IS KAMAL HAASAN PLANNING TO CONTEST THE 2019 GENERAL ELECTIONS? HERE'S WHAT HE HAS TO SAY

The political corridors in Tamil Nadu and India have been abuzz ever since star actor Kamal Haasan announced his party Makkal Needhi Maiam, and thereby his entry into politics. Since then, Haasan has been bombarded with questions about when he will contest elections.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, the actor-turned-politician has now opened up about contesting elections, and much more.

Not religion, not culture, progress is what matters, says Haasan. Kamal believes that people in India are busy debating trivial issues whereas the need of the hour is to rise above them. Haasan has always been vocal about the need to step away from politics of caste and religion.

"We have lost that dialogue. We are talking about everything else. We are trying to prove a point which does not exist. We are debating things that don't matter at all," Haasan told IANS.

Kamal feels that change can only come with unity. "Progress can't be just my vision. It has to be a collective vision," he adds.

Is Kamal planning to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2019?

"Well, anything which is good for Tamil Nadu is the way I see (things). Whichever direction it takes me. I will go and seek the opportunity and seize the day," he said without dismissing the possibility completely.

Speculations have been rife about Kamal stepping away from acting once he becomes a full-time politician. On being asked if he will quit acting for politics, he says, "I shouldn't do both the things."

"My advice to the actor (in me) is to step aside because there is much more work to do. I loved the actor. I have lived with him for 58 years, but I have to move to people and that is more important," he added.