Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar has found himself at the center of a heated debate after veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s remarks suggesting that Kannada was born out of Tamil sparked backlash. Amid growing criticism, Shivarajkumar’s close aide, KP Srikanth, has come forward to defend the actor’s unwavering commitment to Kannada cinema and culture.
At a recent event in Chennai, Kamal Haasan’s statement triggered strong reactions from linguists, historians, and Kannada activists, who refuted the claim and demanded an unconditional apology. While Shivarajkumar was present at the event, his silence on the matter led to online trolling, with critics questioning his stance.
Responding to the controversy, Srikanth emphasized that Shivarajkumar’s dedication to Kannada cannot be doubted, citing his 135-film career, all of which have been in Kannada. He highlighted the actor’s legacy, following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Rajkumar, who was a staunch advocate for Kannada language and rights.
Srikanth further stated that Shivarajkumar was invited to the event as an ambassador for Kannada, making Kamal Haasan’s remarks inappropriate in his presence. He reaffirmed that Shivarajkumar has always fought for his people, language, and water rights, and urged critics to recognize his contributions rather than question his loyalty.
The controversy continues to stir debate, with Kannada activists pushing for greater recognition of the language’s independent history. Meanwhile, Shivarajkumar has maintained a diplomatic stance, urging the media to be responsible when reporting on sensitive linguistic issues.
