Shiva Rajkumar calls Hindi ‘national language’, sparks controversy

Kannada superstar Shiva Rajkumar has found himself at the centre of a language controversy after his recent remarks referring to Hindi as a “national language” sparked a debate on social media. The actor made the comments at the title launch of his upcoming film ‘Original Monster’ on Monday.During the event, Shiva Rajkumar was asked about delivering Hindi dialogues in the pan-India project, which is being made in Kannada and Hindi. Responding to the question, the actor said, “Why? Hindi is my second language. I can speak Hindi. What did you think? It is an easy language, the national language. How would we not know it? We know it.”Shiva Rajkumar’s Hindi remark sparks social media debateThe comment soon drew criticism online, with some social media users objecting to Shiva Rajkumar’s description of Hindi as a “national language”.One user criticised the actor, writing, “Hindi is not the national language, Shivanna @NimmaShivanna, if you have an infatuation with foreign languages, then go there and tell lies, don't fool people.”Another social media user invoked Shiva Rajkumar’s late father and legendary actor Dr Rajkumar while criticising the remark. They wrote, “Shivarajkumar is unfit to be Dr Rajkumar.... Namma annavru maga. Calling hindi a national language? No wonder why people call him konga. Times like this make us remember puneet Rajkumar/appu and darshan. Bashe abhimana urli swamy. #shivrajkumar.”However, the actor also received support from several fans. Some users argued that Shiva Rajkumar was referring to Hindi’s widespread usage and reach across different parts of the country rather than making a constitutional claim about its status.Shiva Rajkumar’s ‘Original Monster’ marks his Hindi debutThe controversy erupted during the launch of ‘Original Monster’, which marks Shiva Rajkumar’s Hindi debut. Directed by R Chandru, known for ‘Kabzaa’, the film is being mounted as a multilingual action drama.Set between the 1990s and 2000, the film explores themes including strength, violence, money and human nature. Explaining the title, Shiva Rajkumar said the story examines the possibility of a “monster” existing within mankind itself.The film recently went on floors in Bengaluru with a traditional muhurat ceremony. ‘Kantara’ composer B Ajaneesh Loknath is composing the music.Shiva Rajkumar addresses comparisons with Salman Khan’s ‘Monster’‘Original Monster’ has also drawn comparisons with Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Monster’, directed by Vamshi Paidipally. Addressing the speculation, Shiva Rajkumar clarified that the two projects have completely different stories.The actor also made it clear that there is no “Shiva vs Salman” equation, suggesting that the comparison between the two films should not be viewed as a clash between the stars.What do you think is the impact of language controversies in Indian cinema?It raises important discussions on identity.It creates unnecessary drama.It highlights the divide between languages.It has no real impact.3k+ users shared opinion today 5k+ users already voted today Share OpinionAs ‘Original Monster’ progresses, Shiva Rajkumar’s comments about Hindi have added an unexpected layer of attention to the project even before its release, with the debate highlighting the continuing sensitivity surrounding language and regional identity in Indian cinema.