'I don’t have to speak...': Why Suniel Shetty doesn't want to be forced to speak Marathi

Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has once again ignited discussion around identity, language and belonging in Mumbai, offering a nuanced perspective on the Marathi language debate that avoids easy binaries. Speaking candidly, Shetty reflected on his roots and personal journey, stressing that cultural pride should be embraced, not enforced.

What did Suniel Shetty say?

In a video shared by ANI, Suniel said, "I moved out from here when I was very young, not to be something else and not to be someone else,” he said, explaining that his relocation was driven by opportunity rather than a desire to reinvent his identity. Despite building his career in Mumbai, his sense of self, he said, remained unchanged.

“There is Mangaluru in everything that I do,” Shetty said. “When somebody says, what about Marathi? I say, what about Marathi?” he remarked, questioning why language is often framed as a compulsory marker of belonging. He was unequivocal about resisting force. “No, you’ve got to speak Marathi. I said, I don’t have to do that. I will do it when I want to do it. Don’t force me to speak the language.”


At the same time, Shetty emphasised that his stance does not stem from disregard. Recognising Mumbai as his karmabhoomi (workplace), he explained why he still values learning Marathi. “If that’s my karmabhoomi, if I learn the language, I will be keeping a lot of people happy,” he said, describing language as a means of connection rather than compliance.

“I speak better Marathi than probably most Maharashtrian kids do in Mumbai today,” he added, suggesting that learning driven by willingness often results in deeper understanding than learning driven by compulsion.
On the work front, Suniel Shetty will next feature in Ahmed Khan's 'Welcome To The Jungle' and 'Hera Pheri 3'. The release dates of both movies are yet to be announced.