Allu Arjun’s recent release Pushpa was projected as his first pan-Indian film. 

While he is already a known face in the Hindi speaking belt due to the popularity of his Hindi dubbed Telugu films that often garner huge viewership on TV, Pushpa was his official introduction to North India. 

The movie was released on December 17 and had a low start in Hindi. However, over the course of the weekend, it saw a rise in the collection and has earned well in its week one. 

The movie is now on course to be a success in Hindi, despite facing the box office juggernaut that was Spider-Man: No Way Home and almost zero promotions. 

© Goldmine Telefilms

In fact, for the Hindi version, the only promotion that Allu Arjun did was the press meet in Mumbai a day before the release. The press meet was also attended by actress Rashmika Mandana and music director Devi Sri Prasad. 

During the press meet, Allu Arjun talked about the film, working with Rashmika, Indian cinema in general and the importance of catering to pan-Indian audiences. 

Interestingly, he also tried to speak as much Hindi as possible despite not being very fluent in it. Often he answered the media questions in Hindi. 

© Goldmine Telefilms

However, the one incident that caught attention was his interaction with a journalist who asked him a question in Telugu. 

As soon as the 'Stylish Star' heard the question, he quipped in his broken Hindi, “Arey Mumbai mein tum Telugu mein baat kyun kar rahe ho? Hindi mein baat karo bhai (Why are you talking in Telugu in Mumbai? You should speak in Hindi)” and laughed. 

Watch the video below: 

In recent years, there have been a lot of language-based discussions. 

Last year, AR Rahman had courted controversy when he had asked the host at his film 99 Songs even in Chennai to converse in Tamil and not Hindi. 

It so happened, the anchor of the event introduced lead actor Ehan Bhat in Hindi. AR Rahman responded to this with, “Hindi?” and walked off the stage. He then added, “Didn't I ask you already if you speak in Tamil or not?” He then returned to the stage and clarified, “I was only joking.” 

© Goldmine Telefilms

Watch the video below:  

#99Songs #99Songsthemovie #ARRahman
ARR with his classic wittiness pic.twitter.com/lxDGCibB41

What are your thoughts on Allu Arjun’s remarks about Hindi? Let us know in the comments section below.

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