New Delhi: Renowned actor Kamal Haasan’s remark that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” has triggered a massive political outcry across Karnataka, just weeks ahead of the release of his film Thug Life.
Haasan made the comments during the launch of his latest film at an event in Chennai. NDTV reported that Haasan’s speech started with “Uyire Urave Tamizhe”, which means “my life and my family” in Tamil. The actor then shifted to Shivarajkumar, a Kannada actor present at the event. Haasan said, “This is my family. That’s why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That’s why I began my speech saying life, relationship and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included.”
Haasan’s comments sparked a furore across Karnataka. State BJP president Vijayendra Yediyurappa strongly criticised it, dubbing it as “uncultured” behaviour and accused him of “disrespecting” and “hurting the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas” just to “glorify his own mother tongue”.
‘Unconditional apology’ sought
Yediyurappa also sought an “unconditional apology” to Kannadigas. On social media platform X, he said that artists should have respect for every language. “It is the height of arrogance that actor @ikamalhaasan, who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada,” he pointed out. He also alleged that Haasan had been insulting Hinduism and hurting religious sentiments for the past few years.
Yediyurappa contended that while Kannadigas are not opposed to any language, they will never compromise on their self-respect when it comes to their land, language, people, culture, or water.
Praveen Shetty, the president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, asserted that they could not confront Haasan as he left the venue. Sounded a warning to Haasan, the body said: “Today, we are giving a strong warning to him. You want to do business in Karnataka and show your movies, stop insulting Kannada and Kannadigas.”
