‘Ulaganayagan’ (Universal hero) Dr. Kamal Haasan graced the Platinum Jubilee celebration of Kannada cinema on a special mission on Sunday evening.

‘Do not throw the stone at the sacred pond of Art’. For artists’ fraternity, there is no caste, creed, religion or language barrier. The pond of art is sacred. It is like ‘Pushkarni’. Pelt the stone at the spoiled ponds not at the pond of Art. Dr Kamal Haasan made it very clear to the politicians of both the states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in his intelligent address. When he made the speech in Kannada (he had written it in Tamil with the help of actor Ramesh Aravind) the Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa and his cabinet colleagues were present on the huge dais of ‘Amrutha Mahotsava’ of Kannada cinema. When the affection and love flows the language should not be a barrier, said Kamal.

‘I have come here to make a request not to disturb the film fraternity’. Continued the actor remembering his guru Gundu Rao alias late Thai Nagesh who is from Karnataka, he said, “I feel proud for people like Dr. B Saroja Devi and Sowcar Janaki. I am a Tamilian there is no doubt about it. This cannot be changed. I am a Tamilian who like and respect the people like Dr. Rajakumar, Dr. Girish Karnad, Dr. U.R. Ananthamurthy, Karnad, Girish Kasaravalli, P.Lankesh, Puttannaji, B.V.Karanth etc. This land has given Shivaji Rao Gaekwad alias Rajinikanth - my colleague and competitor in Tamil films he pointed.

Kannada cinema industry is like a sister to Tamil cinema industry. It is like ‘Chikkamma’ (Maternal aunt). Dr. Rajakumar has been like my eldest brother. He used to visit the shooting and recording spots in Chennai where I was working and openly appreciated my ability that helped me a lot in the career. Smt. Parvathamma Rajakumar knows about it. Do invite me for the 100th year celebration of Kannada cinema without discarding me as an old man.

After finishing his speech Dr. Kamal said, ‘Mundha’ (what next) his famous dialogue in ‘Rama Shama Bhama’ Kannada film. He recited the meaningful poem of the luminaries of Kannada literature Gopalakrishna Adiga.

Kamal Haasan was sitting in between Sowcar Janaki and Smt. Parvathamma Rajakumar also took part in lighting the lamp and unveiling of the first Kannada film ‘Sathi Sulochana’ photographs. Later, he was honored by Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa with a shawl, garland and a silver plaque.

The presence of Dr.Kamal created an electrifying atmosphere in the crowd. The curious crowd anxious to see the actor surpassed the barricades and that created chaos. The police had to go in for lathi charge to control the crowd.

Click here to see the gallery of the grand Platinum Jubilee event ‘Amruta Mahotasava’