Bengaluru: Reacting to the controversy over his statement ‘Tamil gave birth to Kannada’, superstar Kamal Haasan said that he is ready to apologise only if he is wrong.
The actor further said that India is a democratic country and he has faith in Indian law.
“If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t. This is my lifestyle, please don’t tamper with it,” Kamal told India Today.
He added, “India is a democratic country, and I believe in law and justice.”
Amid the controversy, Kannada superstar-turned-politician Shivarajkumar came out in support of Haasan and said that the latter is an inspiration.
“I really like Kamal Haasan, he is my favorite. My father and Kamal Haasan had a special relationship, and because of that, I’m not just a fan—I admire him deeply. I consider Kamal Haasan an inspiration. We just went to his program and came back, that’s all. Even Kamal Haasan has a love for Kannada. When he came to Bengaluru, he could have been asked then. Why make it a big issue now?” Shivarajkumar said.
On Wednesday, a pro-Kannada organisation Karnataka Rakshana Vedike lodged a complaint against Kamal Haasan for hurting the sentiments of Kannadigas.
Bengaluru police has not yet registered an FIR against the actor.
A senior police officer told PTI, “We have received a complaint, but no FIR has been registered yet. We are seeking legal advice and will take further action accordingly.”
On Sunday, while promoting his upcoming film ‘Thug Life’ in Karnataka, Kamal had said, “Uyire Urave Tamizhe (My life and my family is Tamil language). Actor Shivarajkumar is my family living in another state. That’s why he is here. That’s why when I started my speech, I said, my life and my family is Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.”
On the work front, Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ will be releasing on June 5.
