‘Abhi main Hindi mein bolu?': Here's why the internet is defending Kajol for refusing to speak in Hindi at an event

Time of India

a day ago

Mountain out of a mowhill? Kajol's comment, 'Abhi main Hindi mein bolu?' at a recent Marathi film event has sparked a wave of reactions online, from light criticism to widespread support. In the viral clip, she pauses before speaking in Hindi and opts to speak in Marathi instead, aligning with the cultural tone of the event. While a few questioned her choice to skip Hindi, many social media users praised her for honoring the regional language and showing cultural awareness.
BIG NEWS 🚨 Kajol refuses to speak in Hindi at an event.MEDIA : Ma'am please speak in Hindi also.KAJOL : Abhi main Hindi mein bolun? Now I should speak in Hindi too? Whoever wants to understand, will understand. Jisko samazna hai samaz lega Kajol continued the entire… pic.twitter.com/04GB5fbCCW
Why the internet is defending Kajol for refusing to speak in Hindi
Supporters argued that since the event was dedicated to Marathi cinema, it made perfect sense for Kajol, who herself has Marathi roots, to speak in the regional language. Many also highlighted the importance of promoting regional languages in a linguistically diverse country like India. What seemed like a small moment quickly evolved into a larger discussion about language pride, inclusivity, and the undue criticism celebrities often face over their language choices.
In the video, after refusing to speak in Hindi the actress could be heard answering the media's questions in English and Marathi.
Reacting to the video going viral, one wrote, 'Why the drama over Kajol not speaking Hindi? It was a Marathi film award event, organised by the Marathi state govt. She spoke in Marathi — what's the problem?.' Another added, 'It was a Marathi awards function. So she spoke in Marathi which is her mother tongue'
Why the drama over Kajol not speaking Hindi?It was a Marathi film award event, organised by the Marathi state govt. She spoke in Marathi — what's the problem?In fact, people should feel proud. Like a true Hindu, she respected her karma bhoomi, Maharashtra 🇮🇳Not everything…
It was a Marathi awards function So she spoke in Marathi which is her mother tongueShe didn't want to repeat it allSo really, we are making a mountain out of a molehill
Just because she is a Bollywood actress, she should speak in Hindi? Does the same rule apply to Kamal Hassan, Prabhash, etc.?But yeah she could have been a bit respectful while denying to speak in Hindi. No need to be arrogant.
A third went on to add, 'Kajol speaks Bengali, Marathi, English, Hindi - makes her multilingual. In Free India, is there a compulsion to speak a particular language?'
Kajol's Marathi roots and filmy background
Kajol inherits her Marathi roots from her mother, the acclaimed actress Tanuja, who hails from a distinguished Marathi film lineage. Her maternal grandmother, Shobhna Samarth, was a prominent name in both Marathi and Hindi cinema, while her grandfather, Kumarsen Samarth, was a respected Marathi filmmaker. The legacy goes even further back, Kajol's great-grandmother, Rattan Bai, was also an actress, making the performing arts a true family tradition.
Although she grew up in a bilingual household, with her father, Shomu Mukherjee, being Bengali, Kajol has consistently expressed pride in her Marathi heritage. Despite building her career largely in Hindi cinema, she has often spoken fondly of her cultural roots and embraced them publicly.
What do you think about this? Was Kajol right?