In conversation with actor Kamal Haasan and writer Jeyamohan | The Hindu

Of all the facets of #KamalHaasan - actor, director, screenwriter, dancer, singer, politician and more - perhaps the least discussed is his engagement with Tamil literature. He has often collaborated with writers for his films and has spoken of the various literary influences on his life and work.
Last week, Haasan caught up with prolific Tamil writer #Jeyamohan, whose new book, 'Stories of the True', the English translation of his bestselling short story collection, 'Aram', releases on July 27.
In a freewheeling conversation at the actor’s studio in Chennai, they discussed world literature, their philosophical and aesthetic beliefs, the intersection of literature and cinema, and more.
Read the full story here: www.thehindu.com/books/kamal-...
Thank you for watching our video!
Production: Johan Sathyadas J
You can subscribe to our channel here: bit.ly/3c8Adi6
Visit www.thehindu.com/ for the latest updates, analysis, opinions, and more.
You can also download our apps:
Android: bit.ly/3nboBEi
iOs: apple.co/3EDCwt4
The Hindu is committed to keeping you up-to-date with information on the developments in India and the world. We promise to deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda. You can support us by subscribing to our digital offerings here: bit.ly/3emywiz
Follow us:
Twitter: / the_hindu
Instagram: / the_hindu

[@jesuraja2865]

டேய்.... சாமி இந்தாளுக்கு தெரியாத விஷயம் என்னவா இருக்கும்.... மனுஷன் செம வேற லெவல்.... கமல்ஹாசன் is really genius 💐💐💐💐💐

[@humanworld3858]

He is like current updated computer with Google web site. Instantly giving examples and explaining with similar cases. He is special gift by God to the cinema and tamil

[@adityarao5537]

He doesn't believe in God and there's no evidence that he or she or it exists

[@YoutubeYoutube-gy3lt]

Maybe you don't read much and tend to think way too highly of him. Most actors in Tamil film industry probably don't read much, which makes Kamal stand out. Otherwise, he's no Google or gift of God. Stop putting everyone you don't understand on a pedestal and stop human worshiping.

[@kumarswamypk6624]

@@KZbinKZbin-gy3lt Right on.

[@humanworld3858]

@@KZbinKZbin-gy3lt of course he is much better then me bro. Just think he is the best actor, screenplay and story writer, lyricist and he knows cinema better then current actors. He reads lots of books and his speech are intellectual and etc. At his status he is much much more knowledgeable person then others. He is defiantly so far ahead of many of the people who currently live in the world.he is a very hard worker who does not believe in luck.

[@sadiqueali5117]

@@KZbinKZbin-gy3lt but still better than your ego

[@ramnivas34]

Referenced authors, films and literature in a span of 26 minutes. #Kamalhaasan and #Jeyamohan - Legends O.V.Vijayan's Kasakhinte Idhigasam 100 Naargaligal, Yaanai Doctor, Aram- Jeyamohan Author T. Padhamanabhan works Dalton Trumbo, Kirk Douglas - Spartacus Raskalnikov (Protagonist, Crime and punishment) Hey Ram - references Sadat Haasan Manto Orhan Pamuk Lord Byron's Poetry Lohithasan's - Thaniyavarthanam (Malayalam) Author: Gulzar Amma Vanthal - Author: Thi. Janakiraman Drama: Lankeswaran (Drama, based on the epic Ramayana) Reamker: Laos version of Ramayana MR. Radha's Keemayanam Drama: Saguni Malayalam Author: Sreekantan Nair - Drama: Lanka Lakshmi Gone with the wind - movie/drama Doctor Zhivago Sila nerangalil sila manithargal - film - Novel by Author: Jeyakanthan MT vausdevan Nair - reference William Goldman Author: Jandhyala - writer for sankarabharanam, Guru (Tamil) and other Telugu movies Moondru Mudichu (Film) Foley effect - referenced via Viswaroopam (film) Michael Ondaatje - The collected works of Billy the Kid, Cinnamon Peeler Kalingathu parani, Tirukkural and Naaladiyaar. Appending: Gollapudi Maruti Rao Use this list - help yourselves ❤ Thankyou The Hindu!

