Kamal Haasan's Tamil Claim Sparked A Firestorm

Actor Kamal Haasan has stirred the language hornet’s nest by commenting that “Kannada was born out of Tamil", ahead of his film ‘Thug Life’s release.

Haasan, while promoting his film at an event, where a Kannada actor, Shivarajakumar was present, reportedly said, “This is my family. That’s why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That’s why I began my speech by saying life, relationship, and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included," said Haasan.

In rare unity, the Congress-led government and the BJP-led Opposition in Karnataka have condemned actor Kamal Haasan for his controversial statement. “Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, responding to the brewing controversy.

BJP leader R Ashoka called him a “mental patient” and others called him out for being factually incorrect, and insulting the cultural identity of the Kannada language. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly went further, accusing Haasan of repeatedly disrespecting Kannada and Karnataka. “I would urge the government that it should boycott all Kamal Haasan’s films in Karnataka, otherwise he will keep acting like a mental patient,” Ashoka said.

Haasan’s statement sparked anger across sections of society, including pro-Kannada groups and cultural activists, who have demanded a clarification or apology from the actor. Earlier, BJP state president BY Vijayendra, in a post on X had said it was “uncultured behaviour” to show “disrespect” to another language.

Haasan, who has now been confirmed to have DMK’s support for the Rajya Sabha seat from Tamil Nadu, in another recent occasion, said people should “first learn the language of the neighbouring state. We can worry about Hindi later.”

Kamal Haasan’s comment on Kannada comes on the heels of two separate similar controversies. Last week, a video of an SBI official at a Bengaluru branch refusing to speak to a customer in Kannada went viral, leading to her transfer. Earlier this month, a case was filed against singer Sonu Nigam for insulting Kannada by comparing the language to the Pahalgam terror attack.