Shiva Rajkumar Apologises Over ‘Hindi Is National Language’ Remark, Says ‘I Got Confused’
Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar has apologised for his comment about Hindi yesterday, saying that he had misspoken and called it the national language of India. The actor said that during a recent event he had misspoken and said that Hindi is one of the languages spoken in the country.
The comment had been criticised on social media — among sections of Kannada-speaking audience and those in India’s long-running language debate too. Shiva Rajkumar (who is preparing to make his Hindi debut with Original Monster) has now tried to clear the air and said every Indian language matters for its speakers.
Shiva Rajkumar Clarifies Hindi Remark
Speaking to the media at an event for Original Monster, Shiva Rajkumar said he had used wrong terminology while talking about Hindi. “I was saying Hindi is one of India’s languages and I got confused.”
The actor apologised for the remark and said Kannada as well as other Indian languages were important. Hindi is important to those who speak it just like Kannada is important to people who speak Kannada.
His clarification came after a video of his earlier remarks went viral on social media. The statement had led to discussions around language, identity, and Hindi in pan-India cinema.
What Did Shiva Rajkumar Say Earlier?
At the title launch of Original Monster, Shiva Rajkumar was asked if he would be speaking Hindi dialogues in a pan-India film. He replied, saying that Hindi is his second language for him and he can speak it.
He then went on to describe Hindi as the “national language”, which got a lot of attention online.
Some social media users criticized the comment for not taking into account that Hindi is spoken widely, but it’s not constitutional. India does not have a national language constitutionally defined (Hindi and English are official languages of the Union, as well as state languages).
Actor Says Every Language Is Important
In his subsequent apology, Shiva Rajkumar was conciliatory. Instead of defending the original wording, he said that he had made a mistake and apologised.
He also emphasised the importance of Kannada (language) — “It is important for those who speak it”. At the same time, he said Hindi is equally important to those who speak it.
The clarification appears to have been intended to put an end to the controversy and reinforce the idea that India’s linguistic diversity should be respected.
The debate also speaks to the sensitivity around language in the Indian film industry. Films are increasingly being released across multiple languages, and actors from different regional industries interact with audiences speaking different languages all the time (since most films are shot in multiple languages).
Original Monster Marks His Hindi Debut
Meanwhile, Shiva Rajkumar is gearing up for his Hindi debut with Original Monster. R Chandru directs it, and the film is made in Kannada and Hindi as well.
The project is expected to be a milestone in Shiva Rajkumar’s career as he steps out of the Kannada film industry. He has already created a fan following through his body of work in Kannada cinema.
His Hindi debut has attracted audiences who want to see the veteran Kannada star in a new language and film setting.
Controversy Gives Way to Clarification
Language statements by big film personalities are always in the news — especially when they concern the status of regional languages. Shiva Rajkumar’s apology and clarification have given him an explanation for his controversial remark.
By saying he was confused and had used the wrong term, the actor has tried to move on. His latest comments also reaffirm his respect for Kannada while at the same time acknowledging Hindi and other Indian languages as important.
Original Monster goes forward now, and the focus will be back on the film again and Shiva Rajkumar’s eagerly awaited Hindi debut. For the actor, it is a reminder of how closely every statement by a major star is followed in today’s social media-driven entertainment industry.
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