Kamal Haasan on Kannada remark: My words were intended only to convey we are all from the same family

Actor Kamal Haasan. File
| Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas

Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan, on Tuesday (June 3, 2025), said he has always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic fabric of India. 

In a letter to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Haasan addressed the controversy that has erupted after he suggested that “Kannada came from Tamil” at the audio launch of his latest film Thug Life. His comments triggered strong reactions and resulted in the likelihood of the film not being released in Karnataka due to opposition from political parties.

“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. My words were intended only to convey that we are all one and from the same family and not to diminish Kannada in anyway,” he said.

Speaking about rich history of Kannada language, Mr. Haasan, “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 affected extended to me by the Kannada speaking community, and I say that with clear conscience and conviction: my love for the language is genuine and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue.”

Mr. Haasan further added, “Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding. My statement was also to establish that bond and unity is 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 and bond that Shivanna attended the audio launch event. I really regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this.”

He further said, “Cinema must remain a bridge between people – never a wall that divides them. This was the intent of my statement. And I never have been nor would I ever want to give any room for public unrest and 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.”