Days after singer Sonu Nigam was making headlines for his alleged remarks at a concert from pro-Kannada group, veteran actor Kamal Haasan is now facing heat from netizens and political leaders for his recent statement linking the origins of the Kannada language to Tamil.

At the audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life in Chennai, Haasan opened with an emotional tribute to his Tamil roots, saying, “Uyire Urave Tamizhe” meaning ‘My life and my family is Tamil’. Turning to Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar, who shared the stage with him, Haasan added, “Your language was born out of Tamil. So, you are included in that line.”

While the remark appeared to be intended as a gesture of cultural unity, it was condemned by Kannada activists and netizens.

Social media erupted, with many accusing Haasan of distorting linguistic heritage. One user posted, “Hello @ikamalhaasan, before making such claims, learn some real history. This land doesn’t need language lessons from Periyar fanatics.” Another questioned Shivarajkumar’s silence, writing, “@NimmaShivanna, why stay silent? Shouldn’t you have spoken up?”

One angry user shared strong reaction, “The audacity to claim that Tamil came first, and that all other languages (like Kannada) descended from it! I have heard this from multiple Tamils who say their teachers taught them this. Kannadigas must make this loud and clear so that it reaches Kamal Haasan and all the Tamil teachers in Tamil Nadu spreading this absolutely disgusting lie. This further damages the already strained relationship between Kannadigas and Tamils. Tamil is not Kannada’s mother. Tamil is an equal sister to Kannada, if anything This superiority complex, stemming from insecurity, is not only an insult to Kannada’s glorious history but also shameful to Tamil. Tamil doesn’t need this lie to celebrate its rich history. Kannadigas with any iota of self-respect should boycott his movies in Karnataka until he apologizes.”