Kamal Haasan Calls Chiranjeevi ‘Senior in Politics, Junior in Cinema’ at Gaddar Film Awards

Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan struck a warm and nostalgic note at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2025, where he was honoured with the prestigious Paidi Jairaj Award. Speaking at the ceremony, Kamal shared insights from his decades-long career, his bond with Chiranjeevi, and his vision for a unified Indian film industry.

A Light-Hearted Remark on Chiranjeevi

Addressing the audience, Kamal Haasan described Chiranjeevi as both a colleague and a brother, drawing applause with his candid remark:

“Chiranjeevi and I are like brothers. He is senior to me in politics but junior in cinema.”

He added that both actors began their journeys as lead stars in the 1970s and have remained active for over five decades, highlighting their shared legacy in Indian cinema.

Honoured at Telangana Gaddar Film Awards

Kamal Haasan received the Paidi Jairaj Award from Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy, with Nagarjuna Akkineni also present at the समारोह.

Expressing gratitude, Kamal thanked the Telugu film fraternity and acknowledged the industry’s transition from Chennai to Hyderabad, saying it remains one unified family despite geographical shifts.

He also paid tribute to revolutionary poet Gaddar, after whom the awards are named, calling it an honour to receive recognition in his name.

Memories From Early Career in Hyderabad

Reflecting on his early days, Kamal Haasan recalled arriving in Hyderabad at just 16 years old to work on a film starring Akkineni Nageswara Rao.

He shared that he later paid tribute to the legendary actor by including the song *“Entho Chinnadi Jeevitham”* in his film Dasavatharam, a gesture acknowledged by Nagarjuna.

Kamal also fondly remembered his long association with director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, noting that they have collaborated for nearly 50 years. He described the filmmaker as a “father figure” and “the youngest senior” he has known in his career.

Call for ‘One Indian Cinema’

A key highlight of Kamal Haasan’s speech was his strong appeal for unity across film industries. He urged an end to regional divisions such as Tollywood, Kollywood, and Bollywood.

“No more Hollywood, Tollywood, Bollywood… It is one cinema—Indian cinema.”

He credited the Telangana leadership for fostering cultural unity and expressed hope that the industry would move beyond regional labels.

Echoing similar sentiments, Chiranjeevi also emphasised the potential of Hyderabad as a global filmmaking hub and called for cinema to be recognised as a powerful economic and cultural force.

A Celebration of Legacy and Collaboration

The event brought together stalwarts of Indian cinema, celebrating decades of contribution across industries. Kamal Haasan’s speech stood out for blending humour, nostalgia, and a forward-looking vision.

From recalling his beginnings in Hyderabad to advocating for a unified film industry, his address highlighted both his personal journey and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.