Actor-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan officially marked his entry into the national legislature by taking oath as a Rajya Sabha Member in Tamil on Friday, July 25. The 69-year-old, visibly emotional and proud, told reporters, “I am very proud and honored. I am going to register my name. I will do my duty as an Indian.” Haasan’s induction into Parliament comes as a significant milestone in his political career, positioning him as a key voice from Tamil Nadu on the national stage. His unopposed election in June was seen as a testament to his growing political influence, supported by the DMK-led INDIA bloc.

Haasan’s Rajya Sabha win was facilitated by the INDIA bloc, which includes the DMK, Congress, VCK, CPI, and CPM. The alliance had promised him a seat in return for MNM’s backing during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, 34 votes are required to win a Rajya Sabha seat, and with 158 MLAs, the bloc ensured his smooth victory. He had filed his nomination papers on June 6, accompanied by Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior leaders such as VCK’s Thol. Thirumavalavan and MDMK’s Vaiko. On June 12, Kamal Haasan, along with five others, was declared elected unopposed, including DMK’s A Rokkaiah Malik (Poet Salma), SR Sivalingam, re-elected member P Wilson, and AIADMK’s IS Inbadurai and Dhanapal.

Ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, Haasan met fellow superstar Rajinikanth at his residence, a gesture that quickly went viral on social media and was celebrated by fans across India. Despite MNM failing to win seats in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where it secured 2.62% of the vote share, Haasan’s political journey has been revitalized by this Rajya Sabha nomination. The MNM, in a statement, expressed confidence that Haasan would use this opportunity to voice people’s concerns and contribute effectively to policymaking at the national level.