'Mr Pan Masala, Hindi was never our national language,' says activists as Ajay Devgn, Sudeep try to end language row

Support poured in for Kannada actor Kichcha Sudeep over the Hindi row and his Twitter conversation with Bollywood star Ajay Devgn as the Kannada film industry and top political leaders backed Sudeep.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday stated that he agreed with Kichcha Sudeep's statement. "Our stand regarding mother tongue is clear. The issue has been addressed at the times of formation of states on the basis of the language. Regional languages are supreme. All should accept it and respect it, Kichcha Sudeep has said the same," he explained.

Opposition leader Siddaramaiah, tagging Ajay Devgn, stated that "Hindi was never and will never be our national language. It is the duty of every Indian to respect the linguistic diversity of our country. Each language had its own rich history for its people to be proud of. I am proud to be a Kannadiga."

Former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy stated that "Hindi is just one among the languages of the nation like Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi. India is a garden of many languages. The attempts to disturb the diversity should not be made."

"Hindi, though spoken by more people, is not the language of all Indians. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Hindi is the second or third language in less than 9 states. In this background, how far are the statements of Ajay Devgn tenable? What does it mean when he says do not dub your movies?" Kumaraswamy questioned.

"Ajay Devgn has spoken like a mouthpiece of BJP and its Hindi nationalism," he said.

Actor and activist Chetan Ahimsa chided Ajay Devgn for his statements, saying, "Mr Pan Masala Ajay Devgn, it is better for you to be quiet rather than talking. Look at your arrogance and ignorance. Hindi was never our national language and it will not be a national language. Your words remind us that stars are empty vessels."

Kannada hero Sathish Neenasam wrote addressing to Devgn that "Hindi movies have made money since years in Karnataka. Kannada movies have just set their foot in Hindi territory. Respect us like how we have respected you. Hindi was never our national language, we support you Kichcha Sudeep sir," he said.

However,  Kiccha Sudeep on Wednesday clarified to Ajay Devgn that the statement he made with regard to Hindi was in a totally different context to the one that Ajay Devgn had understood.

It all started with actor Ajay Devgn tweeting to Kannada actor Kiccha Sudeep, asking him why he was releasing movies in his mother tongue by dubbing them in Hindi, if Hindi was not our national language.

Sudeep, taking to Twitter and quoting Ajay Devgn's Hindi tweet, clarified, saying, "Hello Ajay Devgn sir. The context to why I said that line is entirely different to the way I guess it has reached you. Probably, will emphasis(e) 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 said.

"And sir Ajay Devgn, 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 the situation would be if my response was typed in Kannada!! Don't we too belong to India sir (?)"

Ajay Devgn responded by saying, "Hi Kiccha Sudeep, 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."

Sudeep too responded to this tweet saying, "Translation and interpretations are perspectives sir. That's the reason not reacting without knowing the complete matter, matters. I don't blame you Ajay Devgn sir. Perhaps it would have been a happy moment if I had received a tweet from you for a creative reason. Love and Regards."

After a war-of-words kicked off between Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and South cinema's Kiccha Sudeep on Hindi being the national language of India, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma came out with a statement saying that the "north stars are insecure and jealous of the south stars".

Indo-Asian News Service