Kamal Haasan turns 53 this Wednesday. An actor synonymous to hard work, dedication and commitment is a name to reckon with in Indian cinema.

In his career, Haasan has approached each role with equanimity. Kamal Haasan, a four time National Film Award winner, began his career as a child artist with ‘Kalathoor Kannamma’ and initially did a lot of stage plays. His repertoire now boasts more than two hundred Indian films. Given a new identity by K Balachander, Kamal Haasan has operated varied roles with ease.

He was awarded India's fourth highest civilian honor, the Padma Shri for his services to Indian cinema in 1990.

His film, 'Nayakan', which won 18 Filmfare awards, has been rated as one of the top 100 films of all time by 'Time' magazine in 2005.

Moreover, he is the only actor to have seven of his films being nominated as official entry to the Oscars and also has been awarded 'Living legend in film business' by FICCI this year

Films like '16 Vayathinilae', 'Manmadha Leelai', 'Avargal', 'Aval Apadithan', 'Sigappu Rojakkal', 'Aboorva Sagodharargal', 'Nayakan' speaks a lot about his acting credentials.

Haasan has essayed a variety of different roles in his film career spanned over 38 years but what sets him apart is that he is perhaps the only actor to have captured hearts of people in South Indian film industry while stamping his mark in Bollywood.

Whether playing an unemployed youth in the 1988 silent movie 'Pesum Padam' or flaunting a saree in 'Avvai Shanmughi', Kamal Haasan's excellence in role-play never failed to leave a mark in the minds of audiences.

He is one of the few film personalities who have tried his hands in all aspects of film making, be it direction, lyrics, choreography, screenplay or story writing. He has also lent his voice to a number of songs.

Born on November 7, 1954, Haasan is one of the few actors who have always believed in experimentation. Adding one more feather in his cap is soon-to-be released 'Dasavatharam'. He is playing ten characters in it.

Let's wish the actor, a happy birthday on this day.