Actor-politician Kamal Haasan on Friday said it was ignorance that made Mughals give the name 'Hindu' to the nation.
In a tweet, Haasan said the 12 Alwars (Vaishnavite poet-saints) or the 63 Nayanmars (Saivaite poet-saints) did not mention the word Hindu.
Haasan said the term 'Hindu' was given by Moghals or by others who came earlier to rule. The British who later ruled the nation seconded the term.
"When we have various identities, it is ignorance to have a title given by a foreigner as a religion," Haasan said.
According to Haasan, even though the identity `Indian' is of recent origin, it will live long.
Haasan said it was on the part of commercial politics and spiritualism to restrict "our vast nation into a religion".
On May 12, Haasan said while campaigning at the Aravakuruchi Assembly constituency about the killer of Mahatma Gandhi: "The first extremist of independent India was a Hindu -- Nathuram Godse. It all started from there."
Rumour mills have been abuzz about his relationship and wedding with Malaika Arora.
Asked if he is planning to tie the knot, Arjun told IANS here: "As far as my marriage is concerned, the speculation is understandable because that's the nature of the business, and because my peers have got married, there seems to be this buzz that I should also just (get married)."
Over the past few months, Arjun and Malaika have been frequently seen and photographed together. On Thursday itself, Malaika joined Arjun and his family members and close friends for a screening of his forthcoming film "India's Most Wanted" here. While she went into the show alone, she made an exit with Arjun.
They are also seen attending several parties together.
Arjun, 33, said he is currently in a comfortable space in his life.
"I am very happy in my personal and professional space and I wish to keep it like that. I have not hidden things in the last few months as well. So, when there is something to speak about, I will talk about it," he added.
