Shiva Rajkumar breaks his silence on language row: “Kamal Haasan is like a father, but Kannada needs more than words”
Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar has broken his silence on the ongoing controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan ’s remarks at the ' Thug Life ' audio launch.
Haasan’s comment that “Kannada evolved from Tamil”, sparked backlash from various groups and even drew criticism from Karnataka’s Chief Minister and other political parties. The actor later clarified his stance, refusing to apologize and stating his words came from a place of love and were based on what language historians had taught him.
'Father figure and Inspiration'
Addressing the issue during the latest public event, Shiva Rajkumar spoke with both affection and firmness. He began by acknowledging Haasan’s respect for Kannada and Bengaluru, calling him one of his long-time idols. "I grew up watching Kamal Haasan. How can I say I’m proud of him? That’s like saying I’m proud of my father," he said, likening Kamal’s influence to that of a family elder.
He recalled attending the 'Thug Life' event where the screen legend welcomed everyone warmly and added that Haasan always puts in his 100% and commands respect.
Urging genuine support for Kannada
Shiva Rajkumar also highlighted an important point, that love for a language should not be limited to symbolic gestures. “When someone speaks about their love for Kannada, it shouldn’t be momentary. It should be consistent and visible,” he said. He expressed that genuine support for Kannada should go beyond speeches and include a long-term commitment to the culture, language, and local cinema. “You have to ask yourselves what you're doing for Kannada regularly, not just on special occasions,” he emphasized.
Promoting Kannada language and cinema
In conclusion, Rajkumar urged fans and media not to misunderstand the essence of what’s being debated. He made it clear he didn’t want to pass judgment on Kamal Haasan but instead wanted everyone to reflect on their own contributions to Kannada language and cinema.
Meanwhile, Kamal, during a promotional event in Kerala, stood firm, saying that only historians and linguists should discuss language origins and reiterated that what he said stemmed from affection — and that “love never apologises.”
Haasan’s comment that “Kannada evolved from Tamil”, sparked backlash from various groups and even drew criticism from Karnataka’s Chief Minister and other political parties. The actor later clarified his stance, refusing to apologize and stating his words came from a place of love and were based on what language historians had taught him.
'Father figure and Inspiration'
Addressing the issue during the latest public event, Shiva Rajkumar spoke with both affection and firmness. He began by acknowledging Haasan’s respect for Kannada and Bengaluru, calling him one of his long-time idols. "I grew up watching Kamal Haasan. How can I say I’m proud of him? That’s like saying I’m proud of my father," he said, likening Kamal’s influence to that of a family elder.
He recalled attending the 'Thug Life' event where the screen legend welcomed everyone warmly and added that Haasan always puts in his 100% and commands respect.
Urging genuine support for Kannada
Shiva Rajkumar also highlighted an important point, that love for a language should not be limited to symbolic gestures. “When someone speaks about their love for Kannada, it shouldn’t be momentary. It should be consistent and visible,” he said. He expressed that genuine support for Kannada should go beyond speeches and include a long-term commitment to the culture, language, and local cinema. “You have to ask yourselves what you're doing for Kannada regularly, not just on special occasions,” he emphasized.
Promoting Kannada language and cinema
In conclusion, Rajkumar urged fans and media not to misunderstand the essence of what’s being debated. He made it clear he didn’t want to pass judgment on Kamal Haasan but instead wanted everyone to reflect on their own contributions to Kannada language and cinema.
Meanwhile, Kamal, during a promotional event in Kerala, stood firm, saying that only historians and linguists should discuss language origins and reiterated that what he said stemmed from affection — and that “love never apologises.”
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