Why Kamal Haasan calls himself the 'oldest of Gen Z' in cinema
Mumbai, Aug 13
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has marked 67 years in cinema and reflected on his extraordinary journey in the film industry.
Despite decades of experience, the 'Indian' actor described himself as the "oldest of Gen Z in cinema," highlighting his continued desire to learn, evolve and keep pace with the changing world of filmmaking. Taking to X, (formerly known as Twitter) Kamal shared his thoughts on completing 67 years in cinema and reflected on his remarkable journey in the film industry. Haasan said that while he has spent 67 years in the film industry, he considers only around 20 of those years as his actual learning period. With his characteristic wit and philosophical outlook, he described the rest of his journey as simply "going with the flow."
The actor also reflected on the larger journey of cinema. He noted that the film industry has existed for around 130 years since the Lumière brothers' first public film screening in December 1895. His team reminded him that he has been part of more than half of that history.
The 'Vikram' actor wrote, "Thanks to all who wished me well on my 67 years of cinema. Out of those 67, I think I can only salvage about 20 years as my actual learning. The rest was going with the flow of the wastewater. The uplifting hope is, however dark the waterway turns out to be, the wait for a confluence with the largest singular form called the collective cinema, an unchannelled sea. We are all flowing towards it - artists, audience, and all."
"So, I guess what I have salvaged as experience can be improved upon before people stop counting my years in this field and start looking for better numbers elsewhere. Since the Lumière brothers' first public film screening in December 1895, the film industry has been around for approximately 130 years and 8 months."
"My team reminded me that I have been around for 67 of those years, more than half of the entire history of the film industry! That is a rather extraordinary thought to take in. Yet, in my own account, I can claim only about 20 years as actual learning. I am probably the oldest of the Gen Z in cinema," he added.
Kamal Haasan began his remarkable journey in cinema as a child artist. At just six years old, he won the Rashtrapati Award, also known as the President's Gold Medal, for his performance in "Kalathur Kannamma." He went on to appear in five more films as a child before making his debut in Malayalam cinema with "Kannum Karalum" in 1962.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Haasan has acted in more than 230 films across several Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada and Bengali.
— IANS
Reader Comments
"Oldest of Gen Z in cinema" - what a brilliant way to put it! At 70, he's still learning and evolving. Meanwhile, many young actors stop experimenting after 2-3 hits. Kamal sir is the real GOAT, no question about it.
I'm not Indian but I've followed Kamal Haasan's work for years. His versatility across languages is unmatched. This interview shows why he's respected globally - true artists never stop being students of their craft.
The part about "going with the flow of wastewater" got me thinking. Even legends have self-doubt and periods where they feel stuck. But the key is keeping that hope alive and always learning. This man is an institution in himself! ❤️
Respect for Kamal sir, but I wish he'd acknowledge that his recent political innings have taken away from his cinematic legacy. 67 years is extraordinary, but his last few films haven't matched the brilliance of his earlier work. Hope he comes back with something truly special.
This man started at age 6 and won a Rashtrapati Award! Imagine the journey from child artist to being part of more than half of cinema's history. Kamal sir is not just an actor, he's the bridge between eras of Indian cinema. Absolutely inspiring! ✨
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