Kamal Haasan has been conferred the coveted Maestro Award from Whistling Woods International, Asia’s largest Film, Television, Animation and Media Arts institute headed by renowned film-maker Subash Ghai. Veteran actor Dilip Kumar (also, one of Kamal Haasan’s favorite actors in Indian cinema) was the first film personality to be awarded this honor and Amitabh Bachchan received it last year. Actor-politician Jaya Bachchan and writer Javed Siddiqui were the others who received the WWI Maestro Award with Kamal Haasan.
Kamal Haasan’s speech at the event
It’s my pleasure to witness the future of film industry today. I am grateful to Subhash ji for building a platform that will enhance the skills of actors, filmmakers, screenplay writers and more. There is a huge amount of scope in film making so I wish all the luck to the graduating batch that will now bear the burden of taking the industry to newer heights. I am one of the few actors who go to writers association or for screenplay workshop. It is not because I want to teach people but I want to keep myself abreast. I am being selfish. The reason I am here is because I want to know what my competition is tomorrow. I am looking forward to competing with you all and it doesn’t matter who wins or loses. I know cinema will win.