Written by Ridhima Shaw
Renowned actor and politician Kamal Haasan has stirred a linguistic controversy with his recent statement claiming that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. The comment, made during the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and cultural groups in Karnataka.
During the promotional event, Haasan remarked, “Tamil gave birth to Kannada”, a statement that was perceived by many as undermining the distinct identity of the Kannada language. The presence of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar at the event added to the sensitivity of the situation.
BJP slams Kamal Haasan
The statement elicited a strong response from Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra, who accused Haasan of disrespecting the Kannada language in an attempt to glorify Tamil. He demanded a public apology, labelling the actor as “uncultured.” Various Kannada organizations have also condemned Haasan’s remarks, viewing them as an affront to the linguistic pride of Karnataka.
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Haasan, known for his advocacy of Tamil linguistic pride, has previously emphasized the importance of preserving native languages. He has been vocal against the imposition of Hindi and has supported initiatives to protect linguistic diversity in India.
As the controversy escalates, all eyes are on Haasan for a response to the backlash. The incident underscores the delicate nature of linguistic identities in India and the sensitivities surrounding them.
