Kannada row: Kamal Haasan won't apologise

CAN'T UNSCRAMBLE SCRAMBLED EGG, BUT THERE CAN BE APOLOGY: COURT

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

Tamil Nadu actor-politician Kamal Haasan has decided to stand firm in the Karnataka High Court, refusing to apologise for his controversial statement that Kannada language was “born out of Tamil”.

The remark has triggered a sharp backlash and calls for a ban on his upcoming film, Thug Life, in Karnataka.

During yesterday’s hearing, Haasan’s lawyer told the court that the actor holds the “utmost respect for Kannada and nothing more needs to be said.” The court, however, was unimpressed and responded, “This is your ego speaking.”

No release in Karnataka

Haasan has decided not to release Thug Life in Karnataka for now. “We don’t need security as of now as we are not going to release [the film]; we will hold talks with the film chamber,” his counsel said.