Kollywood legend Kamal Haasan’s “Kannada evolved from Tamil” statement at the Thug Life audio launch event has kicked off a huge stir across Karnataka. With Kamal refusing to tender an apology, the Kannada Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has banned Thug Life from releasing in single screens and multiplexes in Karnataka on June 5, 2025.
Amid such an intense controversy, Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar, who was one of the special guests at the Thug Life audio launch event, broke his silence and called Kamal Haasan a “father figure.” Shiva Rajkumar also acknowledged Kamal’s respect for Kannada and Bengaluru and went on to call him a long-time idol. “I grew up watching Kamal Haasan. How can I say I’m proud of him? That’s like saying I’m proud of my father,” Shiva Rajkumar said in a recent media interaction.
The Peddi actor also highlighted that Kannada needs more than just momentary words. “When people express their love for Kannada, it should not be momentary. It should always be visible and consistent,” said the Sandalwood star. He went on to say that genuine support for the Kannada language must be beyond mere public speeches and also display a long-term commitment to the Kannada language, culture, and Kannada cinema. “Ask yourselves what you’re doing for the Kannada language regularly, not just on momentary occasions,” the stalwart advised Kannadigas.