Mumbai, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Veteran actress Nagma has weighed in on the controversy surrounding actor Sanjay Dutt’s recent remarks about not knowing Marathi despite having spent several years in Maharashtra, saying people learn or speak a language depending on their circumstances and personal choices.
Recalling her own experience, Nagma said Marathi was part of her school curriculum and that she also picked up the language through everyday interactions. She noted that her mother was from Maharashtra and that she spoke Marathi with her household help, who was also from the state.
“When we were in school, a language was added to the curriculum. That’s why we had to learn Marathi while living in Maharashtra. We were taught in school. My mother is also from Maharashtra. That’s why I know Marathi,” Nagma said.
“My house help was also from Maharashtra, and so we used to talk to her in Marathi. I have also made a Marathi film. I don’t think we should say anything on freedom of speech,” she added.
Her comments come amid a debate triggered by Sanjay Dutt’s remarks at a recent Dahi Handi event in Thane. Dutt, who attended the Shiv Sena-organised event as a guest, began addressing the gathering in Hindi.
When Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik reportedly asked him to speak in Marathi, Dutt laughed and declined, saying, “I spent 6 years in Yerwada Jail, but still I could not learn Marathi.”
The remark and his refusal to switch to Marathi subsequently generated discussion on social media and in political circles.
Nagma and Dutt have appeared together in several Hindi films. They first shared the screen in Feroz Khan’s action drama Yalgaar (1992), in which Dutt played Vishal Singhal and Nagma portrayed his wife, Anu Singhal. Their romantic song Aakhir Tumhein Aana Hai became popular.
The two later reunited in David Dhawan’s romantic comedy Chal Mere Bhai (2000), where Nagma made a special appearance as Sonia.
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