Wednesday was a big day for new politician Kamal Haasan who officially launched his party – Makkal Needhi Maiam [Centre For People’s Justice] – in Madurai, after making a tour of Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, his home town Paramakudi, and Manamadurai. Arriving in Madurai a little after 6 PM with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Haasan announced the name of the party and hoisted the flag. His speech that followed the announcement was quite dramatic indeed, filled with theatrical pauses, professions of love for his supporters, counter-jibes at other politicians, and a general declaration of the party’s manifesto.
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We at Silverscreen were right in the midst of things, trailing Kamal Haasan’s entourage, and capturing moments along the tour. Some highlights:
(Photographs by Dani Charles, Sriram Narasimhan)
Celebrations in Kamal Haasan’s hometown, Paramakudi, just before his arrival.
Shahul Ameer, a tea stall owner in Rameswaram, who is up early to cater to the crowds.
Kamal visits the ‘House of Kalam’ in Rameswaram where he would break his fast with Kalam’s family.
Lyricist and Big Boss contestant Snehan with other supporters.
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Scenes from outside Kalam’s school in Rameswaram. Kamal Haasan was denied entry by the Tamil Nadu government so as to ‘not politicise’ schools. He stops his vehicle briefly outside the school to wave at supporters.
Kamal with a person dressed as Gandhi at the Abdul Kalam memorial. Below: Kamal pays homage.
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Sundarapandian, 35, has been selling sukkumalli kaapi [an infusion of dried ginger and coriander seeds] at thiruvizhas and political rallies. He is about his business at the Othakkadai ground in Madurai where Kamal would soon launch his party.
With Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal soon after Kamal revealed the party name and hoisted the flag: interlocked hands in white and red against a white background. The hands are supposed to denote the five south Indian states and one union territory. The stars, the actor says, represents people.
