Notable actor Kamal Haasan has dismissed demands to seek a public apology over his recent remarks on the Kannada language. The actor asserted that he would apologise only if he were in the wrong, which he believes is not in this case. “I will apologise, If I am wrong. When I am not, I won’t,” this was the 70-year-old actor’s response to the language row. He added, “I believe in the law and justice of my country”.
Actor-politician’s recent remark that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”, has sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada groups, cultural organisations, and political leaders targeting the actor and demanding an apology from him. Haasan made this statement during a promotional event for his ensuing film Thug Life.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) on Friday announced that it has banned the release of Thug Life in Karnataka following its ultimatum to Kamal Haasan to issue a public apology by today.
At a recent event, Kamal Haasan opened his speech with the phrase “Uyire Urave Tamizhe,” meaning “My life and my family is Tamil.” He then explained the sentiment behind his words, saying, “Actor Shivarajkumar from Karnataka is like family to me, though he lives in another state. That’s why he is here today. That’s why I began by saying ‘my life and my family is Tamil’.” Haasan added, “Your language, Kannada, has its roots in Tamil — so you too are part of that family.”
These remarks drew sharp reactions from Kannada outfits, political leaders, and Sandalwood, while the Tamil film fraternity rallied in support of the actor.
While the ruling Congress in Karnataka said Haasan was not aware of the greatness of Kannada, the Bharatiya Janata Party demanded an apology from the actor-politician, saying he “disrespected” the language.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, condemning the remarks, said the Kannada language has a very long history, and actor Kamal Haasan is unaware of it. “Kannada language has a very long history….he (Kamal Hassan) doesn’t know.”
State Minister for Backward Classes Welfare, Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, called for a ban of the actor’s film and sent out a letter to the Film Chamber, arguing that Haasan’s speech deeply hurt the sentiments of all Kannadigas.
Meanwhile, Tamil actors and members of Kollywood came out in support of Kamal Hassan amid the row. Actors Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, among others, backed him, saying all this is an unnecessary controversy.
On the other hand, Kamal Haasan, who heads the political outfit Makkal Needhi Maiam, which is an ally of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, has been nominated by the party to the Rajya Sabha.
