Shiva Rajkumar backtracks on Kamal Haasan’s Tamil-Kannada remark, says "Didn’t know what he meant"

At the 'Thug Life' audio launch, Kamal Haasan’s statement that “Kannada was born from Tamil” ignited widespread backlash, with many, including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, openly expressing their disapproval. The comment, perceived as undermining the independent linguistic identity of Kannada, quickly snowballed into a larger regional debate. Amid the controversy, renowned Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar initially stepped in to defend Kamal Haasan, suggesting that the veteran actor’s words were misinterpreted and asking what Kamal Haasan’s critics had done for the Kannada language. His remarks surprised many and seemed to momentarily calm tensions, offering a rare voice of solidarity across linguistic lines.A sudden u-turn in stanceHowever, just days after his show of support, Shiva Rajkumar has now dramatically changed his position. In a recent press interaction during a commercial launch, he stated, "What Kamal Haasan said about the Kannada language wasn’t right." While he acknowledged that he had clapped during the speech, he claimed he didn’t fully comprehend Kamal Haasan’s words at the time. The actor explained that he only understood the full context of the comment after watching the video again later at home.Expressing loyalty to KannadaShiva Rajkumar emphasized his unwavering respect for the Kannada language, citing his father, legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, as a symbol of Kannada pride. “Everyone knows the kind of love and respect my father had for Kannada. I share that same sentiment,” he stated. His revised statement seems aimed at reinforcing his cultural allegiance amid rising regional sensitivities.Shiva Rajkumar's reversal raises eyebrowsShiva Rajkumar’s sudden backtrack from defending Kamal Haasan to disagreeing with him has triggered fresh waves of reaction online and in the media. With tensions still high over Kamal Haasan. linguistic comment, this shift has only intensified the debate. What began as a moment of solidarity has now become a flashpoint in Tamil-Kannada discourse.