Kamal Haasan meets Kumaraswamy, says ready to bridge divide on Cauvery row

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday and discussed the issue of sharing of Cauvery water.

"I see hope in the conversation I have had with HD Kumaraswamy," Haasan said after the hour-long meeting.

"We have not discussed anything about the Rajnikanth starrer 'Kaala'. That is related to the Film Chamber," Kumaraswamy said.

"I am ready to be the bridge between the two States. We need water for kuruvai crop. Kumaraswamy has responded positively," he added.

Kamal has been vocal in calling for dialogue between the states and was present at the swearing-in ceremony of Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru on May 23.

Earlier a row erupted after actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth demanded Karnataka to release Cauvery river water for Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy had invited the superstar to the state to see the conditions of reservoirs, where water is not sufficient.

"If there is water in Karnataka, it is possible for us to give them water. I request Rajinikanth, please come and see the situation in our dams, what has happened to our farmers. After seeing that, if you (Rajinikanth) still want water, let's discuss," Kumaraswamy said.

Reportedly, Rajinikanth had asked the new government in Karnataka to release to Tamil Nadu its share of Cauvery river water as mandated by the Supreme Court verdict.

Distributors and exhibitors in Karnataka have unanimously decided not to release Rajinikanth-starrer Kaala in the State in protest against his stand on the Cauvery issue.