His achievements are gigantic. Yet his words are humble. He is Kamal Hassan, who was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Rotary Club of Madras on Tuesday.

Answering to a set of questions from the members of Rotary, the versatile actor said, “I might have completed 50 years in cinema. But I feel that I have to achieve a lot. Learning in cinema is a never ending process.”

I am scared of the word genius, the ‘Lokanayakudu’ said and added: “When mediocrity is set as the standard then the ordinary becomes acceptable and anything more is considered genius.” “That is what I think when people call me a genius. I believe in excellence. My predecessors have shown me the way and I am merely following them,” Kamal said.

“My fan club’s social service activities have been inspired by organizations like the Rotary Club. I will do everything I can to retain the applause and respect that you have endowed on me,” he concluded. Rotarian and actor Mohan Raman presented a short AV hailing Kamal as a ‘Dasavatharam’ who had intrinsic qualities like dancing, choreography, writing, production and direction apart from acting.

Veteran actor Sivaji Ganesan’s son and producer G Ramkumar, Rotary Cloub president George Cherian, Director Vocational Service Sudha and others were present.