Latest news with #SouthIndianArtistesAssociation
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First Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Kamal Haasan finds support in South Indian Artistes Association amid his 'Kannada was born out of Tamil remark': 'To question his integrity...'
'When the legendary Dr Rajkumar was abducted, Kamal Haasan was among the first voices to speak out and call for his release,' the statement read read more Kamal Haasan is gearing up for the release of his film Thug Life with Mani Ratnam. During the promotional events, the veteran said something that has not gone down well with many people and it invited a lot of backlash. And now a complaint has been filed against him for his controversial remark. What did the actor say? At the event, Kamal Haasan began his speech by saying, 'Uyire Urave Tamizhe', meaning 'my life and my family is Tamil language'. He went on to add, 'Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state. That's why he is here. That's why when I started my speech, I said 'my life and my family is Tamil'. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that line.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The actor has now found support in South Indian Artistes Association who have released a statement. 'When the legendary Dr Rajkumar was abducted, Kamal Haasan was among the first voices to speak out and call for his release,' it read. The statement added, 'Kamal Haasan is a legendary artist who has transcended the barriers of caste, religion, race, and language to dedicate his life to the service of art. To question his integrity is to insult decades of cultural unity and artistic excellence.' Kamal Hassan invites backlash for his remark This comment garnered severe criticism from pro-Kannada groups as Praveen Shetty, the leader of Kannada Rakshana Vedike said, ' said Tamil is better than Kannada and Kannada only after Tamil was born. We are warning Kamal, you need business in Karnataka? And yet insulting Kannada.'
India Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
South Indian Artistes Association backs Kamal Haasan amid Kannada language row
The South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) has issued a strong statement in support of veteran actor Kamal Haasan, urging the Karnataka government, the people of Karnataka, and the Kannada film industry to understand the true intent behind his recent remarks, which have sparked its statement, the SIAA warned that the current backlash against Kamal Haasan could set a 'dark precedent' in the world of cinema and public discourse. The association emphasised that misrepresenting a renowned and respected figure like Kamal Haasan—who has consistently promoted unity across regional and linguistic lines—amounts to a grave letter highlighted Kamal Haasan's longstanding friendship with legendary Kannada actor Dr Rajkumar and playwright and actor Girish Karnad, as well as his deep appreciation for literature and cultural expression across all languages. It also recalled Kamal's unwavering support during a critical moment in Karnataka's history.'When the legendary Dr Rajkumar was abducted, Kamal Haasan was among the first voices to speak out and call for his release,' the statement read. 'He has always considered Dr Rajkumar as a brother and holds Dr Shivarajkumar in the regard of a son.'Here's the statement issued by SIAA: The association strongly condemned the portrayal of Kamal Haasan as being anti-Kannada, calling such slander 'entirely unacceptable.' It added that no individual with 'awareness and rationality' could justify such a campaign against an artist of his Haasan is a legendary artist who has transcended the barriers of caste, religion, race, and language to dedicate his life to the service of art. To question his integrity is to insult decades of cultural unity and artistic excellence,' the letter statement has drawn support from many across the southern film industries, as calls for mature and respectful dialogue continue to grow in the wake of the has refused to apologise. Speaking to the media in Chennai on Friday, he said, "It is a democracy. I believe in the law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect 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."Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan's upcoming film, 'Thug Life', has been banned by the Karnataka Film In You May Also Like IN THIS STORY#Kamal Haasan
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sri Lankan actor Malini Fonseka dies
Renowned Sri Lankan actor Malini Fonseka — who played the female lead in the Tamil film 'Pilot Premnath' [1978] starring Sivaji Ganesan — passed away in Colombo on Saturday (May 24, 2025). She was 78. Having begun her acting career in the early 1960s in Sinhala theatre, Ms. Fonseka went on to become a sought-after artiste and film star, winning several awards. She became familiar to Indian audiences with her role in 'Pilot Premnath', a joint Indo-Sri Lankan production directed by A.C. Trilokachander, which was filmed across many scenic locations on the island. In a 2023 piece on actor Sivaji Ganesan, senior journalist D.B.S. Jeyaraj pointed to the lively song 'Udarata Menike' in the film, sung by L.R. Easwari and A.E. Manoharan, based on Sri Lanka's popular musical form 'Baila'. The film was a hit in both countries. Ms. Fonseka was also a Member of Parliament representing President Mahinda Rajapaksa's alliance from 2010 to 2015, through the 'National List', which allots seats to political parties based on their share of votes as per Sri Lanka's proportional representation system. She remained a staunch supporter of Mr. Rajapaksa. Years after the end of the civil war, Ms. Fonseka, along with other top Sri Lankan actors, invited their counterparts in Tamil Nadu to visit Sri Lanka and assess the post-war situation, when the South Indian Artistes Association observed a fast in support of the Sri Lankan Tamil cause. 'The Sri Lankan film industry has borrowed many ideas, techniques and technicians from Tamil Nadu. The two film industries have had a very friendly and positive relationship from the 1950s onwards. We want that to continue,' Ms. Fonseka told The Hindu in 2013. 'It was a delight working with Sivaji Ganesan,' she said. In 2019, Ms. Fonseka inaugurated the Women's International Film Fest organised by Malayalam Cine Technicians Association (MACTA) at St. Teresa's College in Kochi, and called for greater collaboration between technicians from India and Sri Lanka. Ms. Fonseka's final rites would be held with state honours on Monday, authorities announced.
