Sanjay Dutt Deflects Marathi Request From Maharashtra Minister

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt found a witty way to dodge an awkward moment at a public event in Mumbai on Sunday, when Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik asked him to address the crowd in Marathi.

The Stage Exchange

The two shared the stage alongside other dignitaries when Sarnaik brought up his department’s push to get more people speaking Marathi, an apparent nod to a recent and controversial rule requiring Mumbai autorickshaw drivers to demonstrate basic proficiency in the language to keep their licenses. After some laughter from the crowd, Sarnaik switched to Marathi and turned the spotlight on Dutt, noting that while the actor typically speaks Hindi, the audience would understand him regardless of the language he chose.

Rather than attempt the language, Dutt referenced his own past, joking that even six years spent in Yerwada Jail hadn’t taught him Marathi. The self-deprecating remark drew laughs and effectively closed the topic. He then embraced Sarnaik warmly, describing him as a friend of 25 years and thanking him for the invitation to the event.

Mixed Reactions Online

Clips of the exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing a divided response. Some users appreciated Dutt’s humor and easy charm in handling a potentially uncomfortable ask, while others were more critical, pointing out that the actor has lived in Maharashtra for decades and questioning why he still hasn’t picked up the local language.

The moment comes amid heightened sensitivity around language politics in Mumbai, with the autorickshaw Marathi mandate already a flashpoint of debate in recent weeks.