Amid the growing Hindi-Marathi language debate in Maharashtra, actor R. Madhavan has addressed the issue with calm confidence and personal clarity. While several celebrities have commented on the controversy, Madhavan’s voice stands out—rooted in his diverse upbringing and multilingual background.
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“I Speak Tamil, Hindi, Marathi – Never Faced Any Problem”
In a recent interview, the actor shared his personal experience, stating that language has never been a barrier in his life.
“No, I have never experienced it. I speak Tamil. I speak Hindi. And I have studied in Kolhapur also. I have learnt Marathi also. So, I have never had any problems because of language,” Madhavan said.
Born in Jamshedpur, raised in Bihar (now Jharkhand), and educated across various Indian states, Madhavan emphasized that India’s linguistic diversity is its strength—not a dividing factor.
What Sparked the Controversy?
The Hindi-Marathi row escalated earlier this year after the Maharashtra government mandated Hindi as a third language in state-run primary schools, alongside Marathi and English.
This decision drew backlash from regional parties, particularly the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Viral videos surfaced showing MNS workers allegedly confronting non-Marathi speakers, further fueling the debate on language, identity, and inclusion.
Bollywood Reacts
Several celebrities have reacted differently to the situation:
- Ajay Devgn, at a trailer launch for Son of Sardaar 2, responded with his iconic “Aata Majhi Satakli” line, keeping it light-hearted.
- Shilpa Shetty acknowledged the issue and urged for mutual respect.
- Shikhar Pahariya, Janhvi Kapoor’s partner, took to Instagram, writing:
“Language shapes who we are… but that pride cannot come at the cost of others’ dignity.”
Madhavan Stands for Unity
By stating that he has never experienced language-based bias, R. Madhavan subtly reinforced the idea that India’s strength lies in coexistence. His words resonate strongly at a time when linguistic politics are once again in the spotlight.
What’s Next for R. Madhavan?
On the work front, Madhavan is all set to appear in the upcoming multi-starrer ‘Dhurandhar’ alongside Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. He will also reunite with Ajay Devgn in ‘De De Pyaar De 2’, directed by Luv Ranjan.
Earlier this year, he featured in ‘Kesari 2’, ‘Test’, and the romantic drama ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’.
By – Nikita