Shiva Rajkumar speaks up in defence of Kamal Haasan amid Kannada language row

Kannada star Shiva Rajkumar has spoken in defence of Kamal Haasan amid the Kannada language row. Kamal Haasan’s remark on Kannada language originating from Tamil was made during the audio launch event of Thug Life. Shiva Rajkumar was seated in the audience when Haasan made the remark. What followed was a severe backlash, with many Karnataka politicians demanding an apology from Haasan for hurting the sentiments of the locals.

Now, days later, Shiva Rajkumar, a popular Kannada actor, called himself a fan of Haasan at a public event in Bengaluru, and added that the Tamil actor is a big inspiration for the actor.

Shiva asked those criticizing Haasan and asking for his boycott to understand that actions speak louder than words. He also questioned them if they had done anything for the Kannada film industry or had provided new opportunities for young artistes.

What Shiva Rajkumar said

He began by saying, "Kamal sir has always spoken highly of Kannada and has expressed great admiration for Bengaluru. He speaks with pride about our city. We’ve grown up watching him, and I’ve been a die-hard fan of Kamal sir for years."

Shiva appreciated Haasan for truly understanding what the audiences want in cinema. "Some might say, ‘How can you call yourself a fan of Kamal Haasan and not your father?' Father is Family. But Kamal sir is different. He’s not just a star, he's been a true inspiration to me. Like each of you may have a favourite actor. For me, it’s always been Kamal sir. He understands exactly what the audience needs, and I truly believe he always delivers," he explained.

‘Why did people remain silent in front of him?’

The veteran Kannada actor also questioned those who did not speak up at the event when Haasan made the controversial remark. "It's a matter of pride for all of us that he invited me as the chief guest for his event. He was here just yesterday, among us. If anyone had concerns, they could have asked him directly - but no one did. I don’t know why people chose to remain silent then," he said.

Shiva also blamed media for blowing the issue out of proportion. The 62-year-old said, "Love for Kannada shouldn’t just appear when someone speaks up. It should be consistent - from the heart, always. I say this to all the media channels too: don’t just cheer for Kannada at events. Show that same passion all the time."

Shiva Rajkumar, known for his recent work in 'Jailer', 'Captain Miller, and 'Bhajarangi 2' is one of the biggest stars of Kannada cinema. The actor also said one's love for the language and the people of the state is internal.

"Our commitment to Kannada must be lifelong. If needed, I am ready to fight - even give my life - for Kannada. Speaking highly of Kannada in front of cameras isn't enough. Actions matter more than words. What have you done for Kannada cinema? Have you given opportunities to newcomers? If we truly want Kannada to grow, it’s our duty to support it in every way possible," he explained.

‘Kamal Haasan has contributed a lot to Kannada cinema’

Shiva also highlighted how the Kamal Haasan had contributed immensely to Indian cinema and the Kannada film industry. "Please don't misunderstand why I am saying all this. Ask your own conscience - is what I am saying right or wrong? The answer will be clear. As for Kamal sir, I don't need to comment further - he's already contributed a lot to Kannada cinema," he said.

The Kannada actor's statement comes a day after a pro-Kannada group, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV), filed a formal complaint against actor Kamal Haasan for his remarks on the Kannada language, seeking legal action against him.

The complaint stated that Haasan's statement allegedly "hurt the Kannada language and the sentiments of Kannadigas."

What was the controversy about

During the audio launch of 'Thug Life' in Chennai on May 24, where Haasan, while complimenting Shiva Rajkumar, who was invited as a chief guest, said "Kannada was born out of Tamil". His statement faced huge backlash.

On Wednesday, Haasan responded to the backlash during an event and said he remarks were spoke ‘out of love’. "What I said was said out of love, and a lot of historians have taught me language history. I didn't mean anything,” he told the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He added that political figures often lack the expertise to comment on such matters.