New Delhi, May 28 -- Kamal Haasan's observation that 'Tamil gave birth to Kannada' has united rivals Congress and BJP in condemning the veteran actor and politician. At the heart of the storm is an old fault line: language as identity. In the South, where linguistic pride runs deep, any perceived slight can ripple into a full-blown protest.

During the audio launch of his forthcoming film, Thug Life, held in Chennai, Kamal Haasan eloquently articulated his enduring connection with the Tamil language, commencing his address with the poignant declaration: "Uyire Urave Tamizhe (My life and my family is Tamil)." Turning to Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who shared the dais with him, Haasan remarked with warmth and inclusivity, "Actor Shivarajku...