 "Kamal Hassan")
Leading actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday began his political journey by visiting the house of A P J Abdul Kalam, describing the former president as his "role model".
Haasan, who is slated to launch his party in Madurai tonight, began the day with a visit to the residence of Kalam in this island and received the blessings of the late leader's centenarian brother Mohammed Muthumeeran Lebbai Maraikkayar.
"Greatness can come from simple beginnings. Actually, it will come only from simplicity. Glad to start my journey from a great man's simple abode," he said in a tweet on his visit to Kalam's residence where a large number of his supporters gathered.
Earlier, he briefly interacted with Maraikkayar. Kalam's family presented a memento carrying an image of the former president to Haasan.
He also paid homage at the memorial of the 'missile man' at Peikarumbu.
However, Haasan's plans to visit a school where Kalam studied could not fructify as the local administration denied permission, saying it was "political" in nature.
He had planned to address the students of the school at 8 AM. However, the Mandapam Assistant Elementary Education Officer denied permission on the ground that if politicians were allowed to talk to the school children, it would create confusion among the kids, official sources said.
But the actor-director said there was "no politics" in his visit to Kalam's house or the proposed one to the school.
Veteran actor Kamal Hassan, meets Mohammed Muthu Meera Lebbai Maraicker elder brother of former President APJ Abdul Kalam at the residence of Kalam at Rameswaram | PTI Photo
"Kalam who came from a simple house is an important person for me.. a role model. I am happy to have gone there. It was a planned visit, there is no politics in the visit to his house," he later told reporters here.
Haasan praised, among others, Kalam's patriotism and aspirations, saying he was attracted by such characteristics in him.
"A part of my learning is his life. That is why I went to the school. I wanted to go the school where he studied. There was no politics in the school visit also. They can prevent me from going to school but not from learning," he said.
Referring to the lyrics of a song from one of his films, Haasan said he was prepared to learn if he had to do so "by breaking barriers".
Asked what difference he saw between his avatars as an actor and that as a politician, he said the former has a bit of "barter system" in it.
"Cinema is a medium to connect with people and so is politics. But there is more responsibility as a politician. It was like barter system-there (in cinema) -- their (people's) money for my talent. But there is no such thing here (in politics)," he said.
However, there was more responsibility and honour in his new avatar as a politician, he said.
On being hailed by his fans and supporters as as 'Nammavar' (our man) ahead of his political plunge, Haasan said it amounts to people "owning me up as their man."
Haasan has starred in a film titled 'Nammavar.'
"It is the name of a film. My fans are aware of it. It's owning me up, it's our man, that's what it means," he said.
Replying to a question, he said anyone with a passion, time and desire to join politics should do so.
"Even you (journalists) should come to politics. Once advocates used to come to politics in large numbers... no body questioned... when actors come people question," he added.
Haasan said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu spoke to him last night and advised him to prepare a list of public welfare initiatives rather than spelling out policies.
He said he considered Naidu as one of his heroes in politics.
The veteran actor also said he had lived in the hearts of fans but now wanted to live in people's homes in his new role.
To a question on why he did not take part in Kalam's funeral, Haasan said, "I don't attend funerals. My belief is like that."
During his visit here, the actor also interacted with members of fishermen community and said though he was aware of their problems through media, he wanted to hear it from themselves.
"Henceforth, it will happen so," he said hinting at more such frequent interactions.
After the media interaction, Haasan left for Madurai, about 170 km from here, and would address the public at some places, including his native Paramakudi, en route.
