- By Nidhi Giri
- Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Actor Kamal Haasan refrained from making any comment on the “Kannada was born out of Tamil" remark during a press meet in Chennai on Wednesday for his upcoming movie 'Thug Life'. The top actor, who shared the stage with the movie’s stars, thanked the entire state of Tamil Nadu for supporting him. His comment assumes significance in the wake of the controversy following his remark on the evolution of Kannada language.
"Beyond 'Thug Life', I have so much to speak as a Tamil. I will talk later," Kamal Haasan said at the press conference.
"I should thank the entire state of Tamil Nadu which stood behind me," Haasan added.
Karnataka High Court Slams Kamal Haasan
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday slammed Kamal Haasan for his remark and questioned if he was a historian or a linguist. The high court was hearing a petition seeking a direction to authorities, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), to ban the actor’s film in the state. The court asked the actor to give the basis of his claims, adding that a “public figure cannot make such a statement”.
“There is no apology in it. You may be Kamal Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses. The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such a statement. What has happened because of it unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked apology. Now you come here seeking protection. On what basis have you made the statement? Are you a historian, linguist? On what basis did you speak?" the court said, as per LiveLaw.
Earlier, Kamal Haasan responded to the backlash by saying his remark was made "out of love" and was based on what he had learned from historians. "This is not an answer, this is an explanation. Love will never apologise," he stated, adding that such debates should be left to "historians, archaeologists, and linguists."
(With Agency Inputs)
