Janhvi Kapoor`s BF Shikhar Pahariya Comments On Marathi Language Row Controversy

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JULY 09,2025

While many accuse Bollywood celebrities of being tight-lipped on their political views, there is Shikhar Pahariya, who commented on the ongoing Marathi language row controversy. For the uninitiated, he is Janhvi Kapoor's boyfriend.

Shikhar, who has deeply rooted connections with Indian politics, is the grandson of Sushil Kumar Shinde, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra who served from 2003 to 2004.

Now, he took to social media and shared a long note, expressing his views about the ongoing movement introduced by the Maharashtra government, which is gaining momentum where Hindi will be introduced as a mandatory third language after English and Marathi.

Shikha Pahariya on the Marathi language row

The skilled polo player took to his Instagram and shared a rather long note, expressing his views over the ongoing language debate.

He wrote, 'Asmita, a sense of self and identity, should uplift, not divide. It should give us pride, not prejudice, no matter where in India we are from or what language we speak. Marathi Asmita is real. It is deep, emotional, and rooted in our way of life.'

Also Read:Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya's Affectionate Getaway Grabs Headlines

Shikhar extended support to migrants in cities like Mumbai and said, 'As someone from Solapur, I understand this deeply. Language shapes who we are it has shaped our states and our stories and given us poets, songs, and revolutions. Marathi is no exception. It must be preserved, protected, and passed on, just like all of our languages. But that pride cannot come at the cost of others' dignity. Especially others who are making an honest, hard living.'

'So many from Solapur travel to Delhi, Chennai, or Kolkata to work hard and build a future. Imagine if they were made to feel unwelcome there, humiliated for the language they spoke. What would we say then? When people are struggling and working hard, away from their families, this imposition through violent action is unacceptable. It is not a tragedy that people speak Hindi, Tamil, or Gujarati in Mumbai. The real tragedy is believing this is a threat to Marathi. We cannot keep a language alive through fear,' he continued.

Shikhar Pahariya concluded by writing, 'Mumbai, Maharashtra, and India belong to all those who live with dignity, work with honesty, and speak with kindness, whatever their language. Let our Marathi Asmita shine through inclusion, not intimidation. Let us protect Marathi by celebrating it, not weaponising it.'

The latest uproar comes amid the violent measures taken by MNS workers against people in Mumbai and Pune who refuse to speak in Marathi or are not familiar with the language.