Shiva Rajkumar apologises over Hindi remark at Original Monster event: 'Similarly our language is important to us'

Shiva Rajkumar (Picture via X)

Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar has apologised for his recent comment referring to Hindi as the "national language", which sparked a debate on social media. The actor, who is set to make his Hindi debut with Original Monster, clarified that he had misspoken and stressed that every Indian language holds importance.

Shiva Rajkumar finds himself in a 'Hindi' controversy

The controversy erupted at the title launch of Original Monster, when Shiva was asked about delivering Hindi dialogues in the pan-India project. Responding to the question, the actor said that Hindi was his second language and added that it was an "easy language" and the "national language".

The remark drew criticism from sections of social media, with several users objecting to Hindi being described as India's national language. However, some also came to the actor's defence, suggesting that he may have been referring to Hindi's widespread usage rather than making a statement about its constitutional status.

Addressing the controversy at a recent Original Monster event, Shiva acknowledged his mistake and apologised for the comment. He clarified that he had intended to refer to Hindi as one of the languages spoken in India but got confused while speaking.

Addresses the controversy

"I called Hindi the national language. It is one of the languages. Our language (Kannada) is important for us, always. I don't know, I got confused with one of the Indian languages. I apologise, I did not know," he said.

The actor further emphasised that the importance of one language should not diminish the significance of another. "Their language is Hindi, our language is Kannada, their language is important to them. Similarly our language is important to us," he added.

Shiva's clarification comes as he prepares to expand his presence beyond the Kannada film industry. Original Monster, directed by R Chandru, is being made in both Kannada and Hindi and marks the veteran actor's Hindi debut.

The film is expected to position Shiva in a new space as he takes on a project aimed at a wider pan-India audience. His recent clarification also highlights the sensitivity surrounding language identity, particularly when actors from regional industries venture into films made for audiences across the country.

With Original Monster, Shiva is looking to make his Hindi debut while continuing to remain closely connected to his Kannada roots. The actor's apology appears to have been aimed at putting the language controversy to rest while reiterating his respect for Kannada and other Indian languages. Earlier, Shiva was seen in Peddi.