Rishab Shetty, the Kannada cinema powerhouse behind the global phenomenon Kantara, shared his enthusiasm for learning Hindi to forge deeper connections with audiences across India during a media interaction in Mumbai on September 29, 2025. The actor-director, gearing up for Kantara Chapter 1’s October 2 release, revealed how his improved Hindi—honed through countless interviews—helps him communicate beyond Karnataka. Proud of his Kannada heritage, Shetty views language learning as a bridge to unity, reflecting India’s linguistic diversity. This revelation, made amid promotions for the multilingual epic, underscores his commitment to pan-Indian storytelling, captivating 467 million social media users in the ₹101 billion entertainment industry.
A Proud Kannadiga’s Pan-India Ambition
Shetty, 42, hails from Udupi, Karnataka, where Kannada is his mother tongue and the lens through which he crafts films. “I think in Kannada, but after doing many interviews, I have developed a bit of Hindi as well,” he said, crediting his progress to necessity and joy. Kantara’s 2022 success—grossing ₹450 crore worldwide and winning National Awards—catapulted him to pan-Indian fame, but Shetty faced flak for speaking Kannada at a Telugu pre-release event in Hyderabad. Undeterred, he emphasized respect for all languages: “In India, there are so many languages, lifestyles, and belief systems, but the core is the same. That’s why it brings me joy to learn another language and speak it.” His Hindi efforts aim to connect with Hindi-heartland viewers for Kantara Chapter 1, releasing in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English.
The Joy of Linguistic Bridges
Shetty’s multilingual journey is personal. “I try my best to make an effort to learn any language which I don’t know,” he shared, viewing it as a gesture of cultural respect. Growing up in Karnataka, he immersed himself in Tulu and Konkani, but Hindi became essential post-Kantara, where his portrayal of Shiva earned global acclaim. The film’s Hindi dub success—₹100 crore in the North—motivated him, but Shetty remains rooted: “I am a proud Kannadiga, and I love Kannada deeply. If I give so much love to my language, I should extend the same to others.” This philosophy drives his upcoming projects, like Jai Hanuman (2025) with Prashanth Varma and a Shivaji Maharaj biopic with Ashutosh Gowariker, both pan-Indian ventures.
Human Impact: From Local Hero to National Voice
For Shetty, learning Hindi is more than utility—it’s empathy. “When we visit a place, speaking their language shows respect,” he said, recalling interactions with Hindi journalists. Fans on X celebrated, trending #RishabSpeaksHindi with clips of his fluent responses. A Mumbai fan told, “Rishab’s effort makes us feel included—true pan-India star.” In India’s 780-language tapestry, his approach counters regional divides, inspiring actors like Yash to embrace multilingualism. Yet, Shetty faces scrutiny for promoting Kannada pride amid Hindi dominance debates, balancing local identity with national appeal.
A Harmonious Horizon
Rishab Shetty’s Hindi learning isn’t assimilation—it’s amplification, asking: Can one language honor many? As Kantara Chapter 1 nears, his roots and reach prove yes, weaving Kannada’s soul into India’s cinematic symphony.
-By Manoj H