Language is a Choice, Not a Chain: R Madhavan Breaks Silence On Hind-Marathi Row

Language Unites, Not Divides: R Madhavan Shares Wisdom on Hindi-Marathi Debate

Language should be uniting, not dividing. This simple but profound philosophy was raised as actor R. Madhavan became the newest celebrity to comment on the raging Hindi-Marathi language debate. 

Madhavan has acted in Tamil and Hindi films as well as in Marathi. He has stated repeatedly that he has never had a problem with language. Why is this relevant? As Maharashtra's new language policy is inspiring protests, Madhavan's views provide a rare unifying voice in this polarized conversation.

Madhavan’s Multilingual Journey - I Speak Tamil, Hindi, and Marathi

Madhavan's resume includes both elements of the business, and he has also led a life that is not much different than this. Madhavan was born in Jamshedpur (now Jharkhand), attended school in Kolhapur, and speaks three languages (here Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi). He rates relatively high on some of the linguistic diversity that a country like India has.‘I've studied in Kolhapur, learnt Marathi, and I consider myself never out of my comfort zone,’ he told IANS. 

These comments come on due to a few incidents where workers of the MNS reportedly attacked the non-Marathi speakers. Language is a point of connection for Madhavan: It is not about imposition, it is about respect for each other.

The Trigger: Maharashtra’s Hindi Mandate at Schools

The row erupted in April 2025, when the government of Maharashtra mandated Hindi as a third language at the primary school level. While the move complied with the national policy of three languages in school, opposition groups claimed the policy undermined the significance of regional identity. The announcement mobilized protests organized by public enterprises with different meanings for politicians. 

It also mobilized public celebrities like Udit Narayan to intervene in favor of a balanced view towards the importance of Marathi, but equally, all Indian languages. Madhavan's neutral stance of knowing nor knowing of the language got far more problematic than Devgn's suspect and un-PC Aata Majhi Satakli comment.

Celebrity Perspectives: Shikhar Pahariya, Shilpa Shetty

The discussion around the  requested apology has resulted in a spectrum of comments from different spheres: 

Shilpa Shetty pointed out the problem, but stressed that the theatre is multilingual.

Shikhar Pahariya (the boyfriend of Janhvi Kapoor) spoke of the need for pride in a language that accommodates no prejudice: Marathi needs to be defended, but not at the expense of others. 

Madhavan's approach differs regarding its adaptability. His upcoming pan-India film, Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh, is a perfect example.

Why Madhavan’s Voice Matters

At a time when we are seeing extreme linguistic polarization, Madhavan's lived experience serves as a model for coexistence. By stating that brain shapes culture but does not have to constrain opportunity, he suggests that Maharashtra should embrace this delicate policy. May his lesson to the people of India be that diversity should be celebrated; it can only find unity by engaging with diversity, one conversation at a time.

A Unifying Voice: Why Madhavan’s Words Resonate Beyond The Language Debate 

R. Madhavan's position goes beyond films; it makes a genuine appeal for sympathy in a culture that can be greatly divided. While policies can shift and tensions increase, his message will remain as subtle as an anthem: In India, language is a choice, not a chain. 

In a country that is still sometimes built on the failure of words, the author's experience builds connectivity. Ultimately, as Madhavan states, the script of togetherness is written in as many languages.