Kamal Haasan Clarifies Controversial ‘Tamil Gave Birth to Kannada’ Remark Amid Backlash in Karnataka
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has addressed the growing controversy around his recent remark on the Kannada language. While promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, Haasan stated, “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.”
His comment, made during the movie’s audio launch event in Chennai, sparked outrage across Karnataka.
Protests Erupt Across Karnataka
Haasan’s statement led to protests in Bengaluru and Belagavi, with pro-Kannada groups demanding an apology. Upset fans on social media threatened to boycott Thug Life, which is scheduled to release on June 5, 2025.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded strongly, telling reporters, “Kannada language has a very long history… he (Kamal Haasan) doesn’t know.” The BJP also condemned Haasan’s comment. Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra labeled it “uncultured” and “insulting” to Kannada and its 6.5 crore speakers.
Kamal Haasan Clarifies His Remark
During a press interaction in Thiruvananthapuram, Haasan clarified that his statement was misunderstood. “My statement was said out of love,” he explained. The actor, a National Award-winner, further stated that the issue had been confused by others.
He emphasized that political leaders should refrain from discussing the history of languages.
“They don’t have the education to talk about it, including me. Let’s leave the discussions to historians, language experts, and archeologists. People will take care of Thug Life and Kamal Haasan,” he said.
Haasan elaborated that his statement was directed at Kannada star Shivarajkumar. “It was a statement of love to Mr Shivanna. His father (Dr Rajkumar) is like my father. We are a family, and so are the other languages,” he noted.
Haasan Advocates for Perspective
The actor stressed that language origins depend on the perspective one adopts. “If you look at it from the Northern point of view, what they say is right. If you look at it from Thenkumari, then what I say is right.
There is a third angle to it, that’s where the language experts come into play. They will say both the parties are right but ‘they must decide where they want to belong, with their family or with the languages that came from the North’. It’s up to the people. It’s a democratic country.”
He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s openness to diversity, saying, “A Menon, a Reddy and a Kannadiga Iyengar hailing from Mandya have become chief ministers in Tamil Nadu.
When there was a problem in Chennai, which came from that chief minister who hailed from Karnataka, it was Karnataka who gave me support. The Kannadigas said ‘come, we will give you a house. Don’t go anywhere’.”
Haasan concluded by stating, “This is not an answer. It’s an explanation. Love will never apologise.”
Political and Public Reactions Intensify
As controversy spread, Karnataka Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi issued a stern warning. “Kamal Haasan has spoken inappropriately about Kannadigas. Kannadigas will not tolerate this. He should apologise.
If he doesn’t, I shall write to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. I am writing today. He should apologise at any cost. There is no question about it. Else, we will ensure that his films will be banned from being screened in the state,” Tangadagi said.
Pro-Kannada groups expressed their anger by tearing down Thug Life posters in Bengaluru and calling for a statewide ban on the film.
Siddaramaiah and Other Leaders React
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reiterated his stance, saying, “Kannada has a long-standing history… he (Kamal Haasan) doesn’t know.” He added, “Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it.” The remarks continued to fuel protests in cities including Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), a prominent Kannada rights organisation, joined the chorus of criticism. Leader Praveen Shetty said in a video statement, “Kamal Haasan said Tamil is better than Kannada.
If he wants to do business in Karnataka, he should stop insulting Kannada. Your film cannot be promoted at the cost of our language and pride. We are ready to protest, even ban your film.”
KRV also issued a warning. “Kamal Haasan must apologise unconditionally to the people of Karnataka for belittling our language. Until he does, we will not permit his movies to screen anywhere in the state,” said Gowda.
“This is not just about one comment—it’s about respecting the identity of Kannada and Kannadigas. We urge him to correct his mistake and remain silent on Kannada hereafter.”
Voices From Both Sides
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad also reacted, stating, “What kind of a debate is this? The Kannada language has a history of thousands of years… Kannada and Tamil are ancient languages and part of our country’s foundation… Is this debate necessary at a time when all of us have to be united? … I did not expect Kamal Haasan to make such a statement. It is unfortunate.”
Meanwhile, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan blamed the BJP for escalating the controversy.
He defended Haasan, stating that language should be credited for its usage and not its origin, and that the actor was likely citing historical sources rather than personal opinions.
