Kannada star Shivarajkumar
| Photo Credit: Murali Kumar K

Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar has responded to the controversy around a statement from veteran star Kamal Haasan. During the audio launch of the upcoming movie Thug Life (releasing on June 05, 2025), Kamal Haasan made a remark that “Tamil gave birth to Kannada.” The actor’s statement has spurred a row, with people from Karnataka criticising him for hurting their sentiment.

On May 28, 2025 (Wednesday), Kamal Haasan clarified his remarks, saying it was an expression of love. “It was a statement of love to Mr Shivanna (Kannada star Shivarajkumar). His father (Dr Rajkumar) is like my father. We are a family, and so are the other languages,” he said, during the promotions of the movie in Thiruvananthapuram. Kamal Haasan added that the debate should be left to historians and language experts. Politicians, including him, aren’t qualified to speak about language history, said the Nayakan actor.

Shivarajkumar, who was presented at the audio launch, has opened up on the ongoing controversy. “Kamal Haasan holds Kannada in high regard,” he said during an event on May 28, 2025 (Wednesday). “He has only good things to tell about Bengaluru as well.”

The Kannada actor added, “I am a huge fan of Kamal sir. People may ask why should I admire someone else when I have my own father (Dr Rajkumar) to look up to. My father is family while I have great respect for Kamal sir. I am inspired by him. Kamal sir knows what he has said, and he will give an appropriate response.”

Shivarajkumar urged the media to be responsible while talking reporting about language issues. “Your love for Kannada shouldn’t be selective. It shouldn’t matter only when such a development happens. You must support young talents from the film industry. Nobody talks about newcomers. It’s not right to report only about big-star movies. As for me, I will give my life for Kannada,” he said.