Bollywood actress Kajol has found herself at the center of a social media storm after a video went viral showing her snapping at a journalist who requested her to speak in Hindi during a press interaction. The incident, which unfolded during a promotional event, has triggered widespread criticism from netizens who accused the veteran actress of being disrespectful and “elitist”, with some even suggesting she should “stop doing Hindi films” if she refuses to speak the language.
The Viral Moment
In the now widely-circulated clip, Kajol is seen being asked by a reporter, “Can you speak in Hindi please?” To which she retorted sharply, “Why? Am I not speaking clearly enough? Do you have a problem with English?” Her tone and body language were perceived by many as curt and dismissive, igniting immediate backlash across social platforms.
Netizens React: “Bollywood Is Built On Hindi”
Soon after the video surfaced, hashtags like #SpeakHindiKajol and #BoycottKajol began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many users reminded the actress that Bollywood is primarily a Hindi-language film industry, and as such, interacting with fans and media in Hindi shouldn’t be seen as a burden.
One user posted,
“If you’re uncomfortable speaking Hindi, maybe stop doing Hindi films and try Hollywood instead.”
Another wrote,
“Your fame and fortune come from Hindi films. Respect the language and the audience.”
Celebrities, Linguistic Identity, and Public Expectations
This is not the first time Bollywood stars have been called out for prioritizing English over Hindi in public appearances. However, Kajol’s case stands out due to her long-standing reputation as a celebrated actor in mainstream Hindi cinema. Critics argue that her reaction reveals a growing disconnect between Bollywood elites and the core Indian audience, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where English isn’t the dominant language.
Media personalities also weighed in. One regional anchor tweeted:
“Actors expect pan-India support for their movies, but fail to connect with India’s most spoken language.”
Defenders Speak Up
While criticism poured in, some fans and public figures defended Kajol, stating that language shouldn’t become a tool for moral policing. Supporters argued that freedom of speech includes the choice of language, and public figures shouldn’t be bullied into conformity.
“She may have overreacted, but this doesn’t mean we dictate what language someone must speak,” said one user.
The Larger Debate: Is Hindi Mandatory in Bollywood?
The incident has rekindled an ongoing national debate: Should Bollywood stars be required to communicate in Hindi? While Hindi remains India’s most spoken language, India’s diversity includes 22 official languages, and English is commonly used in urban, promotional, and international settings.
Experts argue that actors must strike a balance — respecting regional linguistic diversity while being mindful of the cultural and linguistic roots of the Hindi film industry.
Kajol’s remark may have been offhand or triggered by exhaustion, but the response it drew highlights a larger concern — the growing cultural gap between Bollywood stars and their Hindi-speaking fanbase. Whether this controversy fades or forces a rethink among public figures, it serves as a strong reminder that language is more than just a medium — it’s also a bridge to connect with the people who made them stars.
