Chennai, Nov 7 (UNI) Actor-turned politician and Makkal Needhi Maiyam

(MNM) Founder Kamal Haasan on Wednesday turned 64 and said he was

ready to face the byelections to 20 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.

Talking to reporters on the occasion of his birthday, he stoutly denied that

he was the mouth organ of the BJP.

Refuting allegations that he was speaking at the diktats of the BJP, he said

he was not the mouth organ of any party.

'I will always remain a tool...as people's tool', he added.

Stating that by-elections were likely to be held for the 20 seats in the state,

he said the MNM was prepared to face the bypolls, which was necessitated

following the death of two sitting members, including former Chief Minister

M Karunanidhi, and disqualification of 18 rebel AIADMK MLAs, owing

allegiance to AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, which was later upheld by

the High Court.

He said people needed a health politics that was free from corruption and

the MNM's aim was to ensure that'.

To a question, Kamal said as far as MNM was concerned, 'we are aware

that its journey is long.But we are travelling beyond the expected speed.'

Earlier, several of his party workers greeted him on the occasion.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and DMK President M K Stalin

also greeted Kamal on his birthday.

Ms Mamata tweeted 'Birthday greetings to actor @ikamalhaasan Ji'.

Mr Stalin called the actor over phone and greeted him on the occasion.

He also tweeted 'happy birthday to good friend 'kalaignani' Kamal Haasan'.

He also wished him a long and healthy life.

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