Why create disharmony in country?: Sonu Nigam reacts to Hindi national language debate
03 May 2022 14:47:34
Mumbai, May 3: Although Hindi is the most spoken language in India, it cannot be imposed over non-Hindi speaking people as the language has not been mentioned as a "national language in the Constitution", said singer Sonu Nigam, sharing his views. This was on the controversy that gained national attention, following a Twitter exchange between Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and Kannada actor Sudeep Sanjeev last week.
"Do we have fewer problems in the country that we need a new one. We are creating disharmony in the country by imposing language on others, saying you are a Tamilian, you should speak Hindi. Why would they? People should have the right to decide the language they want to speak," Nigam added.
While Sudeep pointed out that Hindi is not our national language, Devgn questioned why movies in south Indian languages are dubbed in Hindi.
"As per my knowledge, Hindi is not written as a national language in the Constitution of India. I have consulted experts regarding this also. Hindi is the most spoken language in the country, I understand that. Having said that are we aware that Tamil is world's oldest language? There is a debate between Sanskrit and Tamil. People say Tamil is the oldest language in the entire world, said Nigam, a Padma Shri awardee, when asked about his views on the matter.
Nigam said that the controversy will create unwanted tension in the country, which was already facing many internal problems.
"Do we have fewer problems in the country that we need a new one. We are creating disharmony in the country by imposing language on others, saying you are a Tamilian, you should speak Hindi. Why would they? People should have the right to decide the language they want to speak," Nigam added.
Also Read | Ajay Devgn vs Kiccha Sudeep Over Hindi as National Language
Nigam made the comments during an interaction with Sushant Mehta, the Founder and CEO of BEAST Studios. The heated debate over Hindi as national language once again made national headlines following a heated exchange between Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn and Kannada actor Sudeep Sanjeev on Thursday.
While Sudeep pointed out that Hindi is not our national language, Devgn questioned why movies in south Indian languages are dubbed in Hindi.