Actress Ketki Chitale, who always remains in the news for her controversial statements, has once again become the center of discussion. Due to a video shared on social media, Ketki has sparked a new controversy. She directly questioned the demand for Marathi to be given classical status, asking, “Does not speaking Marathi cause holes?”
Ketki Chitale said, “We call it classical status, but the word 'classical' itself is Sanskrit. This means the status of that language should be such that it is independent and not based on another language. I do not agree with the criteria set in 2024. I am against it.”
"Give status to all languages!"
Ketaki further said, “This criterion was created to give classical status to Marathi, Bengali, and Assamese languages. But if languages are to be given status, then give it to all languages! Giving status to only one specific language is injustice to others.”
She also said in her video, “A close person of mine told me that Hindi and Urdu languages also do not have classical status. Then they should also fight. But my point is, why would they fight? This whole thing is only due to insecurity. We want status because we are insecure. What happened when status was granted?”
“What harm is caused by not speaking Marathi?”
Responding to those who criticize non-Marathi speakers, Ketaki said, “People say, speak in Marathi. But what major harm has been done by someone who doesn't speak Marathi? Are there holes appearing? No, right! Then why such an outcry? Behind this is only hidden insecurity. It doesn't matter who spoke or who didn't.”
Possibility of escalating controversy
While the Hindi-Marathi language debate is currently heated in the state, Ketaki Chitale's statement may provoke anger among Marathi language enthusiasts. For those fighting for language and identity, Ketaki's statement is considered shocking. Despite being Marathi herself, making such a statement may lead her to face intense opposition on social media.