The ongoing controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan's remarks about the origins of the Kannada language has sparked reactions from various quarters. During a promotional event for his upcoming film "Thug Life," Haasan stated that "Kannada was born out of Tamil," a comment that ignited a ভাষা row and drew criticism from political leaders and pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka.
Amidst the escalating debate, Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar has stepped forward to defend Kamal Haasan, emphasizing his respect and admiration for the veteran actor. Speaking at a recent public event in Bengaluru, Shiva Rajkumar addressed the controversy with a blend of affection and firmness. He acknowledged Haasan's respect for Kannada and Bengaluru, referring to him as a long-time idol and inspiration. "I grew up watching Kamal Haasan. How can I say I'm proud of him? That's like saying I'm proud of my father," he remarked, drawing a parallel to a familial bond.
Shiva Rajkumar highlighted Haasan's consistent admiration for Bengaluru and his pride in the city. He recalled attending the 'Thug Life' audio launch, where Haasan warmly welcomed everyone and demonstrated his unwavering commitment to his craft. The Kannada actor also questioned the timing of the criticism, pointing out that those now expressing outrage had remained silent during the event itself.
However, Shiva Rajkumar also stressed the importance of genuine and consistent support for the Kannada language. He cautioned against limiting love for the language to mere symbolic gestures or public pronouncements. "When someone speaks about their love for Kannada, it shouldn't be momentary. It should be consistent and visible," he asserted. He urged individuals to reflect on their own contributions to the Kannada language, culture, and cinema, emphasizing that actions speak louder than words.
"Our commitment to Kannada must be lifelong. If needed, I'm ready to fight – even give my life – for Kannada," Shiva Rajkumar declared, underscoring the need for unwavering dedication to the language. He also directed his comments towards media channels, urging them to reflect the same passion for Kannada throughout the year, not just during public events.
In response to the controversy, Kamal Haasan has clarified that his remarks were made out of affection and based on his understanding of language history. He stated that he would not apologize for expressing his love for Tamil and its connection to Kannada. Haasan also suggested that politicians, including himself, are not qualified to discuss language origins and that such matters should be left to linguists and historians. He emphasized Tamil Nadu's inclusive political legacy, citing examples of chief ministers from diverse backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has demanded a public apology from Kamal Haasan, threatening to halt the release of "Thug Life" in Karnataka if he fails to comply. Pro-Kannada groups have also staged protests and filed police complaints against Haasan, accusing him of disrespecting the Kannada language.
As the controversy continues to unfold, Shiva Rajkumar has urged fans and the media to avoid misunderstandings and to focus on promoting Kannada language and cinema. He has called for unity and collective action to safeguard and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.
