Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly criticized actor-politician Kamal Haasan, following the Tamil star's claim that the Kannada language was "born out of" Tamil, NDTV reported. The remark, made at a recent event in Chennai, has stirred a growing language controversy between the two southern states.
"Kamal Haasan is unaware of the history of Kannada. It has a long-standing and rich heritage," said Siddaramaiah, dismissing the statement as uninformed. Haasan, founder of the Tamil Nadu-based Makkal Needhi Maiam party, made the controversial comment during a public event promoting his upcoming film Thug Life, which also featured Kannada actor Shivarajkumar.
Beginning his speech in Tamil, Haasan said, "My life and my family is the Tamil language," and went on to add, "Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included (in this family)."
The comment has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and pro-Kannada groups alike.
Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa demanded an apology, calling the statement "uncultured behaviour" and the "height of arrogance." He accused Haasan of disrespecting Kannada despite having worked in Kannada films, saying, "Artists must be cultured enough to respect every language."
Yediyurappa also reminded Haasan of the support he has received from the people of Karnataka in his career. "He is not a historian to decide which language came first," he added.
Echoing the criticism, Praveen Shetty of the pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike warned of a potential ban on Haasan's film Thug Life in Karnataka if he continues to make such statements.
