Shivanna's silence invites criticism; Kamal Haasan's 'Thug life' speech shakes up Karnataka

CHENNAI: The protest against actor Kamal Haasan over his remark about Kannada language morphed into worrying levels after the Karnataka Chief Minister joined the bandwagon of protestors to condemn the actor.

During the promotion of his new film 'Thug Life' Kamal thanked actor Shiva Rajkumar for attending the event and quoted the latter’s mother tongue Kannada to have originated from Tamil. The comment was made to imply the camaraderie between them.

“Uyire Urave Tamizhe, My life and my language is Tamil. It is my family. Shiva is also my family since his mother tongue came out of Tamil” said Kamal Haasan at the function.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the actor's remark. The Karnataka BJP president and pro-Kannada organizations protested against the actor’s contested remarks. Protests were held in many places in Bengaluru with posters of his movie being torn down and many calling for complete boycott of the film.

Kamal Haasan meanwhile responded that his statement was interpreted wrongly and admitted that he meant no offence.

BJP state president BY Vijayendra termed the actor's behaviour uncivilized. "He insulted Kannada. It is an example of arrogance as Shivakumar was called on stage and made to stand silent while Kamal did his diatribe in Kannada language.”

“Kamal Haasan doesn't know the history of Kannada.” Said Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar is also facing a lot of flak for his meek silence over Kamal's speech and for not caring to explain his side of the issue. Many netizens termed the actor's attitude as servile.