Kamal Haasan is widely celebrated as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors. Known for pushing boundaries, his journey through the world of entertainment includes far more than just acting. One little-known chapter of his early career took him behind the scenes of a major Hollywood production—Rambo III, starring Sylvester Stallone.
At a time when he was already a well-known name in Indian cinema, Kamal made the unconventional choice to explore the world of prosthetic makeup. His curiosity and commitment to mastering the art took him to Hollywood, where he worked on Rambo III as a makeup artist.
Learning from the Best
Kamal Haasan’s stint in Hollywood was not a mere celebrity guest appearance on set. He underwent rigorous training under Academy Award-winning makeup artist Michael Westmore. During this time, he gained practical experience by contributing directly to the film’s makeup department. Speaking about his time on Rambo III in The Kapil Sharma Show, Haasan recalled, “I was working in the backlot. I made all the bumps on Mr Stallone’s face. I was learning makeup then and I was there for a month-and-a-half, learning prosthetic makeup. I wanted to learn the art because nobody wanted to learn that. It was such a pleasure because nobody knew me. I stopped at shops, drank cold drinks and I was walking in the street.”
Haasan wasn’t seeking the limelight—he was there to learn. This experience would prove to be foundational for his later work in Indian cinema, where he would go on to use advanced prosthetics in several of his films, including Indian, Avvai Shanmugi, and Dasavathaaram.
Credits and Recognition
His contribution to Rambo III is officially listed in the IMDb credits under the makeup department. Kamal also continued his collaboration with Michael Westmore in Star Trek: First Contact, which went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup. Despite opportunities in Hollywood, Haasan chose to return to India and apply what he had learned to elevate the Indian film industry’s technical standards.
Kamal Haasan’s work as a makeup artist had a lasting impact. He became known for transforming his appearance in films, often using prosthetics and heavy makeup to portray multiple characters. His groundbreaking use of special effects makeup in Indian cinema was largely inspired by what he learned during his time in Hollywood.
His role in the recent sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD is another testament to his range. He played Supreme Yaskin, the central antagonist, showcasing his ongoing commitment to choosing diverse and complex roles. This latest appearance followed his acclaimed performances in Vikram and his return to the Indian franchise with the upcoming Indian 2.
Kamal Haasan’s Legacy
Kamal Haasan's decision to step behind the scenes at the peak of his stardom reveals his dedication to learning and innovation. From making prosthetic bumps on Sylvester Stallone's face to revolutionizing special effects in Indian films, his contributions extend well beyond what fans see on screen.
Even Michael Westmore’s daughter, McKenzie Westmore, acknowledged their close family connection to Haasan, tweeting about her memories of him visiting their home and the gifts he brought from India.
At a time when he was already a well-known name in Indian cinema, Kamal made the unconventional choice to explore the world of prosthetic makeup. His curiosity and commitment to mastering the art took him to Hollywood, where he worked on Rambo III as a makeup artist.
Learning from the Best
Kamal Haasan’s stint in Hollywood was not a mere celebrity guest appearance on set. He underwent rigorous training under Academy Award-winning makeup artist Michael Westmore. During this time, he gained practical experience by contributing directly to the film’s makeup department. Speaking about his time on Rambo III in The Kapil Sharma Show, Haasan recalled, “I was working in the backlot. I made all the bumps on Mr Stallone’s face. I was learning makeup then and I was there for a month-and-a-half, learning prosthetic makeup. I wanted to learn the art because nobody wanted to learn that. It was such a pleasure because nobody knew me. I stopped at shops, drank cold drinks and I was walking in the street.”
Haasan wasn’t seeking the limelight—he was there to learn. This experience would prove to be foundational for his later work in Indian cinema, where he would go on to use advanced prosthetics in several of his films, including Indian, Avvai Shanmugi, and Dasavathaaram.
Credits and Recognition
His contribution to Rambo III is officially listed in the IMDb credits under the makeup department. Kamal also continued his collaboration with Michael Westmore in Star Trek: First Contact, which went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Makeup. Despite opportunities in Hollywood, Haasan chose to return to India and apply what he had learned to elevate the Indian film industry’s technical standards.
Kamal Haasan’s work as a makeup artist had a lasting impact. He became known for transforming his appearance in films, often using prosthetics and heavy makeup to portray multiple characters. His groundbreaking use of special effects makeup in Indian cinema was largely inspired by what he learned during his time in Hollywood.
His role in the recent sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD is another testament to his range. He played Supreme Yaskin, the central antagonist, showcasing his ongoing commitment to choosing diverse and complex roles. This latest appearance followed his acclaimed performances in Vikram and his return to the Indian franchise with the upcoming Indian 2.
Kamal Haasan’s Legacy
Kamal Haasan's decision to step behind the scenes at the peak of his stardom reveals his dedication to learning and innovation. From making prosthetic bumps on Sylvester Stallone's face to revolutionizing special effects in Indian films, his contributions extend well beyond what fans see on screen.
Even Michael Westmore’s daughter, McKenzie Westmore, acknowledged their close family connection to Haasan, tweeting about her memories of him visiting their home and the gifts he brought from India.
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