Chennai: Leading actor Kamal Haasan on Tuesday issued a clarification over his recent remarks about the origins of the Kannada language, asserting his long-standing belief in the equal dignity of all Indian languages and rejecting the notion of linguistic hierarchy.
In a letter addressed to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce—copies of which were circulated to the media—Haasan responded to the controversy that followed his comments at the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life. The actor had suggested that “Kannada came from Tamil,” a statement that sparked backlash from political groups in Karnataka and raised concerns about the film’s release in the state.
“It pains me that my statement at the Thug Life audio launch—spoken out of genuine affection for the legendary Dr. Raj Kumar's family, especially Shiva Rajkumar—has been misunderstood and taken out of context,” Haasan said in the letter. “My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family, not to diminish Kannada in any way.”
Emphasising the cultural richness of Kannada, Haasan added, “There is no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of Kannada language. Like Tamil, Kannada has a proud literary and cultural tradition that I have long admired. Throughout my career, I have cherished the warmth and affection extended to me by the Kannada-speaking community. I say that with clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine.”
Haasan went on to stress the unifying role of cinema: “Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also to establish that bond and unity amongst all of us. It is this love and bond that my seniors taught me, which I wanted to share. It is out of this love that Shivanna (Shiva Rajkumar) attended the audio launch. I deeply regret that he had to go through such embarrassment on account of this.”
Urging for peace and understanding, he said: “Cinema must remain a bridge between people—never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement. I have never been, nor would I ever want to be, the cause of public unrest or animosity. I sincerely hope that my words are received in the spirit they were intended and that my enduring affection for Karnataka, its people, and their language is recognised in its true light.”
