R Madhavan breaks silence on Hindi-Marathi language controversy, says 'I have never had any...'
In an interview with IANS, he shared that he speaks Tamil and Hindi fluently and had studied in Kolhapur, where he also learned Marathi. With this diverse linguistic exposure, Madhavan said, "I have never had any problem because of language – neither because of knowing it nor because of not knowing it." He explained that living and working in different regions of India allowed him to appreciate various languages without feeling excluded or limited.
Backdrop of Language Debate
The actor's comments come in the midst of renewed tensions over language in Maharashtra. In April, the state government mandated the inclusion of Hindi as a third language in state-run primary schools, in addition to Marathi and English. This move was aligned with the central government's three-language policy aimed at promoting multilingual education across India.
However, the decision led to widespread criticism and protests. The issue intensified when videos allegedly showing Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members confronting non-Marathi speakers surfaced online. These incidents triggered a broader conversation about regional identity, cultural integration, and the treatment of linguistic minorities.
Celebrities Join the Conversation
R Madhavan is not the only public figure to speak on the matter. Singer Udit Narayan also commented on the controversy, saying that while he lives and works in Maharashtra—his 'karma bhoomi'—he believes all Indian languages hold equal importance. He stressed the need to respect every regional tongue, as each plays a role in the nation's cultural fabric.
Actor
Ajay Devgn
, at the trailer launch of Son of Sardaar 2, responded to questions with his popular phrase 'Aata Majhi Satakli,' steering clear of a detailed comment but making his stance felt. Shilpa Shetty, when asked during a film event, acknowledged the issue and added that films today are multilingual and can be dubbed in various languages, including Marathi. She reiterated her own Maharashtrian roots but avoided delving deep into the controversy.
Shikhar Pahariya, known for his relationship with Janhvi Kapoor, also shared a note on social media reflecting on the deeper cultural role of language. He wrote that languages have shaped India's history and diversity and that pride in one's mother tongue should never come at the cost of another person's dignity.
Madhavan's Current Projects
On the professional front, Madhavan was recently seen in Aap Jaisa Koi alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. The romantic comedy, which released on Netflix on July 11, marked his return to the genre after a while. He is also set to appear in Dhurandhar, a project that adds to his varied filmography.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shelter of solidarity: Activists join hands to honour their own on his 60th birthday
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Indian Express
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Ex-Foreign Secy, 26/11 prosecutor among 4 nominated to Rajya Sabha
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India.com
an hour ago
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Wait, You Speak English? 9 Surprising Countries Where English Is The Official Language
New Delhi: During a visit to the White House, Donald Trump leaned in, eyebrows raised. Liberia's President Joseph Boakai had just finished a polished statement in crisp and confident English. Trump looked surprised. 'Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?' he asked. Boakai did not miss a beat. 'English is our official language,' he said. That one exchange, brief and unplanned, lit up a corner of the world many forget exists – the former colonies, the cultural crossroads, the places far from the United Kingdom or the United States where English is not only spoken but written into constitutions and used in courts, classrooms and cabinets. Here's a look at nine countries across Africa, Asia and the Pacific where English is the language of power, policy and everyday life. Liberia: First Language – English A country built by freed African-American slaves, Liberia was modeled after the United States in everything from government structure to language. Today, English remains the primary language in education, politics and media, making the White House moment unsurprising for most Liberians, if not for Americans. Nigeria: First Language – English Home to over 500 native languages, Nigeria turned to English as the neutral glue. Left behind by the British, it quickly became the language of courts, universities and national politics. Nigerian English has its own flavour, often interwoven with Pidgin and local idioms. It is formal in the Senate and casual in Nollywood. Philippines: Languages – English and Filipino Once a Spanish colony and then an American one, the Philippines absorbed English so fully that you will hear it on TV, in schools and even love songs. The American influence never really left, except now it comes with a distinctly Filipino accent, often mixing with Tagalog in everyday conversation. Kenya: Languages – English and Swahili A British legacy that stuck. In Nairobi's high-rises and Mombasa's courthouses, English is the language of contracts, classrooms and CNN interviews. While Swahili holds the cultural heartbeat, English keeps the country plugged into global circuits. Singapore: Languages – English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil This city-state may be multi-lingual, but English is what holds its diversity together. It is the language of education, government and business. On the street, it morphs into Singlish – a blend of English with Chinese, Malay and Indian slang, full of rhythm, attitude and local wit. Rwanda: Languages – English, Kinyarwanda, French, Swahili Post-genocide, Rwanda shifted its gaze eastward, ditching French and embracing English in 2008. The switch signalled new alliances and opened doors to regional trade and diplomacy. Now, children in Kigali learn English in school and officials use it at the African Union. South Africa: Languages – 11 Official Languages, Including English English may share space with Zulu, Xhosa and Afrikaans, but it is the go-to for business, news and international diplomacy. Walk into a courtroom, tune into a live rugby match or watch a presidential address, chances are, English will be at the center. Uganda: Languages – English and Swahili A colonial holdover turned national standard. Uganda speaks English in its schools and parliaments, on its street signs and in its contracts. While tribal languages flourish in homes, English still carries the stamp of officialdom. Fiji: Languages – English, Fijian, Hindi Set in the South Pacific, Fiji does not often make the list of English-speaking nations. But it should. After British rule ended, English stayed behind in classrooms, courtrooms and tourist brochures. Today, it bridges communities across ethnic lines, from native Fijians to Indo-Fijians. These countries did not choose English randomly. Most inherited it from colonisers. Some adopted it out of necessity. Others reshaped it into something uniquely their own. Either way, the language lives on – on islands, in savannahs and across cities far from London or New York.
