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Hindustan Times
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Shiva Rajkumar defends Kamal Haasan amid language row: ‘He has already contributed a lot to Kannada cinema'
Kamal Haasan recently found himself at the centre of a controversy following his remark that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life. Now, Shiva Rajkumar, who attended the Thug Life audio launch, has also addressed the controversy. (Also Read: Shiva Rajkumar reveals he shot a film while undergoing chemotherapy: 'I was worried about hair loss') Speaking at an event in Bengaluru on May 28, Shiva said, "Kamal Sir has always spoken highly of Kannada and has expressed great admiration for Bengaluru. He speaks with pride about our city. We've grown up watching him, and I've been a die-hard fan of Kamal Sir for years. Some might say, 'How can you call yourself a fan of Kamal Haasan and not your father?' Father is family. But Kamal Sir is different. He's not just a star — he's been a true inspiration to me. Like each of you may have a favourite actor, for me, it's always been Kamal Sir. He understands exactly what the audience needs, and I truly believe he always delivers." He added that it was a matter of pride to be invited to the Thug Life audio launch as the chief guest and questioned why people hadn't raised the issue at the time, instead choosing to remain silent. He emphasised that love for Kannada shouldn't surface only when someone speaks up — it should be consistent and heartfelt at all times. Addressing media channels specifically, he added that support for the language shouldn't be limited to public events; the same passion should be reflected throughout the year. Shiva Rajkumar further questioned, "Our commitment to Kannada must be lifelong. If needed, I'm ready to fight — even give my life — for Kannada. Speaking highly of Kannada in front of cameras isn't enough. Actions matter more than words. What have you done for Kannada cinema? Have you given opportunities to newcomers? If we truly want Kannada to grow, it's our duty to support it in every way possible. Please don't misunderstand why I'm saying all this. Ask your own conscience — is what I'm saying right or wrong? The answer will be clear. As for Kamal Sir, I don't need to comment further — he's already contributed a lot to Kannada cinema." Kamal faced backlash for his remarks, and the Kannada film body even demanded an apology, stating that if he did not apologise, Thug Life would not be released in Karnataka. Responding to the controversy, Kamal said, "What I said was said out of love, and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything. Tamil Nadu is a state where a Menon has been our Chief Minister, where a Reddy has been our Chief Minister, a Tamil has been our CM, and a Kannadiga Iyengar has been our CM," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. He added that politicians are not qualified to speak on matters of language — including himself. In his view, such in-depth discussions should be left to historians, archaeologists, and language experts who are better equipped to handle the subject. The gangster drama marks Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's reunion after 38 years. The film also stars Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Ali Fazal, Silambarasan TR, and others in key roles. It is scheduled to release in cinemas on 5 June.
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Said out of love, politicians not qualified to talk": Kamal Haasan on language controversy
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], May 28 (ANI): In response to the controversy sparked by his recent comment suggesting that Kannada was born out of Tamil language, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president and actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday clarified that his statement was made 'out of love.' Urging that such sensitive subjects be left to experts, Haasan said politicians -- including himself -- are not qualified to engage in academic discussions about language history. 'What I said was out of love, and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything,' Haasan said. Haasan pointed out that leaders from various linguistic and regional backgrounds have served as the state's Chief Ministers and said, 'Tamil Nadu is a state where a Menon (MG Ramachandran) has been our Chief Minister, where a Reddy (Omandur Ramasamy Reddiyar) has been our Chief Minister, a Tamil (M Karunanidhi) has been our CM, and a Kannadiga Iyengar (J Jayalalithaa) has been our CM.' 'Politicians are not qualified to talk about language. They don't have the qualifications to talk about it, including me. Let us leave all these very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts,' he added. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan faced outrage after claiming that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. Earlier in the day, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah slammed actor Kamal Haasan following his reported remark, 'Kannada is born out of Tamil, and said that he was unaware of the language's 'long-standing' history. Congress MLA from Karnataka, Rizwan Arshad, also expressed his disappointment over Haasan's remark, calling it unfortunate and questioning the necessity of such a debate at a time when national unity is paramount. 'What kind of a debate is this? The Kannada language has a history of thousands of years... 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,' Arshad said. Karantaka BJP president BY Vijayendra also launched a scathing attack on actor Kamal Haasan for his alleged remarks claiming that 'Kannada has its roots in Tamil. ' He labelled the statement an insult to the Kannada language and the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas. Protests were held near the INOX cinema hall in Karnataka's Belagavi against Kamal Haasan. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike organised the protests, which expressed anger and demanded his apology. Meanwhile, DMK slammed BJP for stirring controversy over actor Kamal Haasan's reported statement 'Kannada is born out of Tamil,' accusing the party of creating trouble and dividing people by misrepresenting historical references as insults. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan defended Haasan, arguing that his comment was likely a historical citation rather than a personal opinion, and emphasised that the focus should be on a language's usage and impact rather than its origins. (ANI)
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Politicians not qualified to talk about language', Kamal Haasan clarifies after his remark sparked a row
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, who sparked a massive row over his comment on the Kannada language, has now issued a clarification. "... What I said was said out of love and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything. Tamil Nadu is a state where a Menon has been our Chief Minister, where a Reddy has been our Chief Minister, a Tamil has been our CM, and a Kannadiga Iyengar has been our CM... Politicians are not qualified to talk about language. They don't have the qualifications to talk about it, including me. Let us leave all these very in-depth discussions to historians, archaeologists and language experts..." Show more Show less
