Kamal Haasan is known as 'Ulaganayagan' for a reason. Whether it's the challenging roles he's played over the course of his 63-year acting career or the experimental cinema he's renowned for, the iconic actor's accomplishments in the film industry are unrivaled and an inspiration to future generations.

Many well-known Kollywood actors take pride in declaring themselves the Kamal's admirers and even go as far as to label the acting powerhouse as their 'guru'!

Let's look at five successful Kollywood actors that look up to Kamal Haasan as a mentor or an inspiration:

Suriya

Suriya has often said that Kamal Haasan is his greatest influence and that he has been attempting to take on challenging roles with each film, following in the footsteps of the iconic actor!

"We all need inspiration. It's only because of inspiration that we follow a certain path in life. The path I've chosen and I'm currently walking on in my career is the one used by Kamal, sir. Suriya told reporters during an audio launch in 2014, "He's been my biggest inspiration."

Simbu

Simbu was one of the celebrities who attended the 'Vikram' audio launch in Chennai. The film stars Kamal, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil and is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Simbu wished the team success during his address, and he allegedly said that Kamal Haasan was his teacher. According to Simbu, his father, T. Rajendar, was a mentor in his life (off-screen), and Kamal Haasan was his film instructor (on-screen).

Madhavan

Madhavan, who worked with Kamal in the films Anbe Sivam and Manmadhan Anbu, regards him as a mentor. However, during the theatrical release of his sports drama 'Irudhi Suttru,' Kamal said that Madhavan is his equal, not a protégé.

Vijay Sethupathi

Vijay Sethupathi cited Sivaji Ganesan, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, and MGR as his favorites at a roundtable discussion with Anupama Chopra on the 100 Greatest Performances of the Decade. He said that he would learn their acting process if given the opportunity.

“Sivaji Ganesan is a legendary actor. I like Kamal sir's brilliance. Mohanlal sir is an effortless performer. I also like MGR sir because all his songs are super hits; his script sense is phenomenal," Sethupathi said.

In the upcoming film 'Vikram,' the actor will star with Kamal.

Bharath

Bharath, who made his acting debut in director Shankar's 'Boys,' said Kamal Haasan was his most influential role model. Bharath had to wear heavy make-up for the crime thriller 'Nepali,' which was challenging, and he kept reminding himself of Kamal, who went to great lengths to make his characters realistic.

Source: Sify, Times of India, Deccan Herald & Indiaglitz
Photo Credit: Sify, Bollywood Life, Time News, Gethu Cinema & Times of India