‘Tamilians Lost Their Lives’: Kamal Haasan Warns Amid NEP Language Row – News18

Last Updated:February 22, 2025, 14:36 IST

Kamal Haasan stressed preserving Tamil, criticized Hindi imposition on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of his political party, MNM.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Friday in Chennai highlighted the challenges faced by Tamilians, particularly in preserving their language, and reflected on Tamil Nadu’s historic battle against the imposition of Hindi.

Haasan warned against trivializing language issues and stressed the significance of linguistic pride as he addressed his party cadres on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiyam (MNM).

“Tamilians have lost their lives for a language. Don’t play with those things. Tamilians, even children, know what language they need. They have the knowledge to choose which language they need,” Haasan remarked, emphasizing the deep-rooted sentiment for linguistic autonomy.

Haasan also acknowledged the criticism he has faced, including being labelled a “failed politician.” Reflecting on his political journey, he admitted that he might have entered the political arena earlier.

“I feel I lost because I entered politics too late. If I had entered 20 years ago, my speech and position would have been different,” he said.

Looking ahead, Haasan laid out MNM’s political ambitions, telling his party workers that the party’s influence would soon be felt in both Parliament and the state Assembly. He urged them to start preparing for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

“Today we are 8 years old, like a child growing up. This year, our voice will be heard in Parliament, and next year, your voices will reflect in the Assembly,” he added.