Hyderabad, March 20 (NationPress) Referring to the renowned Telugu actor Chiranjeevi as his brother, Tamil film icon, producer, and politician Kamal Haasan humorously commented that while Chiranjeevi is his senior in the realm of politics, he holds a junior status in cinema.

Kamal Haasan shared this amusing observation while accepting the distinguished Paidi Jairaj Film Award at the Telangana Gaddar Film Awards 2025 in Hyderabad. The award was conferred upon him by Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy and Telugu superstar Nagarjuna.

During his speech, Kamal Haasan, while addressing Chiranjeevi, said, "Chiranjeevi garu and I are brothers. He is my senior in politics and junior in cinema. We became leading actors in the 1970s."

Emphasizing his connection with Telugu actors, Kamal Haasan reminisced about their early days in Chennai, noting, "They’ve merely changed residences. To me, it’s the same industry, regardless of the location."

On this significant occasion, he appealed to the Telangana Chief Minister, stating, "I urge you, as the hero of this unification, to dissolve the barriers between Hollywood, Tollywood, Bollywood, and Sandalwood. We are one cinema, Indian cinema. You've erased the provincial divides. We will support you in this endeavor, lifting the palanquin that will guide future generations in cinema."

He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for honoring the revolutionary poet Gaddar by naming the awards in his honor. "It brings me joy that you have named this award after Gaddar sir. Among his countless fans, I proudly count myself," he remarked.

Kamal Haasan recalled his early days in Hyderabad as an assistant director for A N R Garu's film 'Srimanthudu', explaining how this connection led to the inclusion of the Telugu song 'Entho chinnadhi jeevitham' in his film 'Dasavatharam'.

"I have been working in Hyderabad since I was 16. While receiving Singeetham garu's award, I reflected on my first collaboration with him in 'Sommokadidhi Sokokadidhi'. All the credit goes to Mr. Singeetham, and I was merely a recipient of the award," he shared.

Kamal Haasan highlighted his long-standing partnership with the esteemed director Singeetham Srinivasa Rao, stating, "I appreciate him not just because his name is similar to my father's, Srinivasan, but because he is the youngest senior I've encountered in my cinematic journey. Thank you, sir, for bestowing him with the respect he deserves."

Honored with the Paidi Jairaj Film Award for his illustrious career spanning over six decades across various Indian film industries, Kamal Haasan continues to inspire many.