Kamal Haasan Refuses to Apologise for Tamil Gave Birth to Kannada Comment, Calls It a Statement of Love and History

Renowned actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) leader Kamal Haasan has stood firm on his controversial remark that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada,” insisting that his statement was made out of love and historical understanding—not to provoke or insult. Facing widespread protests across Karnataka, Haasan clarified that his words were misinterpreted and refused to issue an apology.

The controversy erupted following an audio launch event for his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, where Haasan referenced the linguistic origins of Kannada. The statement immediately drew backlash from pro-Kannada groups, sparking outrage in cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Belagavi, and Hubballi. Many protesters accused Haasan of disrespecting the Kannada language and its heritage, with some even calling for legal action against the veteran actor.

In a statement to the media, Kamal Haasan addressed the criticism, saying, “What I said was out of love, with a lot of historians having taught me about the history of languages. I will not apologise for something I said with affection.” Emphasizing the cultural unity between southern states, he added that Tamil Nadu has always celebrated diversity and inclusiveness, pointing out that people from various communities—including Menons, Reddys, and Kannadigas—have served as Chief Ministers in the state.

Reflecting on his personal ties with Karnataka, Haasan recalled how the state supported him during difficult times in Chennai. “Karnataka stood with me when I faced problems. I have not forgotten that,” he remarked, reiterating his respect for the Kannada-speaking community.

Despite his clarification, tensions remain high in Karnataka. One of the leading protest groups, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, led by Praveen Shetty, has filed a police complaint in Bengaluru, alleging that Haasan’s remarks have hurt the sentiments of Kannada speakers and could potentially ignite discord between Tamil and Kannada communities.

The backlash highlights the sensitive nature of linguistic identity in southern India, where language is deeply intertwined with regional pride and cultural heritage. Haasan’s refusal to back down has added fuel to the debate, with many calling for dialogue and mutual respect rather than confrontation.

As protests continue, the focus now shifts to how leaders from both states will respond to ease tensions and preserve the longstanding harmony between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Whether Haasan’s words were indeed a misstep or a misunderstood tribute to linguistic history, the incident underscores the need for cautious and respectful discourse in culturally diverse regions.