In August 2025, the entertainment world was stunned by a heartwarming revelation that no one saw coming. Shruti Haasan, daughter of legendary actor Kamal Haasan, shared an intimate family secret that has now become the talk of the industry. The surprising story? Her father learned Bengali not for any film role, but because he was deeply in love with acclaimed Bengali actress and filmmaker Aparna Sen.
The Big Revelation
Shruti Spills the Family Secret
During a candid YouTube conversation with veteran actor Sathyaraj, her co-star from the recent film Coolie, Shruti Haasan dropped this bombshell that left everyone amazed. When Sathyaraj praised her for speaking multiple languages like her father and mentioned that Kamal Haasan had worked in Bengali films, Shruti laughed and revealed the real story.
“Do you know why he learnt Bengali? Because at that time, he was in love with Aparna Sen and to impress her, he learnt Bengali. He did not learn for films,” Shruti shared with a laugh.
This revelation adds a completely new dimension to our understanding of Kamal Haasan’s linguistic abilities and personal life.
The Age Gap Factor
What makes this story even more interesting is the age difference between the two legendary actors. Aparna Sen, born in 1945, is approximately nine years older than Kamal Haasan, who was born in 1954. This detail adds another layer to the romantic tale that has captured everyone’s imagination.
The Cinema Connection
Hey Ram’s Hidden Tribute
Shruti didn’t stop at just revealing the Bengali connection. She also shared how this personal admiration found its way into Kamal Haasan’s professional work. In his critically acclaimed 2000 film Hey Ram, which he wrote, directed, and produced, Kamal named Rani Mukerji’s character “Aparna Ram” after Aparna Sen.
In Hey Ram, Rani Mukerji plays a Bengali woman who is Kamal’s character’s wife, making the tribute even more meaningful. The film, set during India’s partition and dealing with complex historical themes, now carries this sweet personal touch that fans never knew about.
Kamal’s Bengali Film Career
Kamal Haasan’s connection with Bengali cinema wasn’t just limited to learning the language. He actually worked in a Bengali film called Kabita in 1977, where he played a cameo role as a ventriloquist. The film, directed by Bharat Shamsher, was a remake of the Tamil classic Aval Oru Thodar Kathai, in which Kamal had also appeared.
Interestingly, Kamal spoke all his Bengali dialogues himself and even had a Bengali song by Kishore Kumar to sing. This shows just how serious he was about mastering the language.
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About the Stars
Aparna Sen: The Bengali Cinema Icon
Aparna Sen is truly a legend in Indian cinema. Born in 1945, she made her acting debut at just 16 years old in Satyajit Ray’s Teen Kanya (1961). Over her illustrious career, she has:
- Won nine National Film Awards for her direction
- Received the Padma Shri in 1987 for her contributions to cinema
- Established herself as both a celebrated actress and acclaimed director
- Created masterpieces like 36 Chowringhee Lane, Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, and 15 Park Avenue
She is also the mother of popular Bollywood actress Konkona Sen Sharma.
Kamal Haasan: The Versatile Genius
Kamal Haasan, often called the “Universal Hero,” is known for his incredible versatility and linguistic abilities. He is fluent in more than eight languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and French. His career spanning over six decades has seen him win:
- Five National Film Awards
- Twenty Filmfare Awards across multiple languages
- The Padma Bhushan in 2014
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Industry Reactions and Buzz
Social Media Explosion
The revelation has created a massive buzz across social media platforms and entertainment news channels. Fans are now viewing Kamal Haasan’s multilingual abilities in a completely new light, understanding that his passion for Bengali came from the heart rather than just professional requirements.
A New Perspective on Hey Ram
Cinema enthusiasts are now rewatching Hey Ram with fresh eyes, appreciating the personal touch Kamal added by naming Rani Mukerji’s character after his admiration. This adds emotional depth to what was already considered one of his finest directorial efforts.
What This Reveals About Love and Art
Romance in Real Life
This story beautifully shows how love can inspire people to go beyond their comfort zones. Kamal Haasan’s dedication to learning an entirely new language just to connect with someone he admired speaks volumes about the depth of his feelings.
Art Imitating Life
The fact that this personal admiration found its way into his creative work through Hey Ram shows how artists often draw inspiration from their real-life experiences and emotions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Shruti Haasan make this revelation?
A: She revealed this information in August 2025 during a YouTube conversation with actor Sathyaraj.
Q: Did Kamal Haasan and Aparna Sen ever work together?
A: While both are legendary figures in Indian cinema, there’s no record of them working together in films, making this unrequited admiration even more touching.
Q: What is the age difference between Kamal Haasan and Aparna Sen?
A: Aparna Sen is approximately nine years older than Kamal Haasan.
Q: Did Kamal Haasan act in Bengali films?
A: Yes, he acted in the 1977 Bengali film Kabita, where he played a cameo role as a ventriloquist.
This heartwarming revelation has added a beautiful human dimension to two of Indian cinema’s greatest personalities, showing that even legends have their romantic inspirations that shape their artistic journeys.
