Jallikattu should not go extinct due to modern western thoughts: Kamal Haasan

Chennai: With festival of harvest Pongal round the corner in Tamil Nadu and demands pouring in from several groups to lift the ban on jallikattu (taming of bulls), actor Kamal Haasan also raised his voice in support of the valorous sport.

Speaking at the inauguration of a photo exhibition in the city on Monday, the veteran star said, “Many think that the bull taming sport is one where animals are ill-treated. It may be true in countries like Spain or Italy, which are famous for bullfights where the practice of killing the bulls is followed. I have watched those sports. But it is not the case here. Even a small scratch on the cattle with a pin would end up disqualifying you from the game”.

The actor who also acted as a bull tamer in his earlier film Virumaandi said, “Though it is called jallikattu, its original Tamil name is ‘Earu Vazhvudhal’. The bulls have to be tamed embracing them with a knack and not tearing their horns apart or killing them. It is our traditional valorous sport. The sport should not go extinct because of the influence of modern Western thoughts. The culture and legacy of Tamil Nadu should continue. It is also a tourist attraction. Hence, I request those influential people to consider these facts and help remove the ban on jallikattu”.