Chennai: Actor Kamal Haasan has sparked a fresh controversy on language identity with his assertion that Kannada "was born out of Tamil" during a public event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
His remark has provoked strong political backlash and widespread discontent in Karnataka, with the BJP and pro-Kannada organisations denouncing his statement and calling for an unconditional apology.
Speaking at an event in Chennai just weeks after the trailer release of his upcoming film 'Thug Life', Haasan opened his speech with the phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe", which translates to "My life and my family, is in Tamil language".
Referring to the presence of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar at the same event, Haasan said, "This is my family in that place. That's why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That's why I began my speech by saying 'life, family and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included (part of it)."
His comments, perceived as undermining the Kannada language's independent heritage, drew swift criticism in Karnataka. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra lashed out at the actor, calling his remarks "uncultured", accusing him of insulting Kannada and its speakers.
"One should love one's mother tongue, but showing disrespect in its name is uncultured behaviour. Especially, artists should have a culture of respecting every language. It is the height of arrogance and arrogance that an actor, Kamal Haasan, who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada by including actor Shivarajkumar in the glorification of his Tamil language," Vijayendra posted on X.
He further accused Haasan of forgetting the "generosity of Kannada and Kannada people" and of revealing his "ungrateful personality".
"Kamal Haasan, who is supposed to bring harmony to South India, has been continuously insulting Hinduism and hurting religious sentiments for the past few years. Now, he has insulted Kannada by hurting the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas. Kamal Haasan should immediately apologise unconditionally to Kannadigas," he added.
The BJP leader criticised Kamal Haasan, questioning his authority to make historical claims about language origins. He emphasised that Kannadigas are not opposed to languages but have always upheld their self-respect regarding Kannada land, language, people, water, and ideas.
Pro-Kannada groups also voiced their outrage. Activists from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike tore down posters of Thug Life in Bengaluru, warning of a possible statewide ban on the film.
Praveen Shetty, the group’s leader, condemned Haasan, stating, “If you speak against Kannada and Kannadigas, we will ban your movie.”
The controversy erupts just days before Thug Life is set to premiere in theatres on June 5.
(inputs from IANS)