Kamal Haasan: I won't apologize for my remarks on Kannada language

Earlier, we reported about Kamal Haasan's recent statement about the linguistic origins of Kannada sparking a row on social media and in Karnataka. At the Chennai audio launch of Thug Life, Kamal asserted that the Kannada language "was born out of Tamil", drawing flak from pro-Kannada groups and the BJP, who are demanding an unequivocal apology from the actor.

However, during Thug Life promotions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kamal Haasan said that his remark has been misinterpreted and that he will not apologise for it. The actor said, “It was a statement of love to Mr Shivanna (Shivarajkumar). His father (Dr Rajkumar) is like my father. We are a family, and so are the other languages.

While on stage alongside Shivarajkumar, Kamal began his speech with the Tamil phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe" ("My life, and my family, is in Tamil language") and later made the 'contentious' statement: "Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included." What may have been intended as a way of expressing cultural solidarity has been widely interpreted as linguistic superiority and disrespect to the state's cultural heritage.

The comment has attracted backlash, with everyone from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and BJP president BY Vijayendra criticising it. However, Kamal has gotten back at politicians, claiming that they are unqualified to discuss linguistic history. "They don’t have the education to talk about it, including me. Let’s leave the discussions to historians, language experts, and archeologists," said the actor. Amid calls to ban Thug Life in Karnataka, with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce set to meet tomorrow to deliberate on the matter and decide whether to permit the film's Kannada version's release, he said, "People will take care of Thug Life and Kamal Haasan."