Kannada originated from Tamil: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remarks irk Congress, BJP
Kamal Hassan - Photo: IANS
CHENNAI (India): Actor-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan's recent remark that Kannada originated from Tamil has sparked a massive political row with both the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Opposition BJP slamming the actor for undermining the state's language and cultural identity.
Speaking at an event in Chennai, Haasan claimed that Kannada originated from Tamil. His remark didn't go down well with the Karnataka leaders, who took strong exception to his statement.
Reacting to his remark, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that Kamal Haasan is not aware of the history of Kannada. 'Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,' he said.
Congress leader Rizwan Arshad criticised the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief for triggering an unnecessary language debate, stating that both Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages.
'What kind of a debate is this? Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages and part of our country's foundation. Is this debate necessary at a time when all of us have to be united? I did not expect Kamal Haasan to make such a statement. It is unfortunate,' he said.
The Opposition BJP also slammed the actor-politician and demanded an explanation.
'Kamal Haasan always tries to act very smart. You should not belittle any language to praise your own language. From where did Kamal Haasan learn that Kannada is born from Tamil?' asked Tamil Nadu BJP vice president Narayanan Thirupathy.
'A celebrity like him should be more responsible because of his societal stature. He should tell where he learned all this from. Is there any document that says this? He can not try to escape from what he said. Kamal Haasan owes an explanation,' he added.
Separately, The Statesman reported that actor Kamal Haasan's upcoming film, Thug Life, is facing trouble in Karnataka after the actor's recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film's release until the actor issues a public apology.
While speaking to ANI, KFCC president M. Narasimhalu said that people in Karnataka are upset with Haasan for his comment that 'Kannada is born out of Tamil,' which he reportedly made during a promotional event in Chennai.
Narasimhalu added that if the actor does not 'apologise' before the movie's slated release, it will not be allowed to screen in Karnataka.
'People of Karnataka are angry with Kamal Haasan. We have also sent a message to the South Film Chamber. The distributors have decided that if he does not apologise before the release of his film on the 5th, it will not be allowed to release here…' he said.
The controversy has led to several protests in Karnataka by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other Kannada organisations.
In response to the growing backlash, Hassan stood by his statement, saying he believes in law and democracy.
Terming India a 'democratic country,' the actor stated that he wouldn't 'apologise' to anyone for his actions if he is 'not wrong.' Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people.
Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai on Friday, Haasan said, 'It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Nobody will doubt it except for those who have an agenda. I've been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise; if I'm not, I won't.'
Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles. - The Statesman/ANN
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