Kamal Haasan speaks out about the Kannada language dispute: "Politicians lack the qualification to discuss language matters, even including myself"
Dubai-Mounting Controversy Over Actor Kamal Haasan's Remark on Kannada Language Origin
Actor and politician Kamal Haasan, who is set to visit Dubai on June 5 to promote his upcoming actioner Thug Life, has made a statement that has sparked a row in India about the origins of the Kannada language.
The controversy began when Haasan, in a public event in Chennai, suggested that Kannada "was born out of Tamil." The remark was viewed as disrespectful by many Kannadigas, a term used to refer to people from the state of Karnataka, where Kannada is the official language.
Indian media report that the actor apologized for any unintended offense, stating, "Language is not about politics. It's about emotion, connection, and history." Nevertheless, political leaders and pro-Kannada groups have criticized Haasan, calling his words "arrogant" and "uncultured."
Haasan's statement has stirred debate over the historical connection between Tamil and Kannada. While both languages belong to the Dravidian language family, they emerged as distinct languages, with Kannada earliest reliable inscriptions dating back to the 5th century CE.
Scholars emphasize that the relationship between Tamil and Kannada is more nuanced than a direct "descent" of one from the other. Both languages have their unique grammar, vocabulary, and literary traditions.
This controversy has cast a shadow over the upcoming release of Thug Life. Pro-Kannada groups in Karnataka have threatened to ban the film if Haasan does not retract his statement.
In a previous interview with Gulf News, Haasan spoke about the fluidity of roles and identities and emphasized that cinema transcends linguistic boundaries.
The controversy continues to unfold, with Haasan expected to address the issue during his visit to Dubai later this week.
Additional Information:
The Dravidian language family, which includes Tamil and Kannada, has its roots in Proto-Dravidian, with the earliest attestation dating back to the 4th millennium BCE.
Tamil is recognized as the oldest among the Dravidian languages, with an extensive literary tradition dating back to the Sangam period. Kannada, on the other hand, developed as a distinct literary and spoken language by the early medieval period.
While Tamil and Kannada share a common ancestor in Proto-Dravidian, they are believed to have evolved independently, with their distinct grammar, vocabulary, and literary traditions.
- The controversy surrounding Actor Kamal Haasan's recent claim about Kannada language's origin extends beyond India, with the international media discussing the cultural and historical implications of the dispute.
- As political leaders and pro-Kannada groups criticize Haasan for his remarks, scholars emphasize the need for understanding the complex relationship between the Dravidian languages like Tamil and Kannada, stemming from their roots in Proto-Dravidian.
- With Tamil recognized as the oldest Dravidian language and Kannada developing as a distinct language by the early medieval period, it's crucial to acknowledge the unique grammar, vocabulary, and literary traditions that marked their evolution.
- While celebrities like Haasan might have an impact on policy-and-legislation in their respective countries, the debate over the origins of Kannada serves as a reminder of the important role that history and culture play in shaping our general-news narratives.
- As the Kannada language row persists, entertainment-news outlets worldwide cover the potential impact on Haasan's upcoming film release Thug Life, as pro-Kannada groups threaten to ban the movie if Haasan does not retract his statement.
