Actor Kamal Haasan - who also heads a new political party -- is facing massive protests after his comment that the Kannada language was "born out of" Tamil. There have even been calls for ban on his latest film "Thug Life".
Weeks before the release of the film, the actor had sparked a fresh version of language row at a recent event in Chennai, where Kannada actor Shivarajkumar was also present.
Starting his speech with a Tamil phrase that translates to "my life and my family is the Tamil language". Mr Hassan said, "This is my family in that place. That's why he (Shivarajkumar) has come here. That's why I began my speech by saying life, relationship, and Tamil. Your language (Kannada) was born out of Tamil, so you too are included (part of it)".
Read: "Kamal Haasan Unaware Of Kannada History": Siddaramaiah
His comments were criticised even by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who said the actor is unaware of the history of Kannada.
"Kannada has a long-standing history. Poor Kamal Haasan, he is unaware of it," said Mr Siddaramaiah.
Karnataka BJP and the Kannada language proponents have also attacked Mr Haasan.
Calling Mr Haasan's comments the "height of arrogance", Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa has demanded that he apologise. He said it reflected an "uncultured behaviour" and that artists must be "cultured" enough to respect every language.
Mr Haasan heads Makkal Needhi Maiam, which is yet to carve out a niche despite having contested several elections since 2019.
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