Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan sparked controversy after stating that Nathuram Godse who is a Hindu man was “independent India’s first terrorist.” On Wednesday, Kamal Haasan defended his remark and said that his comment had been taken “out of context.

also read: Rahul Gandhi drives tractor in Punjab as Amarinder Singh sits beside him, watch video here

On Wednesday, the MNM chief approached the court seeking to quash the FIR, but was denied the same by Justice B Pugalendhi who stated that the court could not get involved at the current stage of events. The judge further advised that Kamal Haasan apply for an anticipatory bail in view of the situation, which he has done. The hearing for this is expected to take place today.

On Wednesday, during an election rally in Thiruparankundram, the MNM chief said, “People are angry about what I spoke in Aravakurichi. What I told is historical truth and it has been quoted out of context.” The MNM leader further said, “I am deeply hurt at the insinuations cast at me.”

Kamal Haasan said that he had not spoken against any religion in his speech at Aravakurichi, where he had made the controversial statement. He also added that members of his family - including his daughters and sister - followed the Hindu religion and hence he could never speak anything to hurt the sentiments of Hindus.

“Will the support of just one community be enough in my political journey? Can anyone show that I have spoken in a discriminatory manner against any religion or community?” Haasan said. The MNM chief further said, “I will not speak anything that will hurt the sentiments of the Hindu religion because I have members in my own family who follow the religion. My daughters, sister pray to Hindu Gods.”

The actor-politician had received both extreme backlash and support following his statement.

also read: Rahul Gandhi mocks PM Modi with 'Modilie'