Actor and politician Kamal Haasan has clarified his recent comment about the Kannada language after facing heavy criticism.Kamal had earlier said, “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” which sparked anger in Karnataka. Both BJP and Congress leaders spoke out against him. Pro-Kannada groups even burned his posters. Some film groups talked about banning him ahead of his new movie Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam.
Responding to the controversy, Kamal said, “What I said came from love. I have learned about languages from many historians. I did not mean to hurt anyone.”
He added, “Tamil Nadu is a state where a Menon, a Reddy, a Tamil, and even a Kannadiga Iyengar have been Chief Ministers. We welcome all.”
Kamal also said, “Politicians, including me, are not qualified to speak about language history.”
His remarks aim to calm the backlash and clear up what he says was a misunderstood comment.