Kamal Haasan’s Kannada Claim Ignites Fury, Congress and BJP Unite in Condemnation
Bengaluru: Bollywood actor and politician Kamal Haasan has found himself in hot water after making a controversial claim about the origins of the Kannada language. During a promotional event for his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ in Chennai, Haasan stated that Kannada originated from Tamil.
Backlash from Across the Political Spectrum
Haasan’s statement has triggered a wave of anger and condemnation, uniting both the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP in Karnataka.
“Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it,” said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reacting to the controversy. BJP leader R Ashoka went further, calling Haasan a “mental patient” and accusing him of repeatedly disrespecting Kannada and Karnataka.
Ashoka called for a boycott of Haasan’s films in Karnataka, urging the government to take action against him.
Pro-Kannada Groups Demand Apology
Pro-Kannada groups and cultural activists have also joined the chorus of criticism, demanding an apology from Haasan. They view his statement as an insult to the cultural identity of the Kannada language.
Haasan Faces Criticism from Fellow Politicians
BJP state president BY Vijayendra took to X to criticize Haasan, calling his behavior “uncultured” and stating that artists should respect all languages.
Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan weighed in, calling for responsible and constructive language when discussing languages, while suggesting Haasan’s comments were aimed at appeasing the DMK.
Recent Incidents Fuel Sensitivity
This controversy comes on the heels of two recent incidents that have heightened sensitivity around language issues in Karnataka. Last week, a video went viral of an SBI official refusing to speak to a customer in Kannada, leading to her transfer. Earlier this month, a case was filed against singer Sonu Nigam for allegedly insulting Kannada by comparing it to the Pahalgam terror attack.
