Facing threats over his ‘Kannada born out of Tamil’ remark, Kamal Haasan defends his stand, says ‘He won’t apologise if he’s not wrong’

Thiruvananthapuram: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Friday firmly refused to apologise over his recent controversial comment claiming that “Kannada is born out of Tamil”, a remark that sparked protests in Karnataka. Speaking amid rising tensions, the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President said he stands by his words if they are not wrong and that his statement was made “out of love” and based on historical language knowledge.

“It is a democracy. I believe in the law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is true. Nobody will suspect it except for those who have an agenda. I’ve been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise, if I’m not, I won’t,” Haasan said.

His comment, made during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, triggered backlash from pro-Kannada groups, especially the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, which staged protests outside INOX cinema hall in Belagavi, demanding a public apology.

Reacting to the uproar, Haasan addressed reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, asserting that “love will never apologise.” He said, “Those creating controversy over my remarks are confusing the issue. What I said was out of love, not malice. Many historians have taught me language history, and I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”

The controversy took a political turn as Haasan had recently been named as a Rajya Sabha candidate by the DMK, which offered MNM a seat in the Upper House.

The BJP accused Haasan of “disrespecting” Kannada and demanded an apology, while the ruling Congress in Karnataka said the actor-politician was “ignorant about the greatness of Kannada.”

Kamal Haasan further explained the inclusive nature of Tamil Nadu, citing the diverse backgrounds of former Chief Ministers. “Tamil Nadu is a rare state. A Menon (MG Ramachandran), a Reddy (Omandur Ramasamy Reddiyar), a Tamil (M Karunanidhi), and a Kannadiga Iyengar from Mandya — Jayalalithaa — have all served as our Chief Ministers,” he said.