In yet another hint that Kamal Haasan could make his political entry in Tamil Nadu, the actor termed his meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday a “learning experience”.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram before meeting the CM, Kamal said, “I have been talking to Kerala CM about it (political entry), taking advice; will meet more politicians before I make my call. I have come to celebrate one year of his governance and this will be a learning experience for me. From here I will learn and go. I will go to many other places and learn.”
The latest statement comes days after he asked his fans to be ready to march towards Fort St. George in Chennai, where the Tamil Nadu Assembly is located.
When asked about his political affiliation, he said, "I have been in films for 40 years. I have many colours, but my colour is not saffron."
Praising Pinarayi Vijayan he said, "My admiration for him is not blind, it is a sensible one. Look at his statistics, look at the funds he has and what he has managed to do with it. you should be proud of him. Doesn't matter if he is left, right or centre, there are Western standards of living here."
Kamal Haasan met Pinarayi Vijayan over lunch on Friday at the CM’s official residence “Cliff House” in Thiruvananthapuram. When asked by reporters if they would discuss politics, Kamal replied without any hestitation stating, “For sure”.
The Chief Minister’s office had on Thursday termed the visit a “friendly” one only. “The actor will meet the Chief Minister for a friendly talk. It's purely a friendly visit," the Chief Minister's office told TNM.
The actor was in Kerala for an interview with a television channel.
“I have been to Kerala earlier also. I had planned to come here last year but could not make it as I had met with an accident,” Kamal Hassan told reporters on Friday.
Rationalists, staunch supporters of free food choices, and against the politics of religion both Kamal Haasan and CM Pinarayi have in the past written several letters of appreciation to each other.
In recent weeks, Kamal Haasan has been vocal in his criticism of the AIADMK government in Tamil Nadu, frequently tweeting about corruption in the state and calling for a new government.
In July, Kamal had tweeted that "one who attempts to avoid fanaticism/superstition is a leader".
When he was asked why he was suddenly showing interest in politics, Kamal shot back to his detractors in the AIADMK thus: "I became a politician the moment I raised my voice against Hindi imposition."
.@ikamalhaasan is a longtime friend of the Chief Minister and this was a friendly visit. pic.twitter.com/lMg2DDrqNR
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) September 1, 2017