On Wednesday, renowned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah acknowledged that he had been mistaken in saying that Pakistan no longer spoke the Sindhi language.
Taking to Facebook to clarify his stance, Shah said, “Two completely unnecessary controversies seem to have erupted. over things, I’ve said recently. One is regarding my misstatement of the Sindhi language in Pakistan. I was in error there. The second is over what I’m supposed to have said about the relationship between Marathi and Farsi. My exact words were “Many Marathi words are of Farsi origin.” My intention was not to run down the Marathi language but to talk about how diversity enriches all cultures Urdu itself is a mix of Hindi Farsi Turkish and Arabic. English has borrowed words from all European languages not to mention Hindustani and I suppose that is true of every language spoken on earth.
Shah recently spoke candidly about a range of subjects in an interview with Anmol Jamwal that was posted on the Tried&Refused Productions YouTube channel. These topics included the portrayal of the Mughal Empire in modern times, his part in Taj: Divided by Blood on ZEE5, his love of Urdu, acting influences, and what the future holds.
The seasoned actor, however, got himself into trouble after unintentionally downplaying the Sindhi language’s use in Pakistan. Shah expressed strongly during the conversation about the importance of keeping the Urdu language alive as a part of Indian history. He erred when he asserted that Sindhi is no longer spoken in Pakistan due to his excitement.
Jamwal questioned Shah about the “negative rhetoric” around Urdu and the lack of education in India regarding its origin. “I believe in some universities, it is actually classified as a foreign language,” began Shah. He went on to point out how this was “absurd.” He then stated, “I ask my students, ‘Can you name another country in the world where Urdu is spoken?’ Apart from Pakistan? Where there are hundreds of other languages. In fact, Punjabi is spoken more widely than Urdu. Then they have Balochi, they have Dari, they have Seraiki, and they have Pashto. Sindhi, of course, is no longer spoken in Pakistan.”
As Naseeruddin Shah breaks silence on remarks about the use of the Sindhi language in Pakistan, watch his earlier video:
“Sindhi, of course, is no longer spoken in Pakistan..”
WTF, Shah Ji? pic.twitter.com/kp4tYlmykG— Umar Aziz Khan (@UmarAzizKhan9) June 5, 2023
Shah went on to discuss the significance of Indians accepting Urdu as their own language and the impact that ancient languages have had on the regional tongues of the subcontinent.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with conversations and arguments in response to the scandal. Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction.
Come to Sindh Sir and let us prove you Wrong
I wonder where he got this idea that Sindhi is no longer spoken in Pakistan https://t.co/HGmUopryeR— Dewan Sachal (@essel1) June 6, 2023
“Sindhi, of course, is no longer spoken in Pakistan..”
WTF, Shah Ji? pic.twitter.com/kp4tYlmykG— Umar Aziz Khan (@UmarAzizKhan9) June 5, 2023
As a proud Sindhi who speaks the language within her household, I beg to differ. https://t.co/6XXWaUXRtv
— Mansha Pasha (@manshapasha) June 6, 2023
In Pakistan, the Sindhi language has a significant historical and cultural significance. Millions of Sindhi people have been speaking it for generations and still do today. The neighborhood has significantly influenced music, literature, and the arts, generating a rich cultural heritage.
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