Bengaluru, June 3 (Reporter) Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan on Tuesday responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding his remarks at the Thug Life audio launch, asserting that he holds all Indian languages in equal esteem and rejecting any notion of linguistic hierarchy. In a letter addressed to Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Narasimhalu, Haasan said his comments were born of affection and unity, not meant to cause hurt or diminish Kannada. "My bond with Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and all languages of this land is abiding and heartfelt," Haasan wrote. "I have always stood for the equal dignity of all Indian languages and remain opposed to the dominance of any one language over another." The remark, viewed by some as a veiled counter to regional language pride movements, is expected to stir further reaction from Kannada linguistic organisations that have long championed Kannada’s primacy in Karnataka’s cultural space. Haasan explained that his contentious statement during the event — in the presence of Shiva Rajkumar — was spoken out of "genuine affection for the legendary Dr Rajkumar’s family" and aimed at establishing a sense of unity. "It pains me that my words have been misunderstood and taken out of context," he said, adding that there was "no dispute or debate on the rich legacy of the Kannada language." While reaffirming his admiration for Kannada's literary and cultural tradition, Haasan recalled the warmth he has consistently received from the Kannada-speaking public over the years. "My love for the language is genuine, and I have great respect for the love that Kannadigas have for their mother tongue," he wrote. Touching upon the controversy that involved senior actor Shiva Rajkumar, who had shared the stage with Haasan during the event, the latter expressed regret that the incident caused him embarrassment. "I really regret that Shivanna had to go through such embarrassment on account of this. But I am sure our true love and respect for each other will always remain and get firmer now," he wrote. Haasan stressed that his statement was never intended to spark unrest or offend Kannada sentiments. "Cinema must remain a bridge between people, never a wall that divides them," he said. "I know and speak the language of Cinema. Cinema is a universal language that knows only love and bonding." Concluding on a reconciliatory note, Haasan said he hoped his clarification would be received in the spirit it was intended, and expressed confidence that the misunderstanding would prove temporary. "This is an opportunity to reiterate our mutual love and respect," he said. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has yet to respond officially to the letter, but reactions from pro-Kannada organisations are expected in the coming days...////...