagar” added to his reputation in Bollywood. He went on to act in several notable films, including “Sanam Teri Kasam,” “Yeh To Kamaal Ho Gaya,” and “Zara Si Zindagi.” He reprised his award-winning role from “Moondram Pirai” in the Hindi remake “Sadma,” and continued with projects such as “Ek Nai Paheli,” “Raaj Tilak,” “Karishmaa,” and the much-loved “Chachi 420,” which was adapted from “Avvai Shanmugi.” Other significant films included “Hey Ram” and “Mumbai Xpress.”
Upcoming Projects and Continued Legacy
Kamal Haasan remains active in the Indian film world and is currently preparing for the release of “Thug Life,” directed by Mani Ratnam. The cast includes prominent names such as Silambarasan, Trisha, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Rohit Saraf. The film is scheduled to premiere in theatres on June 5, highlighting Haasan’s enduring influence and his decision to maintain strong principles in his career choices.
Haasan’s decision to distance himself from Bollywood’s black money and underworld ties has defined his legacy, underscoring the broader issues of transparency and ethics within the entertainment industry. His experiences and public statements continue to spark important conversations about integrity and the evolution of Indian cinema.
