Chennai: Veteran Tamil cinema actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader Kamal Haasan surprised everyone with a post on X on Thursday. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stated that he conveyed the concerns of Tamil Nadu’s people to Delhi. In his post, Haasan described the meeting with PM Modi as a « privilege. » The pictures from this meeting are surprising, as Haasan has often been seen opposing the BJP.
What did Kamal Haasan say in his tweet?
Kamal Haasan wrote in his tweet, « Today, I had the privilege of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a representative of Tamil Nadu’s people and as an artist, I presented some requests to him, the most important being the need to expedite the recognition of Keezhadi’s antiquity. I urged the Prime Minister to support Tamil people in showcasing the grandeur of Tamil civilization and the eternal glory of the Tamil language to the world. » The pictures shared in the post show Haasan and PM Modi in a cheerful conversation.
BJP and Kamal Haasan have had differing paths
The Tamil Nadu BJP had previously accused Kamal Haasan of making comments against Sanatan Dharma. BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan claimed that Haasan insulted Hindu sentiments to please Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit vice-president Khushbu Sundar also called Haasan’s remarks « inappropriate » and « completely unnecessary. » The ideological clash between Kamal Haasan and the BJP is long-standing, making his meeting with PM Modi a topic of discussion in political circles.
Today, I had the honor of meeting the esteemed Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. As an artist and a representative of Tamil Nadu, I presented some requests to him, the foremost being regarding Keezhadi.
I emphasized the antiquity of Tamil and the greatness of Tamil civilization to the world…
Keezhadi is an archaeological site in Tamil Nadu, India, near Madurai, where excavations since 2015 have uncovered a significant ancient settlement linked to the Sangam period (around 600 BCE–300 CE). The findings, including pottery, jewelry, and Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions, suggest a sophisticated urban civilization with trade connections to other ancient cultures. The site is believed to be part of the Vaigai Valley Civilization, offering insights into early Tamil culture and challenging previous notions about the region’s history.
Tamil civilization
The Tamil civilization is one of the world’s oldest continuous cultures, originating in southern India and northern Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago. Known for its rich literary tradition, including the Sangam texts, and monumental architecture like the Meenakshi Temple, it has made lasting contributions to art, language, and philosophy. Today, Tamil culture thrives globally, preserving its classical heritage while embracing modern influences.
Tamil language
The Tamil language is one of the world’s oldest living languages, with a history spanning over 2,000 years, and it belongs to the Dravidian language family. It has a rich literary tradition, including classical works like the *Sangam poetry* (300 BCE–300 CE) and the epic *Silappadikaram*. Today, Tamil is spoken by over 80 million people, primarily in Tamil Nadu (India), Sri Lanka, and the global Tamil diaspora.
Sanatan Dharma
« Sanatan Dharma, » often referred to as Hinduism, is one of the world’s oldest living religions, originating in the Indian subcontinent over 3,000 years ago. It encompasses a diverse range of philosophies, rituals, and traditions, centered on concepts like dharma (duty), karma (action), and moksha (liberation). Unlike many religions, it has no single founder but is rooted in ancient scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads.
BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is a major political party in India, founded in 1980, though its ideological roots trace back to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (established in 1951). It advocates Hindu nationalism and conservative policies, and has grown to become India’s dominant political force under leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. The BJP has played a key role in shaping modern India’s political and socio-economic landscape.
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM)
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), meaning « People’s Justice Centre, » is an Indian political party founded in 2018 by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan. Based in Tamil Nadu, the party advocates for social justice, transparency, and inclusive governance, drawing inspiration from the Dravidian movement. Though relatively new, MNM has aimed to challenge established regional parties by focusing on anti-corruption and welfare policies.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is a state renowned for its rich Dravidian culture, ancient temples, and vibrant traditions. It was home to powerful dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, and Pallavas, who built iconic landmarks such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple and Meenakshi Temple. Today, Tamil Nadu is a hub of Tamil language, classical arts like Bharatanatyam, and a thriving film industry (Kollywood).
Delhi
Delhi, India’s capital, is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2,000 years. It has served as the seat of several empires, including the Mughals and the British, leaving behind iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. Today, Delhi is a vibrant metropolis blending ancient traditions with modernity.
