Kamal Haasan's meeting with fan club may be first step into politics

After actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Wednesday met members of his fan club-turned-welfare association at his residence here, it kicked off fresh speculation that he is doing groundwork to launch his own political party, probably on his birthday on November 7.

The meeting comes in light of the 62-year-old actor openly expressing his political ambition. On Wednesday, the actor supposedly discussed activities to be carried out on his birthday. "We discussed welfare activities that we have planned for his birthday across Tamil Nadu," Thangavelu, treasurer of the All India Kamal Haasan Fans Welfare Association, told media here after the meeting, adding, "He has already said it loud and clear that he will take the political plunge. As his welfare association, we are ready to support him in his journey. If he has plans to announce, he will do it. With us, he only discussed how the welfare activities have to be carried out."

Gopal, another office-bearer said that they could expect an important announcement on the actor's birthday, but refused to elaborate further. "We cannot share all the information without sir's permission," he said.

Over the last few months, Kamal has been vocal about his ambitions. At the finale of the Tamil version of "Bigg Boss", he said, "I'm definitely coming there. I'm not exploiting this stage. I'm speaking from the bottom of my heart. If you think I should continue acting, then say it loud. If you think I need to serve the society and bring about a change, say it now. I'm prepared to die in service of my nation."