Prithviraj Sukumaran on Language Debate: “India’s Strength Lies in Unity in Diversity, Not Uniformity”

New Delhi Chronicle Entertainment Desk

Prithviraj Sukumaran, one of the most versatile stars in Indian cinema, has built an impressive career working across industries — from Malayalam films to Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. Now, as he promotes his latest Hindi project Sarzameen, the actor has opened up about his views on the ongoing language debate in the country, emphasizing how cinema can bridge cultural and linguistic divides.

Language Should Unite, Not Divide

In recent years, language-related disputes, particularly in states like Maharashtra, have become a sensitive issue. Sharing his perspective on the matter, Prithviraj says,

“Maybe I’m old-fashioned because I come from a time when this was never even a topic of discussion. For me, language was never a barrier; it was just part of our shared identity as Indians.”

The actor recalls his days at Sainik School, where he grew up surrounded by classmates from across India. “We spoke different languages, came from different states, and yet, we never saw it as a division,” he explains. “Somewhere along the way, we’ve forgotten that the soul of this nation is unity in diversity — not uniformity despite diversity.”

A Pan-Indian Approach to Cinema

Known for his seamless transitions between regional and Hindi cinema, Prithviraj believes in focusing on good storytelling rather than limiting himself to one industry.

“I can’t speak for others, but I’ve never looked at my career as a shift from one language to another,” he says. “If a great script comes from Assamese cinema, I’d do it. If tomorrow a Bhojpuri filmmaker offers me an interesting story, I’d happily consider it. I’ve just come from a Telugu film set, I’m promoting a Hindi movie now, and next I’ll be shooting a Malayalam project.”

This philosophy, he believes, not only reflects his personal journey but also showcases how cinema can rise above linguistic barriers and unite audiences across the country.