Key Takeaways

• It all started when the state Government decided to make Hindi mandatory for Class I students in Marathi and English medium schools.
• This led to a conversation which had many Bollywood celebs also sharing their opinion and insights.
• Don’t force me to speak the language.”At the same time, Shetty emphasised that his stance does not stem from disregard.

Key Development 1

Newsentertainmenthindibollywood'Don't force me to speak the language,' says Suniel Shetty as he gives his strong opinion on the Hindi-Marathi language row: 'I speak better than Maharashtrian kids'TrendingPriyanka ChopraPalash MuchchalAmitabh BachchanAR RahmanDharandhar 2Rimi SenJana NayaganVaranasiVaa Vaathiyaar Box Office CollectionParasakthi Movie CollectionPriyanka ChopraPalash MuchchalAmitabh BachchanAR RahmanDharandhar 2Rimi SenJana NayaganVaranasiVaa Vaathiyaar Box Office CollectionParasakthi Movie CollectionPriyanka ChopraPalash MuchchalAmitabh BachchanAR RahmanDharandhar 2Rimi SenJana NayaganVaranasiVaa Vaathiyaar Box Office CollectionParasakthi Movie Collection'Don't force me to speak the language,' says Suniel Shetty as he gives his strong opinion on the Hindi-Marathi language row: 'I speak better than Maharashtrian kids'TOI Entertainment Desk / etimes.in / Jan 20, 2026, 20:46 ISTCommentsShareAA+Text SizeSmallMediumLarge Very recently, we had seen a debate sparked in Maharashtra regarding the Hindi-Marathi language.

It all started when the state Government decided to make Hindi mandatory for Class I students in Marathi and English medium schools.

Geography, he believes, may change circumstances, but it doesn’t replace who you are.Addressing the frequent questions he receives about Marathi, Shetty challenged the idea of imposed linguistic expectations.

This led to a conversation which had many Bollywood celebs also sharing their opinion and insights.

Key Development 2

Don’t force me to speak the language.”At the same time, Shetty emphasised that his stance does not stem from disregard.

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In a video shared by ANI, Suniel said, "I moved out from here when I was very young, not to be something else and not to be someone else,” he said, explaining that his relocation was driven by opportunity rather than a desire to reinvent his identity.

“If that’s my karmabhoomi, if I learn the language, I is expected to be keeping a lot of people happy,” he said, describing language as a means of connection rather than compliance.He concluded with a remark that reflected both confidence and pride.

Key Development 3

“When somebody says, what about Marathi?

“There is Mangaluru in everything that I do,” Shetty noted, pointing to how deeply his origins influence his values, outlook and work.

Recognising Mumbai as his karmabhoomi, he explained why he still values learning Marathi.

Despite building his career in Mumbai, his sense of self, he said, remained unchanged.

Key Development 4

I say, what about Marathi?” he remarked, questioning why language is often framed as a compulsory marker of belonging.

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Suniel Shetty Seeks Legal Protection Against Deepfake Content That enduring bond with his hometown continues to shape him.

“I speak better Marathi than probably most Maharashtrian kids do in Mumbai today,” he added, suggesting that learning driven by willingness often results in deeper understanding than learning driven by compulsion.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”About the AuthorTOI Entertainment DeskThe TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India.

Key Development 5

Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape.

I is expected to do it when I want to do it.

“No, you’ve got to speak Marathi.

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Key Development 6

I said, I don’t have to do that.

Days after that, now Suniel Shetty has now also weighed in on the language row and shared some strong opinions.

He was unequivocal about resisting force.

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Key Development 7

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