Kamal launches whistleblower app, says he didn't mean to defame Hinduism

Taking to the stage at the GRT Convention Center in Chennai on his 63rd birthday, Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan clarified his latest comments on 'Hindu terror'.

In his weekly column in Ananda Vikatan, Kamal Haasan, who is soon expected to join politics, had opined that Hindu outfits can no longer deny the existence of extremism among their ranks.

His comments had sparked fury among Hindu groups which have filed cases against him in multiple states.

"First of all I said theeviram like how you would describe a fan. It means extreme. This was interpreted as terror," says the actor.

When asked if his statements would hurt Hindu sentiments, the actor touched upon his own religious identity.

"I come from a Hindu background. My family is Hindu. But I have come out of that in search of truth. My non religious identity, I don't want to glorify or ridicule it," says Kamal.

The actor says that his words are the truth and that he can handle the cases being filed against him for it.

Kamal also pointed out that his intention was not to defame Hinduism, stating, "I never meant to defame Hinduism because I would never jeopardise the love from several fans and family members from Hinduism."

He added that he has friends from all faiths and would not be hypocritical. Kamal Hassan also announced the launch of his digital platform - maiamwhistle. The app, he said, was an attempt to blow the whistle on the problems the public faced.

While maiamwhistle is being "beta tested", the actor said the official launch will take place in January.

The 'Ulaganayagan', as he's called by fans, also said that he would tour Tamil Nadu and would make a formal announcement in January.

The actor dismissed recent reports stating that he had asked his fans for funds to launch a political party. He pointed out that the sum of Rs 30 crore that reports said he'd asked for was the funds that had been raised by his fans for the poor.

Elaborating on his political entry, Kamal said, "There is no tainted money that will come into my party. Forget about local polls, the question is if we're ready. So we are looking at longer time. Give me time for my manifesto and my policy. I need to work on it. This meeting is to announce I have arrived in politics. I have films to finish, it's a business commitment. I will give a demo of how our platform works. We will tell you all in detail. I am in no hurry. I have waited many years for change. I need support."