Dream projects with Kamal 2010/04/10 VIJAYA BALASINGAM vige@nst.com.my Indian cinema icon Kamalhaasan will be working with Malaysian film and multimedia to initiate world-class productions, writes VIJAYA BALASINGAM LIVING legend and one of India’s top actors Padmashree Dr Kamalhaasan was here on Monday for a short visit. His visit was brought about by Multimedia Development Corporation of Malaysia (MDec) and the National Film Development Co-operation of Malaysia (Finas). Kamal, 54, who heads the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FICCI) Entertainment Committee was one of the signatories of the 13 MoUs signed between India and Malaysia during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s visit to Chennai, India last month. Kamal signed for the FICCI in its arrangements with MDec. The two organisations will work together to develop world-class co-production initiatives in broadcasting and digital content. It’s been a long journey uphill for the multi-talented actor who made his debut in the 1960 movie, Kalathoor Kannamma, when he was just 6 years old and won the National Film Award for best child artiste. From there, he went on to win three National Awards and 18 Filmfare Awards over the years. Kamal has also proved his mettle as a bharatanatyam dancer, screenplay writer, director, lyricist, playback singer and film producer. Seven of his movies have been sent as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Some of his award-winning movies include Indian, Nayagan, Moondram Pirai, and Saagara Sangamam. His best recent comedies are Thenali, Panchathanthiram, Pammal K. Sambandam, Vasool Raja MBBS. In the movie Avvai Shanmugi he plays a nanny. The movie was inspired by the comedy flick Mrs Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams in the leading role. Kamal was lauded for his brilliant performance. His latest movie Dasavatharam sees him taking on 10 character roles. It’s the most expensive Indian film to date. Hong Kong star Jackie Chan released the audio for the movie and was impressed by Kamal’s multi-faceted performance. But Kamal’s dream project still is his 1997 maiden directorial venture Marudhanayagam — Lord of the Plains. The movie was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth ll. But the film was put on hold due to its costly budget, he said, and because “at that time India was going nuclear and certain sanctions were implemented where foreign involvement was affected.” He said Marudhanayagam is trilingual — in English, French and Tamil. If completed, it would have been the costliest film to have been made in Asia. But now, with MDec and Finas’ involvement, a movie such as Marudhanayagam could be possible. Finas director-general Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim is open to the idea. Kamal also talked about his vision to create an institute “that will produce many more like me”. He said it would be his legacy to those aspiring to become talented actors. Kamal will be meeting Malaysian film producers to discuss possibilities of joint ventures not only in Tamil-Malay movies but also for documentaries and feature films. (