The Marathi language row has gained momentum in Maharashtra ever since MNS leaders resorted to violence against people not knowing it. Several celebs have voiced out their opinions on such activities and the government’s decision to make the language compulsory in schools. Now, actor Aamir Khan recently revealed how he learnt Marathi at the age of 44 after he felt ashamed of not knowing his Rajyabhasha.
Aamir Khan on learning Marathi
Speaking to IANS, the Laal Singh Chaddha actor said, “I feel, whichever field you are in, the more languages you know, the more beneficial it will be. So, it is in your interest to know as many languages as you can. I am a little weak when it comes to languages. It takes me a lot of time to learn a new language.”
Aamir revealed that he did not know Marathi till the age of 44, and he learned his Rajyabhasha after that with the help of a teacher. “When I was around 44, I realized that I do not know the Marathi language – although Marathi is taught in school, I did not pay much attention. I felt that it was a matter of shame that I did not know my Rajyabhasha. Then, I hired a Marathi teacher and I learned Marathi from him. Now, I am able to speak decent Marathi,” he revealed.
About Marathi language row
Recently, there has been a massive language row going on in Mumbai, where it is believed that every resident must know Marathi and should only speak in that language while in the state. It all started in April this year when the Maharashtra government passed a decision to make Hindi a compulsory third language in schools. After this move, several incidents have been reported where alleged MNS workers got into a heated argument with people in Mumbai and Pune who refused to speak Marathi. Several celebs have condemned the violence and shared their thoughts on the row.
Aamir upcoming movies
On Wednesday, Aamir announced digital release of Sitaare Zameen Par on Youtube. The film will have its digital release under the pay-per view model, where every user will have to pay Rs 100 to access the film. Aamir introduced this model as ‘janta ka theatre’ and claimed that this will make cinema more accessible to the audience.