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Haasan remarks sparked backlash from pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka, who claimed that the actor had insulted the Kannada language and culture
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan. (PTI file photo)
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday responded to the controversy surrounding his recent comments about the origins of the Kannada language, saying his words were misinterpreted and spoken “out of love”.
Speaking to News18Haasan clarified that he never intended to offend anyone and stood by his words.
“My statement was misinterpreted,” Haasan said. “What I said was said out of love, with a lot of historians teaching me language history.”
“I will not apologise for something I said out of love,” Haasan said, refusing to apologise. “Politicians are not qualified on talking about language matters, and that includes me.”
He further added that Tamil Nadu has a long history of inclusivity. “It is a very rare state where a Menon has been Chief Minister, a Reddy has been CM, and even a Kannadiga has served as CM.”
Haasan also recalled the support he received from Karnataka during a difficult time in Chennai. “Karnataka stood by me when I faced problems in Chennai,” he said.
Speaking about his nomination to the Rajya Sabha by the DMK-led alliance, Haasan said, “It will be your voice that i will be saying in the parliament.”
His party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), had joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in March 2024, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The controversy began during the audio launch of Kamal Haasan’s upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, where the actor had claimed that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.”
His remarks drew sharp criticism from pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka, who accused Haasan of insulting the Kannada language and culture. Some groups even issued threats against him.
Earlier today, the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a prominent pro-Kannada organisation led by Praveen Shetty, lodged a police complaint in Bengaluru against the actor. In the complaint, the group alleged that Haasan’s “controversial statement” had hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, created discord between Tamils and Kannadigas, and insulted the Kannada-speaking community.
The actor’s comments have sparked widespread outrage, with several pro-Kannada outfits staging protests across the state, including in Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru.
ALSO READ: ‘Uncultured Behaviour’: Congress, BJP Bash Kamal Hassan Over ‘Kannada’ Remark
(With inputs from agencies)
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