[@bossgandy]

You missed the legendary telugu writer Gollapudi Maruthi Rao but thanks a lot for the list

[@joycheers]

Thanks Ram!

[@ramnivas34]

Added

[@Keerthi0611]

Thank you Bro

[@meenaganesan7565]

Thank you so much

[@johnbhasker466]

IS there any Indian cinema Hero’s can talk like Kamal sir,I don’t think so, He is a genius,Hat’s off sir

[@vigneshsaminathan6588]

definitely not

[@Bhaskar_Blr]

Kiddo, Fahad Fasil Exist...

[@adsadjashdb]

Just here malayalam star prithviraj interviews...If you know malayalam..Similar range of talks can be hear from him too...By the way he is a fan of kamal

[@ammavasa731]

@@Bhaskar_Blr poda podi payale kamal is giant avalo alavuku talent skill knowledge fahadku illa although he is the best actor now

[@ammavasa731]

@@adsadjashdb prithviraj nowhere near kamal haasan

[@destnychild]

இதனால்தான் அவர் சகலகலாவல்லவன். சகாப்தம். போற்றுவோம் ♥️🙏

[@chinnathuraivijayakumar6767]

இரண்டு ஆளுமை களையும் சந்தித்து உரையாடல் செய்தது மிகவும் சிறப்பு ...நன்றி இந்து வாழ்க வளமுடன்🌹

[@CKM1953]

Kamal sir is a genius. He is a all rounder

[@sgraghu]

Mr.Kamal is an Encyclopaedia! I salute you sir!

[@edwin6294]

wondering how kamal sir has abundance of Knowledge in everything.

[@manickam1971]

Excellent conversation... Hats up to Kamal sir Jeyamohan sir and Hindu

[@lalithkumar491]

Reading, lots and lots of reading

[@cosmicbeing7998]

He's an avid reader and writer since childhood. His father and brothers are also like that. Pros of growing up in intellectual environment..

[@AK-mf9ho]

Abundance of knowledge in everything related to cinema.

[@srk14314]

That's why this man is called Ulaganayagan who is an Encyclopaedia..His talent is remarkable 🙏🙏

[@raviedwardchandran]

I'm in my close 60years. Die hard fan of this Legend. Did you noticed and look at the way the Legend speak and answer. He knows almost everything and anything. What a great knowledgeable Legend he is.❤️

[@user-sr9ob7kv7r]

The two legends speaks 26 mins is not enough...eager to listen more from the both together....still 26mins awesome time...

[@aravinthmanickam1290]

Ila brother kandipa neraiya pesirupaanga. If you noticed, ithulaye neraiya cuts theriyum.

[@rubaraniv3181]

Kamal is Indian actor which world you come from

[@johnbhasker466]

IS there any Indian cinema Hero’s can give this kind of Interview , Nobody except Kamal sir, He is the best and genius.Hat’s off sir

[@kumariaathavan]

சிறப்பு... நல்ல நூல்கள் திரைப்படம் ஆகட்டும். திரையில் இலக்கியம் பாயட்டும். மக்கள் இதயங்கள் ஈரமாகட்டும்! - குமரி ஆதவன்

[@ShivaSivz127]

We should document every knowledge that kamal sir has....

[@Theycallme_alexis]

கலை ஞானியும் எழுத்து ஞானியும்…! தமிழர்களின் நல்லூழ்…!

[@prabhuvenkat5383]

I think he can speak with anyone who is into any field and talk like a person with very good knowledge in that field!!

[@vijayaprabu6669]

@@anilkumar-ph1qi Kamal Haasan does a lot of namesdropping

[@abeerabanu3705]

He is actually a Living Encyclopedia

[@AK-mf9ho]

Any field? Seriously? He is very knowledgeable with respect to cinema but don't generalize. He is not a master in all fields.

