New Delhi, July 25, 2025 – Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career by taking the oath as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) on Friday during the Monsoon Session in Delhi. The iconic Tamil cinema star, known for his roles in films like *Indian* and *Thug Life*, was elected unopposed in June 2025 with the backing of the DMK-led alliance, a strategic partnership forged during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. His daughter, actress and singer Shruti Haasan, accompanied him to the Parliament, witnessing the poignant moment that she described as “forever etched in my mind.”
Kamal Haasan, who founded MNM in 2018 to champion transparency and inclusive governance, took his oath in Tamil, a nod to his deep cultural roots, which was met with enthusiastic desk-thumping from fellow parliamentarians. The ceremony, held in the presence of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, symbolized Haasan’s transition from a celebrated artist to a national legislator. In a heartfelt statement, Haasan expressed his commitment to serving as the “voice of Tamil Nadu in Delhi,” pledging to uphold the Constitution with “fidelity, courage, and conscience.” He emphasized his intent to advocate for the common good and national growth, drawing inspiration from his father, a freedom fighter, and luminaries like Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Periyar.
Shruti Haasan, a prominent figure in Indian cinema and music, was present in the Parliament gallery to support her father. Later, she shared an emotional note alongside a touching father-daughter selfie. “My dearest Appa, today marks the journey of your steps into a brave new world,” she wrote. “Watching you take your oath in the Rajya Sabha with your signature voice echoing through the chambers with strength and gravitas was a moment forever etched in my mind. As always, I wish for you to be happy and achieve all you hope to achieve. Love always, always, always.” Her post resonated widely, capturing the pride and affection of a daughter witnessing her father’s historic parliamentary debut.
The event was also celebrated by MNM, which live-streamed the oath-taking ceremony at its headquarters in Alwarpet, Chennai, fostering a sense of unity among party workers and supporters. The party described Haasan’s elevation to the Rajya Sabha as “a proud moment for every member of this movement,” highlighting his role in advancing a “just, transparent, and inclusive political culture.”
Haasan’s nomination to the Upper House was a result of MNM’s alliance with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which secured all 39 Tamil Nadu seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In exchange for MNM’s support, the DMK assured Haasan a Rajya Sabha seat, a move seen as strengthening the alliance ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Haasan filed his nomination on June 6, 2025, at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, accompanied by Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other key alliance leaders.
Political observers view Haasan’s entry into the Rajya Sabha as a significant development in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, bringing his advocacy for education, scientific temperament, and governance reforms to the national stage. His maiden speech is highly anticipated, with expectations that it will reflect his intellectual depth and commitment to social justice.
The father-daughter duo’s heartfelt moment also garnered widespread attention, with fans and well-wishers lauding their bond. As Kamal Haasan embarks on this new chapter, his promise to be a “committed contributor to the idea of India” sets the stage for a dynamic presence in Parliament, with Shruti Haasan cheering him on as both a proud daughter and a fellow artist.
