Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 14: Actor R Madhavan has weighed in on the ongoing Hindi-Marathi language debate, sharing that he has never faced issues because of language in his life.
Madhavan, who grew up in Jamshedpur (then in Bihar, now Jharkhand) and studied in Kolhapur, said, “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.”
His remarks come amid a heated controversy that erupted in April after the Maharashtra government made Hindi a compulsory third language in state-run primary schools, along with Marathi and English. The situation intensified after videos surfaced allegedly showing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers targeting non-Marathi speakers.
The issue has drawn reactions from across the film industry. At a trailer launch event for Son of Sardaar 2, actor Ajay Devgn responded to the controversy with his iconic line, "Aata Majhi Satakli." Actress Shilpa Shetty acknowledged the row, while Janhvi Kapoor’s partner Shikhar Pahariya shared a thoughtful post on Instagram, urging respect for all languages while emphasising the cultural value of Marathi.
"Language shapes who we are… But that pride cannot come at the cost of others’ dignity. Especially others who are making an honest, hard living," Shikhar wrote.
On the work front, Madhavan is gearing up for the release of Dhurandhar, co-starring Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. He will also reunite with Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh for De De Pyaar De 2, directed by Luv Ranjan.
So far this year, Madhavan has appeared in Kesari 2, Test, and Aap Jaisa Koi, further cementing his versatility across genres and languages.