Actor Zain Durrani Reacts To Marathi-Hindi Language Row: 'Many People From South…'
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan actor Zain Durrani spoke to News18 Showsha about the ongoing Marathi-Hindi language controversy.
Actor Zain Durrani, fresh off his performance in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, continues to impress audiences not only with his nuanced acting but also with his thoughtful outlook on life and the film industry. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, the Kashmir-based actor spoke about the ongoing Marathi-language war, his perspective on cultural respect, his journey in Bollywood as an outsider, and what lies ahead in his career.
When asked about the ongoing controversy around Marathi-Hindi language in Maharashtra, Zain Durrani was measured yet candid in his response. 'We really need to respect every culture," he said, adding, 'There are so many languages in this country. These days, when I sit with my team from Maharashtra, I try to pick up their language – not to appeal to anyone or to blend in, but just out of respect. There's so much to learn in this country, so many different cultures and languages. At the end of the day, it's about respecting where the other person comes from –whether you're from Kashmir, Punjab, or Maharashtra."
He further noted how unfair it is when people ridicule others' language skills without making similar efforts themselves. 'So many people from the South can speak Hindi, right? But how many of us try to learn their languages? Yet I see people poke fun at them when they speak Hindi. That's very unfair," he stressed. 'What's most important is that we respect all our cultures and hold on to them because that's what will help these traditions survive for the next generation," he explained.
Zain also spoke about his journey in the film industry and whether it's particularly difficult for someone without a film family to crack connections as an outsider. The Shikara actor said, 'Everybody needs to do a certain amount of self-analysis. If you believe you have what it takes to survive, and it's not just about talent – you also need support. You need people around you, whether it's parents or friends. It's not a lone fight. My parents have helped me a lot, and I will never deny the privilege I've been offered from them. I couldn't have survived in this city for so long if not for them. I told them: just think of it as investing in my education until I can stand on my own."
At the same time, he pointed out that even those with a film family face their own pressures. 'Yes, you might have a head start if you belong to a film family, but you also carry a huge weight of expectations. Those of us starting at the back don't have those external expectations. At the end of the day, what really matters and maybe I'm telling myself this too is that it's your resilience, your hard work, and your talent that help you in the long run. Nothing else can."
As for what's next, Zain teased several projects in the pipeline. 'There are plenty of things," he said with a smile. 'I'm not at liberty to name them yet, but there are web projects, and a couple of OTT projects that I've already shot for. We're just waiting for the release dates to be announced. I'm excited for people to see the kind of work I've done because all of the characters are so varied. I can't wait for audiences to see all those colours."
Zain Durrani's latest film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, with Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor is currently in cinemas.
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