Sanjay Dutt sparks Marathi language debate in Maharashtra

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has sparked a political debate in Maharashtra following comments regarding the Marathi language. During a Dahi Handi event in Thane, hosted by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Dutt was asked to speak in Marathi.

Dutt responded humorously, stating that despite spending six years in Yerwada Jail, he was still unable to fully learn the language. While the exchange was met with laughter from the audience, it has reignited discussions regarding language identity in the state.

BJP legislator Narendra Mehta criticized the incident, suggesting a double standard exists where pressure to speak Marathi is placed on common citizens, such as auto drivers, while different rules seem to apply to celebrities and politicians on public platforms.