Kamal Haasan`s "Kannada Was Born Out of Tamil" Remark Sparks Outrage
Updated on: 28 May, 2025 10:56 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Kamal Haasan
Actor Kamal Haasan has found himself at the centre of a heated controversy following his recent assertion that "Kannada was born out of Tamil". This statement, made during a film event for Thug Life, has triggered widespread anger in Karnataka, with political leaders and cultural organisations demanding an unconditional apology.
These comments triggered a significant backlash in Karnataka. State BJP President BY Vijayendra on Tuesday accused actor Kamal Haasan of “disrespecting” Kannada in his effort to glorify his own mother tongue. The BJP leader demanded that the actor issue an “unconditional apology to Kannadigas immediately”.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vijayendra said, “Artists should have the culture of respecting every language. It is the height of arrogance that actor @ikamalhaasan, who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada.” He added, “Kannada is a prominent language in many parts of the world, including India, for centuries.”
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“Kamal Haasan, who supposedly brings harmony to South India, has been continuously insulting Hinduism and hurting religious sentiments for the past few years. Now, he has insulted Kannada by hurting the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas. Kamal Haasan should immediately apologise unconditionally to Kannadigas,” the BJP chief wrote.
Vijayendra further stated, “He is not a historian to tell with authority which language gave birth to which language.” He emphasised the rich heritage of Kannada, saying, “Kannada language, which has a history of more than two and a half thousand years, symbolises prosperity and represents harmony on the map of India. Let us remind Kamal Haasan that Kannadigas are not language haters, but they never sacrifice self-respect when it comes to their land, language, people, water, and ideas.”
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Earlier, while on promotion in Tamil at the Chennai event, the actor emphasised that “everyone should learn to speak their neighbouring state’s language first and Hindi later.” The current uproar unfolds as Haasan promotes "Thug Life", directed by Mani Ratnam and set to be released in cinemas. This movie marks the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after 38 years. The controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the film`s promotional activities in the region.
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The Flashpoint: A Linguistic Claim
The contentious comments were made at the audio launch of Haasan`s latest film, "Thug Life", in Chennai a few days ago. According to a report by NDTV, the speech made by the actor began with "Uyire Urave Tamizhe", meaning "my life and my family" in Tamil. He then shifted to Shivarajkumar, a Kannada actor present at the event. Haasan said, "This is my family. That`s why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That`s why I began my speech saying life, relationships and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included." This specific claim about linguistic lineage is what ignited the backlash.These comments triggered a significant backlash in Karnataka. State BJP President BY Vijayendra on Tuesday accused actor Kamal Haasan of “disrespecting” Kannada in his effort to glorify his own mother tongue. The BJP leader demanded that the actor issue an “unconditional apology to Kannadigas immediately”.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vijayendra said, “Artists should have the culture of respecting every language. It is the height of arrogance that actor @ikamalhaasan, who has acted in many Indian languages, including Kannada, has insulted Kannada.” He added, “Kannada is a prominent language in many parts of the world, including India, for centuries.”
Also Read: Sonu Nigam Responds to Internet Backlash Over The Bengaluru Concert Row
“Kamal Haasan, who supposedly brings harmony to South India, has been continuously insulting Hinduism and hurting religious sentiments for the past few years. Now, he has insulted Kannada by hurting the self-respect of 6.5 crore Kannadigas. Kamal Haasan should immediately apologise unconditionally to Kannadigas,” the BJP chief wrote.
Vijayendra further stated, “He is not a historian to tell with authority which language gave birth to which language.” He emphasised the rich heritage of Kannada, saying, “Kannada language, which has a history of more than two and a half thousand years, symbolises prosperity and represents harmony on the map of India. Let us remind Kamal Haasan that Kannadigas are not language haters, but they never sacrifice self-respect when it comes to their land, language, people, water, and ideas.”
Also Read: "Kamal Haasan`s Praise Is My Oscar", Says An Emotional Joju George
Pro-Kannada Groups Voice Strong Disapproval
The sentiment was echoed by pro-Kannada outfits. Haasan was in Bengaluru on Tuesday to promote "Thug Life". According to Praveen Shetty, president of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Praveen Shetty faction), the actor left the venue before members of the organisation could confront him. Shetty issued a strong warning, saying, “Today we are giving a strong warning to him. You want to do business in Karnataka and show your movies; stop insulting Kannada and Kannadigas. You were here to promote a movie but departed even before the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike reached there to blacken your face.”Earlier, while on promotion in Tamil at the Chennai event, the actor emphasised that “everyone should learn to speak their neighbouring state’s language first and Hindi later.” The current uproar unfolds as Haasan promotes "Thug Life", directed by Mani Ratnam and set to be released in cinemas. This movie marks the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after 38 years. The controversy has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the film`s promotional activities in the region.
Also Read: "I Knew This Was Magic," Says Trisha on Kamal Haasan Romance in `Thug Life`
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