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Devgn made his directorial debut in 2008 with the drama "U Me Aur Hum" and followed it up with his 2016 action movie "Shivaay" and "Runway 34" | Pic: Twitter/Ajay Devgn

Is Hindi national language? Actors Sudeep and Ajay Devgn slug it out on Twitter

Agencies
27 April 2022 8:46 PM IST  (Updated:2022-04-28 12:29:36)

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and multilingual film actor Kichcha Sudeep engaged in an argument on Twitter on the topic of whether Hindi is a national language or not.

However, Sudeep clarified that the context in which he made the statement was different from the way it was perceived and that it was not intended to provoke, hurt or start a debate.

The trigger for the argument was Sudeep’s statement three days ago during a function in Bengaluru where the who’s who of the Kannada film industry celebrated the nationwide success of KGF-2 starring Yash.

When the event’s compere said KGF-2 had a pan-India effect, Sudeep said Hindi is no more a national language.

“You (compere) said the Kannada film (KGF-2) had pan-India effect. Let there be a correction – Hindi is no more a national language. Hindi (film industry) should say that they are doing pan-India films today. They are struggling and dubbing their movies in Tamil and Telugu, yet it is not happening (business),” Sudeep had said.

Sudeep added that a pan-India movie was not the concept because people are just making films which reached everywhere due to dubbing.

He explained that way back in the 1970s, China started dubbing Chinese films into English and it was accepted whereas in India the process started quite late.

“Language is just a barrier. Today, it is broken. Its no more pan India. (The term) Pan India is coming Mumbai,” Sudeep said.

This statement did not go down well with Ajay Devgn.

He tweeted in Hindi, which translated to, “@KicchaSudeep, my brother, according to you if Hindi is not our national language then why do you release your movies, made in your mother tongue, by dubbing them in Hindi? Hindi was, is and always will be our mother tongue and national language. Jan Gan Man.”

Sudeep replied, 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 emphasis on why the statement was made when I see you in person. It wasnt to hurt, provoke or to start any debate. Why would I sir?

The Kannada actor reminded Devgn that he did understand the text that was sent on Twitter in Hindi.

“Thats only coz we all have respected, loved and learnt Hindi. No offense sir but was wondering whatd the situation be if my response was typed in Kannada.!! Dont we too belong to India sir?” Sudeep said.

Sudeep further said: “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. Mch luv and wshs to you always. Hoping to seeing you soon (sic).”

To this, Devgn replied, “Hi @KicchaSudeep, You are a friend. thanks for clearing up the misunderstanding. Ive 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 (sic)”.

Later, Sudeep tweeted, “Translation & interpretations are perspectives sir. Tats the reason not reacting wothout 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 u for a creative reason. Luv&Regards (sic).”

Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah tweeted in response to Devgn, “Hindi was never & will never be our National Language. It is the duty of every Indian to respect linguistic diversity of our Country. Each language has its own rich history for its people to be proud of. I am proud to be a Kannadiga!!”

Kannada film actress and former MP Ramya too joined the conversation and said Devgn’s ignorance was baffling. “No- Hindi is not our national language. @ajaydevgn Your ignorance is baffling. And it’s great that films like KGF Pushpa and RRR have done so well in the Hindi belt- art has no language barrier. Please enjoy our films as much as we enjoy yours- #stopHindiImposition (sic).”

Ajay DevgnHindiNational languageSudeep
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