Prominent actor Kamal Haasan recently faced backlash over his controversial comment at a Chennai event, where he stated that “Kannada was born from Tamil.” This remark hurt the sentiments of the Kannada-speaking community and ignited tensions between Tamil and Kannada audiences, a sensitive issue given the historical and cultural ties between the two states.
Despite the criticism, Kamal Haasan firmly refused to apologize. He explained that his words were based on historical research shared by linguists and historians. Kamal emphasized that Tamil Nadu has always been a place of unity, welcoming diverse cultures and languages.
However, his refusal to apologize stirred further debate. He remarked that “politicians, including myself, should avoid speaking on language matters and leave it to experts.” Language experts and fans alike have urged celebrities to be more cautious with their statements, suggesting that a simple apology could have helped ease the situation.
This incident highlights the delicate nature of linguistic pride in South India and serves as a reminder for public figures to handle such topics thoughtfully.