Chennai, Jun 27 (IANS): Tamil superstar and President of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), Kamal Haasan, on Monday gifted a car to Sharmila, the first woman bus driver from Coimbatore, who was reportedly forced to quit her job following an incident involving DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K Stalin’s sister, Kanimozhi, who boarded a bus she was driving.

Sharmila had told the media that she quit her job after the conductor of the bus asked Kanimozhi to buy ticket despite being told by her not to do so. The owner of the bus did not support Sharmila and told her that she had invited Kanimozhi for getting publicity.

Kamal Haasan said in a statement a car has been gifted to Sharmila on behalf of Kamal Panbattu Maiam (Kamal Cutural Centre). He told mediapersons that he is anguished at the treatment meted out to Sharmila and wants her to become an entrepreneur.

“She worked hard for her dream of becoming a bus driver and had performed the challenging task effectively. She has received appreciation from various quarters,” he said.

Kamal Haasan also said that Sharmila will resume her journey as a rental car driver-cum-entrepreneur, adding that he wants the civil society to stand by women who have been suppressed for years.

“My best wishes to daughter Sharmila,” Kamal Haasan said.