Kamal Haasan on Kannada comment: My phrases have been meant solely to convey we’re all from the identical family-OxBig News Network

Actor Kamal Haasan. File
| Photo Credit: Johan Sathyadas

Veteran actor and politician Kamal Haasan, on Tuesday (June 3, 2025), stated he has at all times stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and stay against the dominance of anyone language over one other, as such imbalance undermines the linguistic cloth of India. 

In a letter to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Haasan addressed the controversy that has erupted after he urged that “Kannada came from Tamil” on the audio launch of his newest movie Thug Life. His feedback triggered robust reactions and resulted within the probability of the movie not being launched in Karnataka resulting from opposition from political events.

“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 stated.

Speaking about wealthy historical past 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 additional 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 additional stated, “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.”