Don't mix art with politics, urges Kamal Haasan

Bangalore, March 2 (IANS) Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan struck the right chords with fans at the Kannada film industry's platinum jubilee celebrations by urging politicians of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu not to mix art with politics.

'Let us put in efforts to strengthen the relationship between the people of the two states. We are like brothers and let's solve the problems without the intervention of others,' Kamal said in his inaugural speech Sunday evening.

He also pointed out that Karnataka has given Tamil film industry great actors like Rajnikant.

The actor's speech enthused Kannada film personalities as well.

'Kamal has made a bold speech. I really liked his spirit when he started reading from his prepared speech. And I fully agree with Kamal's opinion that art and politics should not be mixed. Artistes should be kept away from the political incidents. I'm sure that Kamal will have many supporters in the Kannada film industry,' said Vishnuvardhan.

Actor Ramesh Arvind, who translated Kamal's speech into Kannada, said: 'Kamal is not interested in politics. He always wants art and politics to be separated. And Kamal has a great liking for our culture and heritage.'

Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa had inaugurated the function. Apart from him many leading politicians from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were present at the function.

But several well-known veteran Kannada artists were conspicuous by their absence.

Tamil superstar Rajnikant too couldn't make it to the function despite the fact that he accepted the invitation.

Kamal dominated the show and was a clear winner with the people clapping at each and every sentence that he spoke.

There was a baton charge by the police to control the unruly crowd outside the venue which was marred by lack of planning. The four-hour cultural programme was the highlight of the evening. It was directed by Kannada film industry's most famous actor-director V. Ravichandran.