I'm Tamilian first, says Sathyaraj post Baahubali 2 row

Sathyaraj said he doesn't want anyone from his upcoming movie Baahubali 2 to bear losses

After pro-Kannada organisations threatened to stall Baahubali 2 in Karnataka, veteran Tamil actor Sathyaraj has apologised over his remarks on the Cauvery water dispute while categorically stating that he would continue to support these issues as he is a Tamilian first and then an actor.

While expressing his views via a WhatsApp video, the actor, who expressed his anguish over the Cauvery water issue nine years back, said that he does not want anyone from his upcoming movie Baahubali 2 to bear the losses.

He noted,"Nevertheless, in the coming days be it Tamil people, Cauvery issue, farmers issue or any other issue, I would continue to voice my support against these issues."

"And if anyone thinks that my statement caused any harm to the producers and directors, then I would request them not to cast this small, meagre actor in their films. I don't want anyone to suffer any kind of loss because I would prefer to live and die as a Tamilian rather an actor," the 62-year-old stated.

Requesting the people of Karnataka to ensure the release of Baahubali 2, the actor added, "I am not against Kannada people, one of the prime example is that in these nine years, many of my films including Baahuballi was also released in Karnataka without any problems."

A protest by Pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike was held on Thursday in the city against Sathyaraj for his comments made years ago on Kannadigas and Cauvery River.

The protesters marched to the Karnataka Film Chamber Of Commerce and gave a written request to the Film Chamber President asking him to call a meeting of all stakeholders and instructing them not to release Baahubali: The Conclusion on April 28.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion is directed by SS Rajamouli and is the continuation of Baahubali: The Beginning.

The movie, which also stars Prabhas, Anushka Shetty, Rana Daggubati and Tamannaah, is scheduled to hit the theatres on April 28.