ASSERTING that cinema is bigger than any individual and that he remained a student, renowned actor Kamal Haasan on Monday announced his decision to renounce titlessuchas‘UlagaNayagan’ (universalhero)bestowedonhimand saidhemaybe addressedbyhisname, or simply. Haasan,also thepresidentofMakkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a party he founded in 2018, said he had always felt a deep sense of gratitude over being bestowed with endearing titles.

 

“Such accolades, givenby the people andrecognised by esteemed colleagues and admirers, has always been humbling and I have been genuinely moved by your love in conferring it upon me,” the actor said in a statement. The top actor said it was his humble belief that artists must not be elevated above the art. “I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve. Hence, after considerable reflection, I feel compelled to respectfully decline all such titles or prefixes.”