Actor R Madhavan has weighed in on the ongoing Hindi-Marathi language controversy that has sparked debates across Maharashtra. Drawing from his personal experiences, the actor maintained that language has never been a barrier in his life—either personally or professionally. Raised in Jamshedpur and having lived and studied in various parts of India, Madhavan pointed out that his multilingual abilities have only helped him grow.
In an interview with IANS, he shared that he speaks Tamil and Hindi fluently and had studied in Kolhapur, where he also learned Marathi. With this diverse linguistic exposure, Madhavan said, "I have never had any problem because of language – neither because of knowing it nor because of not knowing it." He explained that living and working in different regions of India allowed him to appreciate various languages without feeling excluded or limited.
Backdrop of Language Debate
The actor’s comments come in the midst of renewed tensions over language in Maharashtra. In April, the state government mandated the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in state-run primary schools, in addition to Marathi and English. This move was aligned with the central government’s three-language policy aimed at promoting multilingual education across India.
However, the decision led to widespread criticism and protests. The issue intensified when videos allegedly showing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members confronting non-Marathi speakers surfaced online. These incidents triggered a broader conversation about regional identity, cultural integration, and the treatment of linguistic minorities.
Celebrities Join the Conversation
R Madhavan is not the only public figure to speak on the matter. Singer Udit Narayan also commented on the controversy, saying that while he lives and works in Maharashtra—his “karma bhoomi”—he believes all Indian languages hold equal importance. He stressed the need to respect every regional tongue, as each plays a role in the nation’s cultural fabric.
Actor Ajay Devgn, at the trailer launch of Son of Sardaar 2, responded to questions with his popular phrase “Aata Majhi Satakli,” steering clear of a detailed comment but making his stance felt. Shilpa Shetty, when asked during a film event, acknowledged the issue and added that films today are multilingual and can be dubbed in various languages, including Marathi. She reiterated her own Maharashtrian roots but avoided delving deep into the controversy.
Shikhar Pahariya, known for his relationship with Janhvi Kapoor, also shared a note on social media reflecting on the deeper cultural role of language. He wrote that languages have shaped India’s history and diversity and that pride in one’s mother tongue should never come at the cost of another person’s dignity.
Madhavan’s Current Projects
On the professional front, Madhavan was recently seen in Aap Jaisa Koi alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. The romantic comedy, which released on Netflix on July 11, marked his return to the genre after a while. He is also set to appear in Dhurandhar, a project that adds to his varied filmography.
In an interview with IANS, he shared that he speaks Tamil and Hindi fluently and had studied in Kolhapur, where he also learned Marathi. With this diverse linguistic exposure, Madhavan said, "I have never had any problem because of language – neither because of knowing it nor because of not knowing it." He explained that living and working in different regions of India allowed him to appreciate various languages without feeling excluded or limited.
Backdrop of Language Debate
The actor’s comments come in the midst of renewed tensions over language in Maharashtra. In April, the state government mandated the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in state-run primary schools, in addition to Marathi and English. This move was aligned with the central government’s three-language policy aimed at promoting multilingual education across India.
However, the decision led to widespread criticism and protests. The issue intensified when videos allegedly showing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members confronting non-Marathi speakers surfaced online. These incidents triggered a broader conversation about regional identity, cultural integration, and the treatment of linguistic minorities.
Celebrities Join the Conversation
R Madhavan is not the only public figure to speak on the matter. Singer Udit Narayan also commented on the controversy, saying that while he lives and works in Maharashtra—his “karma bhoomi”—he believes all Indian languages hold equal importance. He stressed the need to respect every regional tongue, as each plays a role in the nation’s cultural fabric.
Actor Ajay Devgn, at the trailer launch of Son of Sardaar 2, responded to questions with his popular phrase “Aata Majhi Satakli,” steering clear of a detailed comment but making his stance felt. Shilpa Shetty, when asked during a film event, acknowledged the issue and added that films today are multilingual and can be dubbed in various languages, including Marathi. She reiterated her own Maharashtrian roots but avoided delving deep into the controversy.
Shikhar Pahariya, known for his relationship with Janhvi Kapoor, also shared a note on social media reflecting on the deeper cultural role of language. He wrote that languages have shaped India’s history and diversity and that pride in one’s mother tongue should never come at the cost of another person’s dignity.
Madhavan’s Current Projects
On the professional front, Madhavan was recently seen in Aap Jaisa Koi alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. The romantic comedy, which released on Netflix on July 11, marked his return to the genre after a while. He is also set to appear in Dhurandhar, a project that adds to his varied filmography.
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