"Are you a historian, linguist; On what basis did you speak?": Kamal Haasan severely criticized by High Court in Kannada controversy

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has strongly criticized actor Kamal Haasan for his statement that Kannada language was born from Tamil. The court said that no one has the right to hurt the sentiments of the masses and a single apology could have resolved the situation. The court asked Kamal on what basis he made the statement. It asked whether he was a historian or a linguist. The court's remarks were made while considering Kamal Haasan's plea against the move to ban the screening of his upcoming film 'Thug Life' in Karnataka.

“There is no apology in it. You may be Kamala Haasan or anybody, you cannot hurt the sentiments of the masses. The division of this country is on linguistic lines. A public figure cannot make such statements. What has happened because of it is unrest, disharmony. People of Karnataka only asked for an apology. Now you come here seeking protection' - the court said.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan says in a letter to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KACC) President M Narasimhalu that he did not try to belittle the Kannada language. Kamal clarified that his statement was misunderstood and he tried to say that everyone is one. There is no dispute or debate in the rich tradition of the Kannada language. Like Tamil, Kannada also has a proud literary and cultural tradition. The actor said that he has respected it for a long time.