Bengaluru, June 2 (Reporter) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday refrained from making any direct comment on the ongoing controversy surrounding Tamil actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s remarks on the Kannada language, instead urging restraint and unity among neighbouring states. He also expressed hope that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would triumph in the IPL final later in the day. Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar said, "Please don’t put me on the spot. What exactly are you trying to ask? I don’t want to comment without knowing the full background of the issue. Let me first check the records." The controversy erupted after Haasan, during the audio launch of his upcoming film 'Thug Life' in Chennai, stated that "Kannada was born out of Tamil." The remark triggered widespread backlash in Karnataka, with pro-Kannada organisations such as the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) staging protests, burning effigies of Kamal Haasan, and warning theatre owners against screening the film in the state. In response, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on the release of 'Thug Life' in Karnataka unless Kamal Haasan issued a public apology. The actor-politician, however, has stood by his statement, asserting that he would apologise only if proven wrong — a stance that has further escalated tensions and led to legal petitions challenging the boycott. Without naming Kamal Haasan directly, Shivakumar emphasised the importance of avoiding political escalation over language issues. "Let’s not turn this into a political issue. We are all neighbours — we have to live together, work together. Our water flows to Tamil Nadu, and people from Tamil Nadu come to Karnataka. We are not enemies — we are friends," he said. Calling for calm amid heightened emotions, he added, "I request everyone to be patient. Nothing is permanent in life." Shivakumar turned his attention to cricketing matters, expressing confidence in the RCB team. "Our Bengaluru boys — RCB — are playing the IPL final after a long time. They’ve worked hard and they deserve this. I’m confident they will win," he said. He added that many fans from Karnataka had travelled to Gujarat to cheer for the team. "As the government and people of Karnataka, we are all waiting and praying for their victory. I wish the entire team all the best. May they succeed, may they win, and return victorious. Let us hope and pray for that," he said. The Kamal Haasan episode has reignited longstanding sensitivities around language and cultural identity in the region, underscoring the need for responsible discourse on such matters...////...