Ajay Devgn, Sudeep bury the hatchet after language tweetstorm

A few days back Kannada actor Sudeep, while promoting his film R: The Deadliest Gangster Ever, answered a question about the Kannada film KGF: Chapter 2 becoming a pan-India hit. 

He said, “You said that a pan-India film was made in Kannada. I’d like to make a small correction. Hindi is no more a national language. They are doing pan-India films today. They are struggling by dubbing in Telugu and Tamil, but it’s not happening. Today, we are making films that are going everywhere.”

Reacting to his comment, Ajay Devgn tweeted in Hindi, “Brother Kiccha Sudeep, if, according to you, Hindi is not our national language, why are you dubbing your films in Hindi and releasing them? Hindi was, is and will remain our mother tongue and national language. Jan Gan Man.” 

What Devgn said isn’t factually correct because India doesn’t have a national language. There are 22 official languages listed under the eighth schedule of the Constitution of which Hindi is one. Several Twitter users pointed out the error in the actor’s statement. 

An hour after Devgn aired his views, Sudeep reacted, tweeting, “Hello Ajay Devgn sir. The context to why I said that line is entirely different to the way I guess it has reached you. Probably will emphasis on why the statement was made when I see you in person. It wasn't to hurt, provoke or to start any debate. Why would I sir (sic).” 

He added in another tweet, “I love and respect every language of our country sir. I would want this topic to rest, as I said the line in a totally different context. Much love and wishes to you always. Hoping to seeing you soon.” 

Devgn replied immediately, tweeting, “Hi Sudeep, 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.”

To this, Sudeep said, “Translation and interpretations are perspectives sir. Thats the reason not reacting without knowing the complete matter matters. I don't blame you Ajay Devgn sir. Perhaps it would have been a happy moment if I had received a tweet from you for a creative reason. Love and Regards.” 

Taking a dig at Devgn’s first tweet, he added, “I did understand the text you sent in Hindi. That’s only because we all have respected, loved and learnt Hindi. No offense sir, but was wondering what'd the situation be if my response was typed in Kannada.!! Don't we too belong to India sir.”