What Ajay Devgn Has Said Isn't Wrong: Kangana Ranaut on National Language Row

Celebrities and politicians have reacted to Ajay Devgn and Sudeep's debate on the "national language".

Kangana Ranaut speaks on the Ajay Devgn-Sudeep debate.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

Kangana Ranaut is the latest celebrity to weigh in on the "national language debate" that was started by actors Ajay Devgn and Sudeep. At the trailer launch of her upcoming film Dhaakad, Kangana said, "We can't fathom how dark our colonial history is. Fortunately or unfortunately, English has become that link. Today, even within the country, we are using English to communicate. Should English be the link or should it be Hindi, Sanskrit or Tamil? A decisive call should be taken on that. As of now, according to our Constitution, Hindi is the National Language".

The actor added, "What Ajay Devgn said isn't wrong. However, if someone says Kannada or Tamil is older than Hindi, they aren't wrong as well. If you ask me, I would say Sanskrit is the legitimate language since English, German French have stemmed out of Sanskrit".

Kangana continued by saying that everyone wants their language to be the National Language, but that can't be the case. "Our country boasts of a lot of diversity, so there are many languages and cultures. Everyone has the right to be proud of their own culture. For instance, I am a pahadi. But to make our country one unit, there has to be a common thread. So we have to respect the Constitution, that made Hindi the National Language. If you ask my opinion, I think Sanskrit should be the National Language".

On the North-South Divide

Speaking about the North-South divide Kangana said, "The whole debate about North Indian and South Indian films is so unfortunate. The South has always received a stepmotherly treatment. That's why now, with so many films from there doing so well pan-India, it feels like a victory. It shouldn't have been that only in the first place. I have said this before, Bollywood has always been a close-knit circle. They never allowed any outsiders. Now the debate is stemming because the South actors are getting their dues, which is rightfully theirs. The argument about them taking away screens doesn't hold only. It's their country, they can choose to screen their films wherever they want".