Veteran Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar has come forward in defense of Kamal Haasan, whose recent remark on the Kannada language that it “was born out of Tamil” has sparked intense backlash in Karnataka.

The controversy ignited during the audio launch of Haasan’s film Thug Life, where his comments were perceived by many as undermining Kannada’s linguistic roots. Several pro-Kannada groups and political voices have since called for a ban on the film’s release in Karnataka.

Addressing the media, Shivanna clarified that Kamal’s admiration for Kannada and Bengaluru is longstanding and genuine. “He always speaks with pride about the city,” Shiva Rajkumar said. He further explained that a video clip showing him clapping was misleadingly edited. “I didn’t clap for Kamal’s language remark. I clapped when he said he was ‘Shivanna’s Chinnappa’,” he clarified.

While some fans criticized Shiva Rajkumar for not confronting Kamal at the event, the actor chose a balanced tone, stating that playing the blame game won’t solve the issue. “Kamal’s intentions weren’t malicious. His respect for Kannada is real,” he said, urging for calm and perspective.

In a time of rising regional tensions, Shivanna’s measured response has been seen by many as a peacekeeping effort, reminding people of his long-standing respect for Kannada culture and his reputation as one of the most grounded stars in the industry. The incident remains a topic of heated discussion, but voices like Shiva Rajkumar’s could help de-escalate the situation with dignity and respect.