[@karthit153]

கற்றோரை கல்லாதோறும் காமுறும் உரையாடல்... சிறப்பு...

[@sheensamsonrajadurai6542]

ஐயா, என்னையா பேசிக்கிறாங்க.. அறிவு அருவி... யாரேனும் இந்த வீடியோக்கு விளக்கவுரை தரவும்.. தமிழக மக்களே அறிவார்ந்த மகான் கமல்ஹாசன் அவர்களை பயன்படுத்தி கொள்ளுங்கள்.. நாடு வளம் பெற.

[@kirangee]

Kamal Sir's brain needs to be preserved.

[@avvaidixon5861]

உண்மையில் ஞாபக சக்தி அபாரம்தான். மனுசன் அருவி போல் புதுசு புதுசா சரளமாக கொட்டுகிறார்.

[@DeepakKumarV]

he is so natural when he speaks in conversational tamil, instead of the classical tamil that he used to do more often.

[@careerpositive9042]

Kamal avargal , through vikram movie has created one of the most mass pan India movie in Tamil cinema history when many Tamil movie were not making success. Hope he succeeds not only in cinema but also in politics , kamal sir is a crown jewel of Tamil nadu and Indian cinema

[@selvarajelango5360]

No one replaces you Mr.Kamal sir.He can talk any topic.....What a man🥰

[@AK-mf9ho]

He can talk on any topic "related to cinema"..

[@karthikeyana5994]

Home of vision and abundance of knowledge.. Really a dedicated human kamal.. ❤

[@saravananmn6089]

I think we praised him enough, time to adapt him in our lives what ever form we can

[@itisthatis.]

His memory power is no joke

[@knandakumarknandakumar2972]

என் ஆசானின் பேச்சைக் கேட்க கேட்க தெவிட்டாது... 🔥🥰😘

[@shademonegalaxy]

I would like to see this man as a CM of the state very soon. 💕

[@jeyakumarjeya6131]

இவரை போல் ஒரவரை நாட்டை ஆள தேர்ந்தெடுக்காம ஏன்தான் மக்கள் ..ச௩்௧ிகள்..நாட்டை கெடுக்கும்..தலைர்களுக்கு ஓட்டு போட்டு...கேவல பட்டு வாழ்கிறார்கள்

[@Skandawin78]

Why? He will use state funds and make Vikram 3

[@jeyakumarjeya6131]

@@Skandawin78 First we need intelligent People in Tamil Nadu.....not educated crucial thinking become CM....to develope....this type of back dated people and countries ..corruption money play the parts and spoiling overall structure / development ...everybody must have wider thinking level....to achieve better live in future....

[@Skandawin78]

@@jeyakumarjeya6131 agreed,but how does Kamal fit the bill. Just because he is a movie genius , can he manage a state? What kind of logic is that?

[@Atman1485]

Why not PM 🙄 don't limit to CM

[@yahee13]

Jeyamohan is a rare genius , adept at both Tamil & Malayalam , I have never heard of another writer at the top of the game mastering two indian languages.

[@selvapazhani7015]

Best conversation 💙💙👆👌👌👌

[@spr3360]

Excellent Kamal sir 👏🏼 knowledge to the extreme 👏🏼 I'm baffled 🤩🤩

[@malarkodi845]

நீங்க சகலகலா வல்லவன் உலக நாயகன் எது செய்தாலும் நேர்த்தியாக இருக்கும் ஆண்டவர் ஆண்டவர் தான்🙏

[@vaishaaliramalingam5020]

Every day he gives u something new about himself so that u ll never ever stop loving him more and more

[@ilaiyabarathialpanneerselv8191]

It ended so abruptly. He stores a wealth of knowledge, such a reservoir!

[@beastmode2657]

கமல் ஹாசன் வெச்சு ஒரு நாவல் ஜெயமோகன் எழுதினார்னா அதுல கமல் மட்டும் தான் இருப்பார்..வேர் யாராச்சும் வந்தாலும் அது கமல் தான்.

