Union Minister slams Kamal Haasan, says he made Kannada remark for publicity
Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Friday strongly criticised actor Kamal Haasan for his recent comments about the Kannada language, accusing him of making 'a controversial statement' for political gain and publicity.Speaking to reporters in Karnataka, Karandlaje said Haasan, once a widely admired actor, had now transitioned into politics and was seeking to remain relevant. 'Everyone's value (popularity) will not be the same all the time. Haasan was a big actor and hero at one point. Everyone used to like him,' she said.advertisement'Now he has become a politician. So, to increase his value (politically) and for publicity, he made a controversial statement. He already worked in Karnataka. He ate here, he drank water here. That he forgot. He gave that statement for the sake of politics and publicity. This will not work. But Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam are not different. We all work together,' she added.
Karandlaje further accused Haasan of trying to sow discord. 'The actor wants to create problems between the states and languages,' she said.The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Friday announced that Thug Life, which is scheduled for a grand release on June 5, has been banned in Karnataka following Kamal Haasan's refusal to issue a public apology.In a press meet on Friday, Haasan said he believes in the rule of law and justice and that his love for Karnataka is sincere. The actor, who earlier claimed that 'Kannada was born out of Tamil,' stood by his comment and dismissed demands for a public apology. He said he would only apologise if he were wrong, which he believes is not the case.advertisement'If I'm wrong, I'll apologise. If I'm not, I won't. This is my lifestyle, please don't tamper with it,' the 70-year-old actor told India Today, responding to the ongoing row. 'India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice,' he added.Meanwhile, a pro-Kannada group, Kannada Rakshana Vedike (KRV) issued a stern warning to distributors and theatre owners in Karnataka. KRV President Narayan Gowda demanded that if Thug Life is barred from release in the state and Kamal Haasan incurs major financial losses, distributors must return his money and firmly convey to the producer and Haasan that the film cannot be released in Karnataka against the sentiments of Kannadigas.'There is no question of making any request in this matter,' Gowda said.When asked what the outfit would do if the movie is released regardless, he responded, 'We will burn down all those theatres.'
IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Tamil Nadu
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