Should Shivanna Have Corrected Kamal Haasan On Stage On Tamil-Kannada Remarks? Here's What KFCC Says

Kannada superstar Shivaraj Kumar has found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video surfaced of Tamil actor Kamal Haasan stating that "Kannada was born out of Tamil." Since the clip went viral, criticism has mounted-not just against Kamal, but also against Shivarajkumar, who many believe failed to stand up for the Kannada language during the event.

While Kamal Haasan has refused to apologise, the backlash continues, with pro-Kannada groups demanding action. Some have even called for a ban on Kamal's upcoming film Thug Life in Karnataka.

What KFCC Says About Shivanna's Silence?

On Thursday, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) convened a meeting to address the issue. During the discussion, a reporter questioned Shivaraj Kumar's silence at the event where Kamal made the controversial statement. Responding to this, film producer Chinne Gowda said, "He was a guest at the event and possibly he might have not understood why the Tamil star said [those things]."

Veteran actress and former KFCC chief Jayamala also spoke up in Shivarajkumar's defense.
"Shivanna is Dr Rajkumar's son. He was emotional and focussed on the event which was why he could not have understood the intensity of the comments made by Kamal. Also, he is still recovering after the surgery," she explained.

However, Jayamala acknowledged that it would have been better if Shivarajkumar had responded to Kamal's statement on stage. "Shivarajkumar could have corrected Kamal Haasan saying that both the languages are like sisters."

She further added: "Kannadigas have always united whenever there are such issues. I don't know what exactly Kamal meant by his words or was it intentional or unintentional... but the truth is Kannada did not born out of Tamil. The KFCC is in the process of telling Kamal Haasan that Kannadigas are hurt by his comments and he should apologise."

Ending on a stern note, Jayamala warned: "Kannadigas have large heart.. we can forgive but if you don't listen we will punish."

The Controversy

The controversy stems from Kamal Haasan's comments at the Thug Life audio launch in Chennai, where he referred to Shivarajkumar as 'family' and said: "Your language (Kannada) was born from Tamil. So you're part of that family."

The statement has since triggered widespread outrage among Kannada language supporters, with growing calls for Kamal Haasan to issue a public apology and threats of banning his film in the state.

Meanwhile, Shivanna has responded to the controversy that "Kamal Haasan holds Kannada in high regard....he has only good things to tell about Bengaluru as well." Refusing to delve into the controversy, he stated, "Kamal sir knows what he has said, and he will give an appropriate response,"