Cinema VinesAt a recent gathering in Mumbai, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt shared the stage with Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. The event, which attracted a mix of dignitaries and media, turned unexpectedly humorous when the minister asked the star to speak in Marathi, a language that has become a point of contention for autorickshaw drivers in the city.
During the ceremony, Sarnaik remarked, “Aajkal main sab logon ko Marathi sikha raha hoon,” referring to his department’s new rule that drivers must understand basic Marathi phrases to continue operating in Mumbai. He then challenged Dutt, saying, “So I thought after his entry, let us all get Sanjay Dutt to talk in Marathi. He speaks in Hindi, but all of us understand Marathi.”
Dutt seized the microphone and replied with a self‑deprecating joke: “Pratap bhai. Main 6 saal jail me raha, Yervada mein. Tab bhi Marathi nahi seekh paaya. Main thoda seekha tha.” He then wrapped an arm around Sarnaik, thanked him for the invitation, and noted their friendship had spanned roughly 25 years.
The clip quickly spread across social media, eliciting mixed reactions. Some praised the actor’s wit, with one tweet noting, “Only Sanjay Dutt or Salman Khan can defy a minister like this and still smile.” Others criticized the irony that while drivers face fines for not speaking Marathi, Dutt—who has lived in Maharashtra for over five decades—could not even learn the language during his six‑year stay in Yerwada Jail.
Despite the controversy, the incident highlighted the broader debate over language requirements for public transport operators in Mumbai. Dutt’s candid admission, coupled with his long‑standing presence in the city, sparked discussions about cultural integration and the practical challenges of enforcing such rules.
