Siddharth says 'language debate is motivated and unnecessary' | Exclusive

Siddharth is known for his work both in Hindi cinema and South Indian films. He spoke to indiatoday.in about the ongoing language debate.

A Twitter exchange between Ajay Devgn and Kichha Sudeep recently started the ‘language’ debate. The North VS South debate has been ongoing for the longest time and, while cinema with its glorious numbers has managed to bridge the gap, such conversations seem never-ending. Rang De Basanti star Siddharth who has worked in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu cinema, was not surprised by the debate.

Speaking to indiatoday.in exclusively, Siddharth mentioned that the debate is “motivated” and “unnecessary”. While speaking about the language debate, Siddharth, who is geared up for Escaype Live release, told India Today, “I think it is a very unnecessary situation that is being created to confuse people. Nothing in today’s world happens organically on its own. Everything is motivated. So if you are seeing this happening and trending, I promise you someone is motivating this. Yeh jaanboojkar kia jaa raha hai.”

The actor added, “I am an artist, and I can say it with pride that I can speak better Hindi than many others from the Hindi film industry. All my scripts, in fact, come written in Devnagiri. I don’t like my Hindi script written in English, which happens in most of Mumbai. And regarding other languages, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, I try to speak any language the way the locals speak.”

Hi @KicchaSudeep, You are a friend. thanks for clearing up the misunderstanding. I’ve always thought of the film industry as one. We respect all languages and we expect everyone to respect our language as well. Perhaps, something was lost in translation

Siddharth explained, “I have worked in Tamil films where I have played a Tamilian. I have worked in Telugu films. I have played a Bhagat Singh and a Karan Singhania too. I am now playing a Kannadiga on Escapye Live. A lot of North Indians feel that Kannada and Tamil are the same. No, different states have different languages. I learnt Kannadiga for my character in Escaype Live because if I go wrong, in the current instant justice system on social media, Tamilians and Kannadigas, both, will get upset. I need both my audiences to be happy.”

Speaking about the stereotypes faced earlier, Siddharth shared, “I feel the Hindi audience who don’t know much about South Indians, jinko Mehmood jaise popular kalakaron ne bohut mazak udake, kaala hone pe, South Indian hone pe, Kaif cheezein ki hai, but that was a different time. I am not blaming anyone. The times have changed. People often tell me that my Hindi is very good. I am very proud to be able to communicate in multiple languages.”

Before ending, he asserted, “I feel language is a tool just like social media. If you use it wisely, it is great, and if you misuse it, it will lead to such outdated discussions.”