Ashutosh Rana says language shouldn’t spark fights; says, “We’re better than that” - Read more

Amid the rising debate around Maharashtra ’s language row, actor Ashutosh Rana shared some food for thought. Speaking to a news portal, the actor shared his take on the ongoing debate that has drawn both support and backlash.

A call for peace
While promoting his new film 'Heer Express', the actor responded to a question on the row, calling for people to focus on unity instead of division.

“Mera personal jo maanna hai, woh yeh hai ki bhasha jo hoti hai, woh samvaad ka vishay hoti hai, bhasha kabhi bhi vivaad ka vishay nahin hoti......Toh Bharatvarsh jo hai, woh itna paripakv aur itna adbhut desh hai, jahan par isne saari cheezon ko sweekar kiya hai aur samvaad mein vishwas rakhta hai,” Rana said during the event, as reported by The Free Press Journal.

This comes as the state sees fresh tension between Marathi speakers and those of other lingual backgrounds. There’s been back-and-forth over the new three-language policy, with some regional groups saying it pushes Marathi to the sidelines. Protests, counter-protests, and political speeches have followed.

Rana, meanwhile, tried to keep things grounded, explaining, “India has always accepted differences. It has never believed in fighting over things like this,” he added. “Bharat vivaad mein vishwas nahi rakhta.”

Ground Reality
The policy's been deemed controversial, with some Hindi-speaking migrants in Maharashtra reportedly being targeted, with some clashes even turning violent.

What’s next for Rana?
On the work front, he’ll be seen in 'War 2', 'Alpha', and 'Heer Express', which hits theatres August 8. The cast also includes Divita Juneja, Sanjay Mishra , Gulshan Grover , and more.