An artist has no barriers of boundaries and languages – Kamal Haasan happens to be one such embodiment who is far-famed across all regions. Taking part in Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Kannada Film Industry that was held last evening in Bangalore, his speech indeed fetched best appraisals from Karnataka’s Chief Minister Yediyurappa himself.

Speaking fluently in Kannada, Kamal Haasan uttered, ‘In no way Politics and Film Fraternity should be mixed for they’re alike Oil and Water… Film Industry is alike a train journey where people can get in without differentiation of caste, creed, religion or any such hurdles. Patently, I consider Kannada Film Industry as my aunt and sister to Tamil Film Industry.

Also added, ‘My identity as Tamilian can never be changed… But I was very much inspired from my mentors; Gundu Rao (Nagesh) and Dr. Rajkumar… Of course, I’ve whole lot of friends from film industry and arts B Saroja Devi , Girish Karnad, P Lankesh, Kasaravalli, Ananthamurthy, Puttanaji, B.V.Karanth and others.

Getting on with his close friend Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan said, ‘Shivaji Rao Gaekwad is my best competitor and we both are students in Tamil Film Industry.’

Finally, Padmashree concluded his speech saying, ‘Kindly invite me to the 100th year celebration of Kannada Cinema and don’t ignore me calling ‘Avaru Ondhu Mudhuka’ (He’s an old man).

Around One Lakh people had turned up for the occasion and applauded with high spirits for Kamal Haasan’s warm speech in Kannada. Chief Minister Yediyurappa felicitated him with a Shawl and Silver Plaque.

Though Super Star Rajinikanth’s name was included in the invitee’s list, he didn’t grace over for the occasion…

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