Kamal Haasan refuses to apologize over the Kannada remark; "I am not wrong"

Addressing the controversy over his "Tamil gave birth to Kannada" comment at a Thug Life event, Kamal Haasan stated he would apologize only if he was wrong, while also requesting that others not "tamper" with his lifestyle as the situation escalated.

“If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t. This is my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with it," the Nayakan actor told India Today. He added, “India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice."

Kamal Haasan responded to the controversy surrounding his statement at a Thug Life event, where he asserted that "Tamil gave birth to Kannada." He clarified that he would only apologize if he acknowledged his statement to be incorrect, and he also requested that others refrain from interfering with his personal life as the issue gained momentum.

The actor's remarks prompted a complaint from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, a pro-Kannada organization, which filed a complaint with the Bengaluru Police. The group, led by Praveen Shetty, demanded legal action against the actor-politician, alleging that his statement had offended the sentiments of Kannadigas, fostered discord between Kannadigas and Tamils, and constituted an insult to the Kannadiga community.

The police have not yet filed an FIR regarding the matter. A senior police officer stated that while a complaint was received, they are seeking legal advice before proceeding. Haasan's comments have sparked protests across Karnataka, including in Belagavi, Mysuru, Hubballi, and Bengaluru, with several pro-Kannada groups expressing outrage.

The actor sparked controversy by stating, "Kannada language was born out of Tamil," during the May 24 audio launch of his film, Thug Life, in Chennai.

Kamal Haasan sparked controversy at a recent event in Chennai. He made a comment about the origins of the Kannada language, which caused a stir. "Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state. That's why he is here. That's why when I started my speech, I said 'my life and my family is Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So you are included in that line," he said.

After his comments, pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka protested. They wanted Kamal Haasan to apologize and even called for a ban on his new movie.

Following the circulation of his statement on social media, Haasan faced significant political and online backlash. In a rare show of unity, Karnataka's Congress and BJP leaders condemned his remarks. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called him "poor Kamal Haasan," while Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka referred to him as a "mental patient."

Kamal Haasan's new film, "Thug Life," is coming out soon. He plays a tough gang leader named Rangaraaya Sakthivel. The story is about Sakthivel, his brother, and a young boy he raises. When someone tries to kill Sakthivel, the boy becomes a suspect, leading to a story of revenge.