Kantara Chapter 1's Rishab Shetty Breaks Silence Over Speaking In Kannada At Hyderabad Event: I Respect... - EXCL

Kantara: Chapter 1 actor Rishab Shetty was recently criticised for only speaking in Kannada at a Hyderabad event. The actor was present at the event in Vijayawada with Jr NTR. When Rishab chose to talk

in his native language, Telugu fans were disappointed and expressed the same on social media. The backlash escalated to an extent where #BoycottKantaraChapter 1 started trending on X (formerly Twitter). Now, Rishab has exclusively reacted to this language row in Zoom's interview.

Rishab Shetty on backlash for Hyderabad event

In an exclusive conversation with us, Rishab recalled visiting Hyderabad for Kantara: Chapter 1's promotional event with Jr NTR. Sharing his thoughts on the criticism, the actor said, "Main proud Kannadiga hu (I am a proud Kannadiga). I feel proud about my language and culture. If I am proud of my language and respect it, I will have the same sentiment towards other languages. It can't be change. I can't have double standards. If I love my language, I can give an equal amount of love and respect to other languages."

https://youtu.be/vKmVlspfuW0?si=kQAmzQ6hyrZrG9nd

The actor further opened up about talking in Kannada at the event. "Whatever I speak in Hindi and Tamil, mere pura soch Kannada mein hota hain. At the event, I said Andariki Namaskaram. Mujhe mann ki baat kehni chahiye, isliye main Kannada mein baat karta hu. Kyunki mera soch vahi hota hai aur feelings wahi se shuru hota hai," said Rishab.ALSO READ - Rishab Shetty Reveals He Learnt Hindi When He Was Producer's Driver, Reacts To Language Row During Kantara Chapter 1 Promotion - EXCL(Loose translation: Whatever I speak in Hindi and Tamil, my entire thinking happens in Kannada. At the event, I said Andariki Namaskaram. I want to speak from my heart, that's why I talk in Kannada. Because my thinking is the same, and my feelings start from there)

Rishab Shetty: I respect other languages equally as mine

Continuing the chat, Rishab revealed that he saw social media reactions and the criticism that followed after the event. The Kantara: Chapter 1 actor added, "I never disrespect anybody and main bohot izzat karta hun. I've taken a lot of inspiration from every industry, be it Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam or Hindi. We've seen that and come. But log kahi na kahi pakda lete hai toh kuch baatein karte hain. But it's their perspective, and I won't disrespect them. I respect other languages equally as mine. Because I have worked with a lot of people and been through many journeys."(Loose translation: I never disrespect anybody, and I respect a lot. I've taken a lot of inspiration from every industry, be it Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam or Hindi. We've seen that and have come. But people spot something and start talking about it. But it's their perspective, and I won't disrespect them. I respect other languages equally as mine. Because I have worked with a lot of people and been through many journeys)Meanwhile, Rishab's film, Kantara: Chapter 1, is expected to take an opening of over Rs 25 crore at the box office.