Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar has broken his silence on the ongoing controversy sparked by Tamil actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s recent comments on the origin of the Kannada language. Haasan, during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life, had claimed that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” a remark that ignited a wave of backlash across Karnataka.
Addressing the issue publicly, Shivarajkumar — a leading voice in Sandalwood and a strong advocate of Kannada pride — expressed his unwavering commitment to the language. “Kannada is my first option, no doubt about it. I can give my life for Kannada,” he declared, emphasizing that his loyalty to the language goes far beyond words.
While noting that Kamal Haasan is like a father figure to him, Shivarajkumar also stressed that respect for Kannada must be consistent and not just situational. “If you say you love Kannada, show it through long-term support, not occasional statements. Kannada deserves continuous respect and recognition,” he added.
The controversy has taken a serious turn, with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce demanding a formal apology from Kamal Haasan. The body has even warned that Thug Life will not be allowed to release in Karnataka unless Haasan retracts or clarifies his statement.
Kamal Haasan, on his part, has stood firm, stating that his remarks were based on linguistic studies and made with genuine affection for Karnataka. “My love for Kannada is real. I won’t apologize for stating what I believe to be a historical fact,” he said during a press interaction.
The incident has stirred broader discussions about linguistic identity, regional pride, and cultural sensitivity, especially in South India where language plays a critical role in politics and cinema.
As tensions simmer, industry insiders and cultural leaders are calling for dialogue and mutual respect to ease the situation and prevent further polarization.
