"Will Give My Life for Kannada": Says Shivarajkumar Amidst Kamal Haasan Language Row

"Will Give My Life for Kannada": Shivarajkumar's Fierce Loyalty Amidst Kamal Haasan Language Row

Bengaluru, Karnataka – The ongoing linguistic controversy sparked by Kamal Haasan's remark that "Kannada was born out of Tamil" has drawn a definitive, passionate response from Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, who has declared his unwavering commitment to his mother tongue, stating, "I can give my life for Kannada."


Shivarajkumar's powerful statement comes amidst a raging storm in Karnataka, where pro-Kannada organizations and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) have called for a ban on Haasan's upcoming film, "Thug Life," unless he issues a public apology. The veteran Tamil actor's comments, made during a promotional event for "Thug Life" in Chennai, were perceived as a slight to the independent history and rich heritage of the Kannada language.

A Swift Clarification:

Initially, Shivarajkumar, who stars alongside Kamal Haasan in "Thug Life," appeared to offer a more nuanced response, suggesting Haasan's words might have been misunderstood. However, facing a wave of criticism from staunch Kannada activists and the public, he swiftly clarified his stance, leaving no doubt about his priorities.

"What Kamal Haasan said about the Kannada language wasn't right," Shivarajkumar affirmed in a recent media interaction. He admitted that while he had clapped during Haasan's speech at the audio launch, he did not fully grasp the controversial nature of the remark at that moment. He emphasized that all languages hold importance, but for him, "Kannada is my first option, without a doubt. All languages are important, but Kannada comes first for me. I can give my life for Kannada. When there's an issue involving Karnataka, I'm always the first to stand up."

Upholding Dr. Rajkumar's Legacy:

Shivarajkumar's resolute declaration also invoked the legacy of his father, the legendary Dr. Rajkumar, a towering figure in Kannada cinema and a symbol of Kannada pride. By citing his father's unwavering love for the language, Shivarajkumar effectively aligned himself with the deep-seated sentiments of Kannadigas who cherish their linguistic identity. He highlighted that while Kamal Haasan remains an inspiration, his commitment to his mother tongue comes above all.

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Beyond merely expressing his loyalty, Shivarajkumar also took the opportunity to subtly challenge those who vocalize their love for Kannada only during times of controversy. He questioned what tangible contributions they have made to the Kannada film industry and to providing opportunities for new talent. "Speaking highly of Kannada in front of cameras isn't enough. Actions matter more than words," he stated, advocating for a consistent and lifelong commitment to nurturing the language and its cultural expressions.

The "Thug Life" Dilemma:

The KFCC has remained firm on its decision to halt the release of "Thug Life" in Karnataka, despite Kamal Haasan's production house moving the Karnataka High Court for protection. KFCC President M. Narasimhalu has reiterated that no theatres in the state will screen the film until Haasan apologizes. This stance is heavily influenced by the widespread public and political outrage, with figures like Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also criticizing Haasan's historical interpretation.

Shivarajkumar's strong reaffirmation of his Kannada pride serves as a powerful voice from within the industry, reflecting the collective sentiment that views Kamal Haasan's remark as a significant breach of linguistic respect. As the legal battle for Thug Life's release unfolds, Shivarajkumar's words underscore the profound importance of language and identity in Karnataka's cultural landscape.

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