‘Won’t apologise if I am not wrong’: Kamal Haasan defends remark on Kannada language

Amid widespread protests in Karnataka over his remark that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” actor-politician Kamal Haasan stood firm, saying he would not apologise unless he was wrong. Speaking in Thiruvananthapuram, he said his comments were made out of love and that some people were twisting his words to suit an agenda.

Haasan, president of Makkal Needhi Maiyam and recently nominated to the Rajya Sabha, made the controversial comment at a Chennai event promoting his film Thug Life. The statement triggered protests from pro-Kannada groups, who accused him of disrespecting the Kannada language and demanded an apology.

In response, Haasan said he respects all languages and states, including Karnataka, and reiterated his belief in democracy and justice. He highlighted Tamil Nadu’s inclusive history by referring to its past chief ministers from diverse backgrounds, including a “Kannadiga Iyengar,” referring to Jayalalithaa.

While Karnataka's BJP and Congress leaders slammed Haasan for being “ignorant” of Kannada’s heritage, groups like Karnataka Rakshana Vedike filed police complaints and warned of boycotting Thug Life screenings. Protesters also burned posters of the actor in cities like Belagavi, Mysuru, and Bengaluru.