Veteran actor Kamal Haasan has firmly refused to apologise over his recent statement that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” saying he will only apologise if proven wrong. Addressing the controversy exclusively to India Today, the 70-year-old actor emphasised that his stance reflects his personal principles and urged people not to interfere with his way of life.
“If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t. This is my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with it,” Kamal Haasan said. He further stressed his belief in democracy, law, and justice, asserting, “India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice.”
Haasan’s remarks, made during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life, sparked significant backlash in Karnataka. Pro-Kannada groups, cultural organisations, and political leaders criticised the actor and demanded a public apology, viewing the comment as an affront to the Kannada language and culture.
In response to the controversy, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on the release of Thug Life in Karnataka until Kamal Haasan issues a public apology. The actor, however, remained unfazed by threats, stating, “I’ve been threatened before.”
Kamal Haasan’s position highlights the sensitive nature of linguistic pride in India and the challenges faced by artists expressing personal opinions. The situation continues to develop as discussions about cultural respect and freedom of expression unfold.