Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar has responded to the controversy sparked by veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s remark at the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life, where Kamal said, “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.” The statement triggered strong reactions in Karnataka, with some pro-Kannada groups accusing Kamal of disrespecting the Kannada language and filing a police complaint against him.
Shivarajkumar, however, speaking at a recent public event in Bengaluru, called for understanding, and defended Kamal, whom he described as a lifelong inspiration.
“Kamal sir has always spoken highly of Kannada and has expressed great admiration for Bengaluru. He speaks with pride about our city. We’ve grown up watching him, and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Kamal sir for years,” Shivarajkumar said, adding that the Tamil actor-filmmaker has consistently shown respect for Kannada culture and cinema. “I grew up watching Kamal Haasan. How can I say I’m proud of him? That’s like saying I’m proud of my father,” he remarked.
The Kannada actor acknowledged attending the Thug Life event and recalled Kamal’s warm welcome to everyone. He said Kamal always gives his best and commands respect wherever he goes.
While addressing the backlash, Shivarajkumar added that love for a language should go beyond symbolic gestures. “Speaking highly of Kannada in front of cameras isn’t enough. Actions matter more than words. What have you done for Kannada cinema? Have you given opportunities to newcomers?” he asked, directing his comments at those criticising Kamal.
“Our commitment to Kannada must be lifelong. If needed, I am ready to fight, even give my life, for Kannada,” he said. “But please don’t misunderstand why I am saying all this. Ask your own conscience, is what I am saying right or wrong? The answer will be clear. As for Kamal sir, I don’t need to comment further, he’s already contributed a lot to Kannada cinema.”
Kamal Haasan, meanwhile, responded to the backlash while speaking to the media in Thiruvananthapuram. Downplaying the controversy, he said that he would not apologise for a statement made “out of love.” “What I said was said out of love, and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn’t mean anything,” he said, adding that political figures often lack the expertise to speak on such matters.
Shivarajkumar’s remarks come a day after the pro-Kannada outfit Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) filed a complaint against Kamal, seeking legal action for allegedly insulting the Kannada language.