'Are You A Historian, Linguist’: Karnataka HC Raps Kamal Haasan Over 'Kannada Born Out Of Tamil' Remark

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday slammed actor Kamal Haasan for his “Kannada was born out of Tamil" 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 “Thug Life" 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.

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Kamal Haasan Controversy

Kamal Haasan’s recent statement during a promotional event in Chennai sparked widespread outrage among pro-Kannada groups and cultural organizations.

Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi made it clear that actor Kamal Haasan’s films will be "banned" in the state if he does not apologise, following the decision made by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce.

"I have written a letter. After that, the film chamber of commerce has also taken a good decision and held a press meet saying that if he doesn't apologise in two days his film will be banned. I extend my compliments to the film chamber of commerce as the Minister for Kannada and Culture," Tangadagi said, PTI reported.

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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."

Meanwhile, KFCC president M Narasimhalu stated that exhibitors and distributors have voluntarily decided not to screen Kamal Haasan’s movie unless he issues an apology.