Sonu Nigam opposes Ajay Devgn's National language statement, says, "Why they (Tamils) should speak in Hindi?"

• Image Credit: Internet

• May 3, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Nigam stated that the dispute would create unwelcome friction in the country, which is already dealing with numerous internal issues. 

Digital Desk: Even though Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the country, it cannot be imposed on non-Hindi speaking people because the language is not listed as a "national language" in the Constitution, according to singer Sonu Nigam, who expressed his thoughts on the controversy that erupted last week after a Twitter exchange between Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and Kannada actor Sudeep Sanjeev.

"Hindi is not mentioned as a national language in the Indian Constitution. I have also sought advice from specialists on this. I understand that Hindi is the most widely spoken language in the country. Are we aware that Tamil is the world's oldest language? Between Sanskrit and Tamil, there is a controversy. As per people, Tamil is the world's oldest language," Nigam replied when asked about his thoughts on the topic.

Nigam stated that the dispute would create unwelcome friction in the country, which is already dealing with numerous internal issues. 

"Do we have less difficulties in the country that we need a new one? We are causing conflict in the country by imposing a language on others and telling them that if they are Tamil, they must speak Hindi. Why would they do that? People should be able to choose the language they want to speak," Nigam stated.

During an interview with Sushant Mehta, the Founder and CEO of BEAST Studios, Nigam made the remarks.

"Chodo yaar (Leave all this). Allow them to cool. A Punjabi should communicate in Punjabi, and a Tamil should communicate in Tamil. They will speak in English if they are comfortable with it," stated Nigam, who has sung songs in over 32 languages. 

"Even the judgments in our courts are written in English. The language is also preferred by the flight attendants "he stated

Nigam also recounted an occasion on a flight in which a cabin crew member continued to speak in English despite his reply in Hindi.

Following a heated exchange between Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and Kannada actor Sudeep Sanjeev last week, the controversy over Hindi being a national language has once again grabbed national news.

Devgn questioned why movies in south Indian languages are dubbed in Hindi, while Sudeep pointed out that Hindi is not our native language.

The exchange triggered a social media controversy, which included politicians. Devgn had "blabbered as a BJP spokesperson," by a section of Karnataka leaders.

However, the resistance to Hindi is not limited to the film industry. Following Home Minister Amit Shah's effort to promote Hindi last month, numerous southern leaders warned that imposing Hindi would backfire.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan and Telangana minister KT Rama Rao were among the leaders who came out against Shah's remarks, emphasising India's strength lies in its diversity.