Ek Duje Ke Liye

`Ek Duje Ke Liye`(1981) directed by ace filmmaker K Balachander attained a cult status post its popularity that superseded romantic films made in Bollywood until then. The story revolves round a Tamil boy Vasu (Kamal) and Sapna (Rati Agnihotri) a north Indian girl, who are madly in love with each other irrespective of the language and caste barriers. However, their families show deep resentment over their relationship and do various things to separate them. But destiny had other plans. Vasu and Sapna are indeed the ultimate lovers ever essayed on the silver screen.

Sadma

Kamal plays Somprakash (Somu) in this 1983 classic directed by Balu Mahendru. Reshmi (Nehalata Malhotra) played by Sridevi looses her memory in a fatal accident that leaves her with the intelligence of a seven year old child. The tragedy lands her in a brothel where she is forced into flesh trade. Somu rescues her from the brothel and becomes a guardian angel to Reshmi, who reciprocates his love and warmth. However, at the end, Reshmi regains her lost memory and fails to recognize Somu, the man who was responsible for giving her a new lease of life. Somu, who is madly in love with Reshmi is left in a state of shock. The last scene where Somu tries various antics to grab Reshmi’s attention who is already on board a train is truly worth a salute.

Ek Nai Paheli

Directed by K Balachander, `Ek Nai Paheli` that released in 1984 saw Kamal portraying Sandeep, a headstrong son of a wealthy father (Raaj Kumar). Sandeep leaves his house to make his own living. That is when he comes across a much older woman Bhairavi (Hema Mailini) and falls in love with her. But destiny had some other plans for them as he discovers that Bhairavi’s daughter Kajri (Padmini Kolhapure) is in a relationship with his father. Kamal gave an exceptional performance as Sandeep in this multi-starrer film.

Saagar

In this 1985 Ramesh Sippy film, Kamal plays Raja, who symbolizes a true friend. He is in love with Mona D’Souza (Dimple Kapadia), his childhood friend. Life takes a tragic turn when Ravi (Rishi Kapoor) makes an entry into Mona’s life. However, Rishi’s mother is not in favor of her son getting married to Mona. Circumstances get worse and at the end a lion-hearted Raja not only sacrifices his love for the sake of friendship but also gives away his life. Kamal’s portrayal of Raja is one of his finest performances.

Pushpak

Who could have ever even thought of working in a silent film at a time when Indian Cinema was growing bigger and better! Kamal Hassan’s `Pushpak` released in 1987 is a black comedy that throws light on the life of an unemployed youth. Kamal is truly outstanding in this film. He emotes so easily even without dialogues that he makes acting look like a child’s play.

Nayagan

As Shaktivelu Nayakar, Kamal won millions of hearts. He played a smuggler in the 1987 film, whom the poor considered their Messiah. However, his own daughter disowns him once she learns of his illegal occupation and holds him responsible for her brother’s death. She marries a police officer and cuts all communication with her father. An aging Velu earnestly wants to reunite with his daughter but at the end gets shot by a mentally disabled man, who avenges the death of his father.

Appu Raja

Released in 1989, `Apoorva Sagodharargal` or `Appu Raja` in Tamil saw the stalwart playing triple role. Kamal portrays all the three characters (father and twin brothers) with élan. Circumstances separate the twin brothers immediately after they are born. One of them grows into a dwarf while the other a handsome man. In the film, Kamal uses a unique technique to shorten his height. As always Kamal gave a fantastic performance in the film and made Appu an iconic character.

Indian (Hindustani in Hindi)

This 1996 blockbuster film directed by Shankar had Kamal playing double role. One of the roles was a freedom fighter, who had fought the British pre-independence and the corrupt government officials post independence. The other one is that of a corrupt Road Transport officer, who earns his additional living by taking bribes. The film showcases the conflict between an honest father and his dishonest son and how a nationalist punishes the enemies of the country.

Chachi 420

Kamal literally looked an old Brahmin woman and carried a nine yards saree with ease and élan in `Chachi 420` (1998), an Indian version of Robert Williams` film `Mrs Doubtfire`. He plays a father who makes all attempts to meet his daughter, who separates from him post divorce from his wife. In a desperate attempt to spend some time with his only child, Kamal decides to work as a nanny to his daughter. And with the help of his make-up artist friend turns into an attractive old woman!

Hey Ram

Released in 2000, this controversial film proved to be a dud at the Box Office as the masses failed to identity the content of the film which was based in 1940s. Kamal as Saket Ram proved that an actor could go to any extent to bring out the best in him. The story was complex and so was Kamal’s character. But the veteran proved that he could still woo lovers of great performances.

Dashavataram

Released in 2008, `Dashavataram` was yet another controversial film of Kamal. The film saw Kamal portraying 10 characters that included former American President George Bush. Kamal spent hours to get his make-up done and the sessions were painful for he had to sit steady until the perfect look was achieved. He also played an old Iyengar widow in her late 70s in the film and deceived one and all with his look. The film received mixed reviews but proved that there is no one like Kamal, for he was truly outstanding.

By Gayatri Sankar