Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Monday met Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The Tamil Nadu politician discussed the contentious Cauvery water sharing issue and several other matters with the newly-installed Karnataka CM. “The CM’s response was very heartening,” Haasan said after his meeting with Kumaraswamy.

“We would like it (setting up of Cauvery Management Board) to be expedited. This attitude is what we are expecting. I am very happy that here is a CM who's looking at it in the same manner,” the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader said.

"I see hope in the conversation I have had with HD Kumaraswamy," Haasan said further after the meeting that went on for nearly an hour, NDTV reported.

On his part, Kumaraswamy said, “Regarding the Cauvery Water Management Board, what Kamal discussed with me, both states maintain cordial relationship as brothers and sisters. Whatever problems we have, we have to equally share. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu farmers are important.”

Haasan denied that he met the CM to talks about issues related to movies. “I came on behalf of the people,” he stated.

Cauvery river water sharing is a key contentious issue between Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Karnataka. Last week, the Centre notified the setting up of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) after much delay.

The CWMA will take a call on the sharing of the river water among Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.