'I have not the hurt the sentiments of the Kannadiga', says Rajinikanth.

Talking to a Kannada news channel, Rajinikanth said, 'I have never hurt the sentiments of any Kannadiga by taking part in the protest against Karnataka for attacking Tamil establishments over the Hogenakkal Joint Drinking Water Scheme.

'It is a malicious propaganda unleashed against me by some people. I am not an unwise person to pass remarks that offend the sentiments of the people of Karnataka'.

Upset by the storm of criticism his remarks evoked in Karnataka, including a demand for his apology and threats to block screening of his films, the actor said: 'Do these people who are demanding my apology represent 5.5 crore Kannadigas?

'I haven't done any wrong. But I am not averse to tendering an apology if I had committed any wrong,' he said. 'If stalwarts like Parvathamma Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Girish Karnad demand my apology, I will certainly tender.'