[@meglami8519]

This video is dedicated to those who comment on Kamalhassan’s caliber ! Now we all witness why the title “Ulaganaayagan” suits him. Great conversation with Writer Jeyamohan.

[@user-er6mm8fb9e]

பார் போற்றும் பாரத கலைஞர் அண்ணன் கமலஹாசன் 🙏

[@mohamedseeni7331]

Very Excellent conversation

[@minnievenkat]

This interview needs to come with its own reading list. Very rarely does a topic go so over my head.

[@vaishaaliramalingam5020]

Very true. Each and every reference.

[@Tara-qp1cz]

Exactly what I felt!

[@GrowwithMrdb]

This man how would be kept in his mind all the stuffs that had happened long ago... I always learn something from his interview.. keep interview like this personalities in spasmodic.. one thing we have to consider two giant personalities giving his own time to interview that it is not a easy matter at all, special thanks to hindhu keep rocking❤

[@RavindraKumar-pn4ln]

இரண்டு இறந்த புத்தகங்கள் உரையாடுவதை கவனித்தேன். எவ்வளவு சிறப்பான விஷயங்கள் சர்வ சாதாரணமாக பேசிக் கொண்டது. பார்க்கவும் , கேட்கவும் பிரமிப்பாக இருந்தது. ஓரிரு புத்தகம் குறித்துக் கொண்டேன். இவர்களைப் போல் படைப்பாளிகள் பதிவுகள் வரவேற்கத்தக்கது...💐❤️🙏

[@vaas34]

இரண்டு இறந்த = ???? சிறந்த

[@lekhachandra7241]

One of Kamals old Malayalam film - love story starring him and Zareena wahab was based on the English novel of the same name. The hero says about his dead girl friend- she was only 20- this line gave me goosebumps both while reading the book and watching the movie. The young kamal was outstanding - and still he is.

[@athiyanarumugam9147]

எதிரில் இருப்பவர் பேசி முடிக்கும் வரை காத்திருப்பதுதான் நல்ல உரையாடலுக்கு அடிப்படை

[@balasmart3722]

Discussion na interpretation irukanum.avar pesuravaraikum wait panna waste

[@shrividhya5096]

Excellent conversation between Mr. Kamalhasan and Mr.Jeyamohan...well read people...true legends in their fields...

[@DP-zd8fr]

He quotes names of books and authors that many people have never heard of...mind-blowing.

[@pragadeeshas]

Intellectual connect

[@badguybeats]

In his age,most people have Dementia,But he remember alot of things Legend for a reason

[@robertvijayan3888]

Where he gets time to read so much of Books.just wonderful

[@damodharanrangasamy595]

Literary lovers join together this miracle always happen but it's not enough. We need part 2 of this discussion

[@venkatraman2681]

Both are highly intellectual and more interested in reading

[@prads1000]

Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema is Kamal Haasan Sir.. No Actor/Film Personality in Indian nor World Cinema will be able to match knowledge that Kamal Haasan Sir processes nor have mastery over all art forms of Filmmaking!!! Hope the Ignorant People, Reviewers, Film Personalities in Indian & World Cinema wipe Saw Dust in their head and recognize, appreciate & honor Visionary that Kamal Haasan Sir was/is & will always will be!!!

[@scanvivek]

Intellectual... visionary,well read genius..he can talk on any subject. That's incredible.. True updated computer..

[@sarveshponnusamy]

finally, a perfect host who is really eligible to question Kamal sir, and take the show front hats off

[@n-vision7886]

Both Legends joining hands for Indian 2, badly waiting for around 3 years..but happy that finally it's resuming shoot really soon!

[@scanvivek]

I admire his style and mannerism he expresses along with his talk....iyyo such a precious artist..

