22 May,2026 04:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kamal Haasan (Pic via Instagram)
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has urged Indians to conserve energy and prepare for difficult economic conditions amid the ongoing tensions involving the US, Iran and Israel. In a video shared on social media, the veteran actor spoke about the global impact of the West Asia conflict and explained why India must act responsibly during the crisis.
Kamal began his message by expressing concern over the growing instability in the region. Referring to disruptions in global trade and fuel supply chains, he said, "Oil prices are rising, sea trade routes are blocked," adding that the energy powering homes, industries and agriculture was becoming more expensive because of the conflict.
The actor also pointed out that several countries have already introduced measures to reduce energy consumption. Mentioning Singapore as an example, he noted that India, being a much larger nation, must also prepare itself collectively for economic challenges ahead.
During the address, Kamal recalled how Indians came together during earlier national crisis. Referring to historical sacrifices made by citizens, he said, "During the 1962 China war, we donated gold from our homes," and added that former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had once asked citizens "to skip one meal a week" during food shortages in 1965.
However, Kamal clarified that the current situation does not demand extreme sacrifices. "Today, India does not need such sacrifice. Surely, we must do this for our country when our parents did much more," he stated, while encouraging people to conserve fuel and electricity in their daily lives.
The actor-politician further stressed that national responsibility should rise above political divisions. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said, "Governments will come and go, but the nation shall remain." Kamal added that every citizen, regardless of political beliefs, should contribute toward reducing the burden on the country's resources during uncertain times.
Importantly, Kamal also said the responsibility should not fall only on ordinary citizens. Reports noted that he called for lower petrol prices and cheaper metro fares to help people cope with rising costs linked to the global crisis.
His comments come shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi also urged Indians to cut fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and postpone gold purchases due to increasing pressure on India's economy and energy imports.
Kamal concluded his message with a call for unity, saying, "Every unit of energy saved today strengthens India tomorrow," while warning that inflation and rising fuel prices would affect both the rich and the poor alike.
