Mumbai: Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty, who became a household name after the phenomenal success of Kantara, is now preparing for the much-anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1 with a special focus beyond filmmaking — sharpening his Hindi to connect more effectively with audiences outside Karnataka.
The Kannada star recently addressed media in Mumbai, where he opened up about the language debate that surfaced after he delivered a speech in Kannada at the film’s Telugu pre-release event in Hyderabad last week. Shetty said he sees languages as bridges, not barriers, and emphasised the importance of respecting linguistic diversity in India.
Pride in Kannada, openness to other languages
Shetty, who proudly identifies himself as a Kannadiga, underlined that while Kannada remains at the heart of his thinking and creative process, he actively embraces other languages too. “I think in Kannada, but over time, I’ve developed a bit of Hindi as well. I genuinely enjoy learning new languages because when we visit a place, speaking their language shows respect. That’s why I always make the effort, even if sometimes it backfires,” he explained.
He added that the Hindi he speaks today is the result of countless interviews, interactions, and his own curiosity to expand communication. “If I give so much love and respect to my mother tongue, I should extend the same to others,” Shetty said.
Responding to controversy
The actor faced criticism at the Hyderabad event after delivering his address entirely in Kannada. Social media users questioned why he had not used Telugu, given the local audience. Shetty, however, clarified that his choice was not about linguistic hierarchy but about authenticity. He said he never sees language as a dividing factor but as an expression of identity and respect.
“In India, we have so many languages, lifestyles, and beliefs, but the core is the same. That’s why it makes me happy to learn another language and speak it,” he said.
A pan-India release strategy
With Kantara: Chapter 1 set for release on October 2, Shetty has been making deliberate efforts to reach a broader audience. Written and directed by him, the film will release in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English — reflecting its pan-India ambitions.
The film’s trailer, launched earlier this month, teased a gripping narrative that begins with a boy searching for answers about his father’s disappearance and gradually unfolds into a legend-driven saga. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in what has already become a cultural phenomenon.
Learning as a cultural bridge
Shetty’s approach to languages mirrors his broader philosophy of art and culture. He said his efforts to learn and speak Hindi stem not from compulsion but from joy. “I am a proud Kannadiga, and I love Kannada deeply. But learning Hindi, or any other language, is my way of showing respect and connecting with people. That makes me happy,” he said.
The actor’s comments also reflect a growing trend in the film industry, where regional cinema is increasingly crossing linguistic boundaries to find national and global audiences.
Conclusion
As Kantara: Chapter 1 nears its grand release, Shetty stands as both a cultural ambassador of Kannada cinema and a learner eager to embrace linguistic diversity. His stance offers a fresh perspective on how language, far from dividing communities, can serve as a unifying force in India’s plural society. By blending his rootedness in Kannada with openness to other languages, Shetty is not just preparing for a film’s release but also for a larger dialogue on cultural inclusivity.