Kamal Haasan is all set to unveil his political party's name on February 21 and start his statewide tour.
Highlights
- Kamal Haasan spoke about his dream of "corruption-free Tamil Nadu"
- Tie-up with Rajinikanth unlikely; saffron hue in his politics: Mr Haasan
- Actor turned politician Kamal Haasan was speaking at Harvard University
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan spoke about his dream of creating a "corruption-free Tamil Nadu" and the prospect of allying with his contemporary Rajinikanth, provided "saffron isn't his colour", during his speech at the Harvard University on Saturday.
Ever since Rajinikanth announced on December 31 his entry into active politics, the two actors have been repeatedly asked if they would contest elections together. Without confirming or ruling out the possibility of future ties, Mr Haasan said "red is not my political complexion" and added "I hope Rajinikanth's colour is not saffron because if it is, an alliance is unlikely."
Mr Haasan, 63, who took the political plunge after accusing the E Palaniswami government of corruption and bad governance, had earlier said that partnering with Rajinikanth is not a decision that can be taken now.
In his column in the popular Tamil weekly magazine
Ananda Vikatan a few days ago, Mr Haasan had said, "It isn't like choosing the star cast for films," stressing that they both will have to see if their policies are compatible.
Rajinikanth's stock response to similar queries has been, "only time will tell".
Mr Haasan, who aims to "clean politics in Tamil Nadu", today launched his website,
maiam.com, that would enable people to turn whistleblowers. Aspiring to be a politician with a difference, he said, "My films were different from my peers and I want to be different in politics too."
Mr Haasan is scheduled to announce the name of his party on February 21 at Rameswaram from where he would also launch a statewide political tour called "
Nalai Namadhe" (Tomorrow is ours). He calls this tour a "journey of discovery" during which he will attempt to "understand people's needs and aspirations".
He has appealed to the people to support his political journey, saying, "Join hands with me to empower our country and the state".