Kamal Haasan Clarifies After Kannada Language Remark Sparks Backlash

Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan has issued a clarification after his comment that “Kannada was born out of Tamil” sparked outrage across Karnataka. Facing criticism from both BJP and Congress leaders, Haasan said his remarks were made with affection and based on what he learned from historians. “Politicians, including me, are not qualified to talk about language,” he stated, attempting to defuse the growing controversy.

Pro-Kannada groups reacted strongly, staging protests and burning posters of Haasan in cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi. A police complaint was also filed against him by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike. With calls for a ban on his upcoming film Thug Life, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the actor was unaware of Kannada’s long history. BJP state president BY Vijayendra demanded an unconditional apology, accusing Haasan of disrespecting Kannada to glorify Tamil.