Karnataka Film Chamber Seeks Kamal Hassan’s Apology, Actor Says He Will Apologies Only If Proven Wrong
New Delhi : Veteran actor Kamal Haasan on Friday dismissed demands for a public apology over his recent remarks on the Kannada language, asserting that he would apologise only if he were in the wrong, which he believes is not the case in the current controversy. The actor said this is his way of life, and urged people not to interfere with it.
Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s recent statement that “Kannada was born out of Tamil”, made during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life, has sparked widespread outrage in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada groups, cultural organisations, and several political leaders targetting the actor and demanding an apology.
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.
When questioned about these threats, the actor simply responded, “I’ve been threatened before”. At a recent event, Kamal Haasan began his speech with the phrase “Uyire Urave Tamizhe,” which translates to “My life and my family is Tamil.” He went on to say, Actor Shivarajkumar (from Karnataka) is my family living in another state.
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 BJP 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,” he told reporters.
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.
“No matter how big a person is, one cannot tolerate such statements when it comes to our land, water and language. Kamal Haasan should immediately apologise to Kannadigas. And if he does not, the films in which he has acted should be banned immediately in Karnataka,” read the letter.
Meanwhile, Tamil actors and members of the Kollywood came out in support of Kamal Hassan amid the row. Actors Divya Spandana and Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, among others, backed him, saying all South Indian languages are Dravidian languages, also calling the controversy an “unnecessary ruckus”.