New Delhi: Karnataka’s BJP chief BY Vijayendra criticized actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday for allegedly showing “disrespect” toward Kannada while attempting to elevate his native Tamil language, according to news agency PTI.
The political leader called for the veteran actor to offer an “immediate unconditional apology to the people of Karnataka.”
Vijayendra’s statements came in response to Haasan’s controversial claim that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada,” which he made during the promotional event for his upcoming movie, Thug Life, held in Chennai recently.
ಮಾತೃಭಾಷೆಯನ್ನು ಪ್ರೀತಿಸಬೇಕು, ಆದರೆ ಅದರ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ದುರಭಿಮಾನ ಮೆರೆಯುವುದು ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿ ಹೀನ ನಡವಳಿಕೆಯಾಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಅದರಲ್ಲೂ ಕಲಾವಿದರಿಗೆ ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದು ಭಾಷೆಯನ್ನೂ ಗೌರವಿಸುವ ಸಂಸ್ಕಾರ ಇರಬೇಕು. ಕನ್ನಡವೂ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಅನೇಕ ಭಾರತೀಯ ಭಾಷೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನಟಿಸಿರುವ ನಟ @ikamalhaasan ತಮ್ಮ ತಮಿಳು ಭಾಷೆಯನ್ನು ವೈಭವಿಕರಿಸುವ ಮತ್ತಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಟ… pic.twitter.com/PrfKX099lZ
— Vijayendra Yediyurappa (@BYVijayendra) May 27, 2025
Writing on X (previously known as Twitter), Vijayendra expressed his displeasure: “Creative professionals should maintain a tradition of honoring all languages. It demonstrates extreme pride that actor @ikamalhaasan, despite working across multiple Indian languages including Kannada, has shown contempt for Kannada.”
The BJP leader continued, “For centuries, Kannada has been a significant language across various regions globally, including India.”
“Kamal Haasan, who claims to promote unity in South India, has persistently offended Hindu beliefs and damaged religious feelings in recent years. Now, he has degraded Kannada by wounding the dignity of 6.5 crore Karnataka residents. Haasan must offer an immediate unconditional apology to Kannadigas,” Vijayendra posted.
The party chief further commented, “He lacks the credentials of a historical scholar to definitively state which language originated from another.”
Highlighting Kannada’s cultural significance, he stated, “The Kannada language, with its heritage spanning over two and a half millennia, represents prosperity and embodies unity across India. We must remind Kamal Haasan that Karnataka’s people don’t harbor linguistic prejudice, but they will never compromise their dignity regarding their homeland, language, community, resources, and principles.”
Haasan visited Bengaluru on Tuesday for promotional activities related to Thug Life.
As reported by Praveen Shetty, leader of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty faction), the actor departed the location before organization members could challenge him directly.
Shetty delivered a stern ultimatum: “We are issuing him a serious warning today. If you wish to conduct business in Karnataka and screen your films, cease insulting Kannada and its people. You came here for movie promotion but left before the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike could arrive to confront you.”
(With inputs from PTI)