[@hariharanarhn7090]

here knowledge is overwhelmed.....🔥🔥🔥

[@kotshady2932]

Legends of legend ❤️🙏🏽

[@dudegaming6596]

திரு ஜெயமோகன் அவர்களுக்கு இலக்கியம் இலக்கணம் தெரியாமல் போனால்தான் தவறு ஆனால் திரு கமல்ஹாசன் அவர்களுக்கு இலக்கியம் இலக்கணம் தெரியவில்லை என்றால் தவறேதும் இல்லை. நடிப்பு நுணுக்கம், வசன நுணுக்கம், பாடல் நுணுக்கம், நடன நுணுக்கம், கதை நுணுக்கம், திரைக்கதை நுணுக்கம், சண்டை நுணுக்கம்.....அப்பப்பா என்ன ஒரு ஆழ்ந்த அறிவு.

[@johnlinson123]

நன்றி திரு ஜெயமோகன் அவர்களே! கமல் அவர்களே! ஒரு photo வெளியானபோதே எதிர்பார்ப்புடன் காத்து இருந்தேன். எப்போதும் போல் கமல் அவர்களின் உரையாடல்களும் மேகோள்களும் ரசிக்கும்படி இருந்தது (பதில்கள் கேள்விக்கானதாக இல்லாமல் இருந்தாலும்) ஜெயமோகன் அவர்களின் ஆர்வம் கமல் அவர்களின் நேரடி இலக்கிய திரைப்பட மாற்றம் செய்த அனுபவம் அறிவது. பதில் இரண்டும் வேறு வகை என்பதை மறைமுகமாக சொல்லியிருக்கிறார் i assume. இலக்கியம் படமாக அrவத்தைக்காட்டிலும் இலக்கியம் தெரிந்த வல்லுநர்கள் படம் சிறப்பாக வரும் என்கிறார். லங்கேஸ்வரன் இன்னொரு வடக்கன் வீர காத வின் கமல் பாதிப்பு. அவருக்கு MTV அவர்கள் மேல் உள்ள மரியாதையை அனைவரும் அறிந்தது உங்கள் பொன்னியின் செல்வனை உலகமே paarkka ஆவலாக இருக்கும் போது இவ்வுரையாடல் மகிழ வைக்கிறது. Thank you!

[@caeditzofficial7248]

Andavare.....❤️

[@manitennis164]

Genius Personalities! So nice to see such a good and sensible conversation between these two legends💥🔥🔥Hats off!

[@chandrasekarganapathysubra6793]

Find me an actor in India who can talk literature, is well read, talk in their native tongue without English interference and make a great writer like Jeyamohan get curious... he is not a great actor, but the greatest contributor to Indian cinema and a trendsetter... Ulaganayagan is not a title but an apt prefix

[@preethi84k]

Beautiful conversation between the two. So nice to hear it. Bliss 🤩🤩

[@films3495]

Thanks for adding subs to This video and English translation of the book

[@postcard4400]

Poorest editing.. .when two genius converse what is the need for a cut. Upload the whole conversation.

[@ashwiniap785]

Jeyamohan is a living legend

[@Tara-qp1cz]

I wish more conversations like this comes out with him on different topics! He is a walking treasure !This discussion has repeat value!

[@sivasekar5651]

Brilliant! 26 minutes just flew by and had me wanting for more.

[@kingofcomment1995]

இந்த காலத்துக்குத் தேவையான Conversation, both of you great 👍

[@elangovangnanasekaran6063]

True legend Kamal deserves more accolades and awards

[@hu00991]

Great effort guys, thanks for bringing this two into conversation♥

[@priyajo16]

Really 👌🏻

[@RameshKumar-hk7fi]

Kamal's best conversation

[@ramaswamikr6045]

I t is really great to get an opportunity for us to watch the conversation between two legends. When I watched Hey Ram! 5 times on screen I really understood a lot in the History and the background of connected incidents. In my opinion Hey Ram can be screened again using the latest technologies and sound effects. Now, I hope many would be more interested in the movie including the present day youngsters. It is pitiful to note that the present generation is not aware of the yester History. That may lead them to a wrong decision making in reconstructing our nation for the future generations.

