#StopHindiImposition: Former CMs Join Ajay Devgn-Kichcha Sudeep Row

Ajay Devgn had tagged Sudeep on Twitter saying, “Hindi was, is and always will be our national language.” Sudeep’s replies, also noting how Devgn had used the Devanagari script, has received backing from many.

New Delhi: Talk on the imposition of Hindi over parts of the country which do not speak the language was re-ignited with an exchange between Hindi film actor Ajay Devgn and Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep on the matter on Twitter. Two former Karnataka chief ministers have now jumped into the fray, taking on the former.

Earlier this month, Union home minister Amit Shah had said Hindi should be accepted as an alternative to English. He added that while it should not replace local languages, states using Hindi would act as a unifier.

Shah also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided that the medium of running the government is the official language and this will definitely increase the importance of Hindi, according to a statement issued by the Union home ministry.

He informed the members that now 70% of the cabinet’s agenda is prepared in Hindi.

Also read: Hindi, the New Hindutva Weapon of Polarisation

This is not the first time that Shah has made such a remark, and like before, reactions from southern and eastern parts of India – which do not speak Hindi as a first language – was less than enthusiastic.

Among those who spoke on the topic was Kichcha Sudeep, who said at a film launch event last week, “Hindi is no more our national language.” Sudeep had been asked how he viewed the record-breaking pan-India success of the Kannada film KGF: Chapter 2.

The film has reportedly earned Rs 850 crore worldwide, with the Hindi dubbed version earning Rs 336 crore since its April 14 release, PTI has reported.

On April 27, Ajay Devgn jumped into the fray by tagging Sudeep on Twitter and saying, “Hindi was, is and always will be our national language.”

“My brother, if according to you if Hindi is not our national language then why do you release films in your mother tongue by dubbing them in Hindi?” he further asked.

 

India does not have a national language, and Hindi and Kannada are among the 22 languages listed in the eighth schedule of the constitution.

In addition, what many commentators found strange was Devgn’s use of Devnagri script for the slam – something that Sudeep as an actor of the south could be assumed to be unfamiliar with.

Sudeep responded saying that Devgn had taken his line out of context.

“Hello @ajaydevgn sir… The context to why I said that line is entirely different to the way I guess it has reached you. Probably will emphasise on why the statement was made when I see you in person. It wasn’t to hurt, provoke or to start any debate. Why would I sir.

“I love and respect every language of our country sir. I would want this topic to rest as I said the line in a totally different context. Much love and wishes to you always. Hoping to seeing you soon,” he wrote in English.

In a follow-up tweet, Sudeep said he understood what Devgn wrote in Hindi but wondered what his fellow actor would do if his response was in Kannada.

“And sir @ajaydevgn, I did understand the text you sent in Hindi. That’s only because we all have respected, loved and learnt Hindi. No offense sir, but was wondering what’d the situation be if my response was typed in Kannada!” he wrote.

“Don’t we too belong to India sir,” Sudeep asked Devgn.

Devgn then thanked Sudeep for “clearing up the misunderstanding” and said he wanted to ensure that people respect all languages.

“Hi @KicchaSudeep, You are a friend. thanks for clearing up the misunderstanding. I’ve always thought of the film industry as one. We respect all languages and we expect everyone to respect our language as well. Perhaps, something was lost in translation,” he added.

Translation and interpretations are “perspectives”, Sudeep said in his response to Devgn.

“That’s the reason not reacting without knowing the complete matter, matters. I don’t blame you @ajaydevgn sir. Perhaps it would have been a happy moment if I had received a tweet from you for a creative reason. Love and regards,” Sudeep concluded.

Devgn’s erroneous declaration that Hindi was India’s national language invited comments from others too, including former Karnataka chief ministers H.D. Kumaraswamy and Siddaramaiah.

Janata Dal (Secular) chief Kumaraswamy posted a seven-part tweet, observing that Devgn was perhaps eager to toe the Bharatiya Janata Party line.

Congress leader Siddaramaiah, too, quote-tweeted Devgn, noting that Hindi “was never and will never be” the country’s national language.

The hashtag #StopHindiImposition and #HindiIsNotNationalLanguage was used by several on Twitter, eventually trending. Users pointed to the film industry’s trends, with some highlighting how remakes and dubbings have made films successful.