Siddaramaiah Addresses Kamal Haasan’s Controversial Kannada Remark

Kamal Haasan’s recent comment claiming that Kannada was “born out of the Tamil language” has started a controversy in Karnataka.Responding to the statement, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized, "Kannada boasts a rich and ancient heritage.". Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.” Haasan, who leads a fledgling political party in Tamil Nadu, faced widespread criticism following his controversial remarks.

Mr. Haasan made the remark at an event in Chennai, held just weeks before the release of his film Thug Life, which sparked criticism from various pro-Kannada groups. Interestingly, Kannada actor Shivarajkumar was also in attendance at the event.

The actor-turned-politician began his speech with a Tamil phrase that translates to "my life and my family is the Tamil language". "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, relationship, and Tamil. Your language, Kannada, originated from Tamil—so you are part of it too,” he had stated. In response,

Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa has urged Mr. Haasan to apologize, condemning the comment as “uncultured behavior.”He described it as the “height of arrogance” and emphasized that artists should be “cultured” enough to respect all languages.

"It is the height of arrogance that an actor @ikamalhaasan who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada by including actor Shivarajkumar in the glorification of his Tamil language," said Mr Yediyurappa.

“Mr Haasan has forgotten the generosity of the Kannadigas and has become ungrateful despite having acted in Kannada films”, he said. “He is not a historian to conclude which language gave birth to which language, " added the BJP leader.

Praveen Shetty, leader of the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, has threatened to ban Mr. Haasan’s film in Karnataka if he continues making remarks against Kannada and Kannadigas.