[@riyaski91]

Great conversation! Expecting more deep talks like this @thehindu

[@abhilashvasanthagopalan1451]

Great moments for cinema/literature lovers ❤️🔥👌🏾👌🏾

[@RadhakrishnanRavi]

He is seriously an encyclopaedia of literature and knowledge

[@venmathialex4408]

Nice conversation 🙏

[@Rockerstohell]

When someone from the tender age of 5 is exposed to arts and entertainment and starts off again at 17, this is what you get. For 50 years, his brain has been Constantly updating, Learning and unlearning. He’s the best!

[@ashokid]

Terrific exchanges between two stalwarts..motivated to read more ;incl this book..

[@examking7909]

100 நாற்காலிகள் story best one

[@MrGopi1987]

the knowledge kamal sir carrying clearly shows how much he loves the field of art and literature, wish all artist reads books like him

[@cryptotv3013]

Masterpiece

[@u1sfirstview202]

The conversation very useful a lot of message thank you mr .Kamal sir and mr.Jayamohan sir🙏

[@kasturiswami784]

Quite an interesting conversation

[@ramkumarlakshmanan5927]

Great

[@AldysArattaiArangam]

This video explains that Why Kamal is referred as Genius..😊

[@stanleypremkumar5402]

"Kamal is an Intellectual among actors ,and an Actor among intellectuals"...CHO Ramasamy

[@lovendra8524]

🤯Experience

[@arumughamsivakumar7453]

Two Best intelligence intellect discussion.It needs more time not enough... Worth discussion

[@MeeMawSh]

So much info thru this half an hour ❤️

[@arundhanapal8714]

It seems that KH doesnt reply to the question from JM most of the time. What else can a man do when he is so well read. Ufff... Knowledge overflow... 🔥🔥🔥Btw, great questions by JM sir. 👌👌👌

[@vijayaprabu6669]

But there is a clear evidence of a problem... KAMAL does a lot of namesdropping without going deep .. That gives a feeling that he is too knowledgeable but he may be just skimmer of writings...

[@Ipadsp]

@@vijayaprabu6669 exactly

[@prads1000]

@@vijayaprabu6669 Well If he is merely a skimmer & only goes on a spree to name reading material, the how come he is one of best story/screenplay/ dialogue writer & his repertoire is evidence of same... Also quoting works of others as a relevant response to jeymohan's comments cannot happen if you aren't well read himself. Kamal Haasan has written a story series in early 1980's titled "Daayam" which was later adapted into movie Aalavandhan .. So in addition to just name dropping, he has done credible work himself which someone can do only he is himself well read and talented .. Tell me one actor in Indian Cinema who is as well read & articulated their thoughts as well as Kamal Haasan Sir does..

[@vijayaprabu6669]

@@prads1000 Knowledge Skimming is enough for writing movies that looks very vast touching one point to another horizon like Heyram... You have broad outline of history, add few layers , sprinkle skimmed knowledge here and there, try names dropping, jargon dropping, people's brain will track the so called hidden facts, Easter eggs and will excited about itself for finding it.. More brain work is required for writing scripts like Tenet, Interstellar, Inception

[@vijayaprabu6669]

@@prads1000 another point even if Kamal may be best Knowledgeable Cinema Person in India but the way he involves in conversation he needs to calm down and take backseat for while allow the other person to speak fully (even if KH knows something about the topic )

[@hariharan3010]

Excellent conversation.

[@mayabay7278]

Beautiful talk with 🌧️ rain

[@meghroychoudhury56]

Superlike

[@TheSureshkumar1991]

Kamal is pulling examples of literature for each life scenarios from casual talks, whereas me pulling vadivelu memes for each life scenarios. Which shows this generation quickly changing and adapting to visual media than literature. Time to stop from meme world and jump into literature World for better tomorrow.

[@sanjayramesh5510]

நூறு நாற்காலிகள், enna romba athigama affect panna oru short story. Atha vaschitu oru rendu naal na thoogala... Jeyamogan ku romba nandrii

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

I had a great time watching this episode :)

[@posadikemani9442]

Good conversation of international system kamall oru பஞ்சாமிர்தம்