At a promotional event for Thug Life, actor Kamal Haasan said that Kannada language comes from Tamil. This comment has irked the people of Karnataka who have called for the film's boycott
Kamal Haasan
Actor Kamal Haasan is eagerly awaiting the release of his upcoming film, Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam. However, his comment on the origin of Kannada language has irked the people of the state, leading to boycott calls for the upcoming Tamil release.
Kamal on Kannada language
“Kannada language was born from Tamil language,” said the actor during an event in Chennai to promote his movie ‘Thugs Life’. 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)."
Kamal Haasan's comment irks politicians and citizens
His remarks landed in controversy as netizens questioned the authority and knowledge of history of Kamal Haasan.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday expressed his pity towards actor Kamal Haasan stating that he was not aware of the "long-standing" history of the language.
"Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it," the Karnataka CM said.
Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra also criticised Kamal Haasan for his remarks and demanded an apology.
“One must love their mother tongue, but flaunting arrogance in its name is a mark of cultural bankruptcy. Especially for artists, it is essential to possess the ethos of respecting every language,” he said.
He further said that Kamal Haasan, who has acted in several Indian languages including Kannada, has shown “blatant arrogance” and extreme conceit by belittling the Kannada language while glorifying his mother tongue, Tamil, in the presence of actor Shivarajkumar.
“Now, he has wounded the pride of 6.5 crore Kannadigas by insulting Kannada,” he claimed.
He further added that Kamal Haasan must immediately and unconditionally apologise to Kannadigas.
Thug Life ban in Karnataka?
Pro-Kannada groups, too, expressed their anger. Activists from Karnataka Rakshana Vedike tore posters of 'Thug Life' in Bengaluru and issued warnings of a potential statewide ban on the film.
Praveen Shetty, leader of the outfit, slammed Hassan, stating, "We are warning you that if you talk against Kannada and Kannadigas, we will ban your movie."
The controversy comes just days ahead of the release of 'Thug Life', scheduled to hit theatres on June 5.
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