On September 6, 2026, during an event in Mumbai, actor Sanjay Dutt declined to comply with a request to address the audience in Marathi. The event featured Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who had encouraged Dutt to speak in the local language. Videos capturing the moment have since surfaced on social media platforms.

In a light-hearted manner, Dutt addressed the audience and remarked about his previous six-year incarceration in Yervada Jail. He stated, “Pratap bhai. Main 6 saal jail me raha, Yervada mein. Tab bhi Marathi nahi seekh paaya. Main thoda seekha tha,” which translates to “I was in Yervada Jail for six years, and even there I didn’t learn Marathi. I learnt a little.” His humorous approach diverted attention away from the language request while eliciting laughter from those present.

After making his comment, he expressed gratitude to Minister Sarnaik, referring to him as a long-time friend by saying, “Main Pratap bhai ka aabhaari hoon ki mujhe yahan bulaye. Hamara rishta bahut purana hai, 25 saal ho gaye hain,” meaning “I am grateful to Pratap bhai for inviting me here. We go way back, almost 25 years.” Dutt’s affectionate tone showcased a bond developed over decades.

Context Around Language Ruling

Earlier in the event, Minister Sarnaik highlighted his current initiative of teaching Marathi to various groups. He made a reference to a recent ruling from his department, which mandates that autorickshaw drivers in Mumbai possess a functional understanding of Marathi to continue their service in the city. Sarnaik added, “So I thought after his entry, let us all get Sanjay Dutt to talk in Marathi. He speaks in Hindi, but all of us understand Marathi.” The ruling has garnered significant attention and stirred controversy within the city.

Despite the language request being made in a supportive spirit, Dutt’s humorous rebuttal served to ease any potential tension that may have arisen. His deft handling of the situation ensured that the focus remained on camaraderie rather than linguistic offerings.

By thanking Sarnaik publicly, Dutt reinforced the importance of their friendship while subtly rejecting the language expectation placed upon him, further illuminating the delicate nature of cultural identity in public settings.

Sanjay Dutt’s Recent Work

In addition to his speaking engagements, Sanjay Dutt has been active in the film industry. His most recent appearance was in the Arabic film “7 Dogs,” slated for release in 2026, where he shared the screen with popular actor Salman Khan. This collaboration has attracted attention due to the star power involved.

Prior to that, Dutt’s last theatre release was the political drama “Aakhri Sawal,” directed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang. Released in the same year, the film featured a cast including Namashi Chakraborty, Amit Sadh, Tridha Choudhary, and Sameera Reddy. The storyline and its political undertones have garnered notable interest among viewers.

Sanjay Dutt continues to maintain a prominent presence in the entertainment industry, navigating both the challenges of public expectations and the demands of his evolving career.

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