Did Kamal Haasan's 'Kannada was born out of Tamil' Remark Ignite Controversy?

Chennai, May 28 (NationPress) Actor Kamal Haasan has ignited a new controversy regarding language identity by asserting that Kannada "was born out of Tamil" during a public gathering in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

This statement has led to intense political backlash and public indignation in Karnataka, with the BJP and pro-Kannada organizations denouncing his remarks and calling for an unreserved apology.

While addressing attendees at the event, shortly after the trailer launch of his forthcoming film 'Thug Life', Haasan commenced with the phrase "Uyire Urave Tamizhe", meaning "My life, and my family, is in Tamil language".

In reference to Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was present, Haasan remarked, "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)."

These comments, interpreted as diminishing the independent legacy of the Kannada language, faced immediate backlash in Karnataka. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the actor, labeling his statements as "uncultured" and accusing him of disrespecting Kannada and its speakers.

"One should cherish their mother tongue, but conveying disrespect in its name is uncultured behavior. Artists should exemplify a culture of honoring all languages. It is the pinnacle of arrogance that an actor, Kamal Haasan, who has performed in numerous Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada by incorporating actor Shivarajkumar in the glorification of his Tamil language," Vijayendra expressed on X.

He further alleged that Haasan had neglected the "generosity of Kannada and its people" and unveiled his "ungrateful character".

"Kamal Haasan, who should promote unity in South India, has been consistently offending Hinduism and hurting religious sentiments for years. Now, he has insulted Kannada by undermining the pride of 6.5 crore Kannadigas. He must apologize unconditionally to Kannadigas immediately," he added.

The BJP leader also challenged Haasan's credibility to make historical assertions about the origins of languages. "Let us remember Kamal Haasan, who spoke like a true sage who said that Kannadigas are not language haters but have never compromised on self-respect regarding Kannada land, language, people, water, and ideas," he stated.

Pro-Kannada groups also voiced their outrage. Activists from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike vandalized posters of 'Thug Life' in Bengaluru and threatened a potential statewide ban on the film.

Praveen Shetty, leader of the organization, warned, "We are cautioning you that if you speak against Kannada and Kannadigas, we will prohibit your movie."

The uproar arises just days prior to the release of 'Thug Life', set to premiere in theaters on June 5.