Nagma Weighs in on Sanjay Dutts Marathi Language Controversy
Actress Nagma comments on Sanjay Dutts refusal to speak Marathi, emphasizing the role of personal circumstances in language learning.
Mumbai, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Actress Nagma recently shared her thoughts on Sanjay Dutt’s refusal to speak Marathi during a public event in Thane, Maharashtra. Dutt’s comments sparked significant discussion on social media and within political circles after he declined to address the audience in Marathi at a Dahi Handi festival organized by the Shiv Sena.
Reflecting on her own experiences, Nagma emphasized that learning a language is largely dependent on an individual’s circumstances and needs. “When we were in school, a language was included in our syllabus. Living in Maharashtra, we had to learn Marathi, and it was taught in schools. My mother is also from Maharashtra, which helped me learn the language,” she explained. She added that her proficiency improved through conversations with people around her, including a domestic worker from Maharashtra with whom she communicated in Marathi. Nagma has also acted in a Marathi film, reinforcing her connection to the language.
Dutt’s remarks came during a recent Dahi Handi event where he initially addressed attendees in Hindi. When Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik requested him to speak in Marathi, Dutt humorously declined, stating, “I spent six years in Yerwada Jail, but I still couldn’t learn Marathi.” This statement ignited debates online, with some questioning his perspective while others viewed it as a matter of personal choice.
Nagma’s comments are particularly noteworthy given her long-standing professional relationship with Dutt. The two have appeared together in several films, starting with the 1992 action movie “Yalgaar,” directed by Feroz Khan, where Dutt played the role of Vishal Singhal and Nagma portrayed his wife, Anu Singhal. They also shared the screen in the 2000 romantic comedy “Chal Mere Bhai,” where Nagma made a special appearance as Sonia.
As the conversation around language and identity continues, Nagma’s insights highlight the complexities of cultural expression in a diverse society.
