Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 10: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt on Thursday contacted Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik to clarify his recent remarks about not knowing Marathi, which had sparked controversy.

Dutt told Sarnaik that his comment at a Dahi Handi event in Thane about not being able to learn Marathi during his time in Yerawada jail was made in jest. He also clarified that he was well-versed in the language.

According to a report by NDTV, Dutt began the phone conversation by saying, "Pratap bhai, Jai Maharashtra" in Marathi and expressed regret if his remarks at the event had conveyed the wrong message.

Sarnaik's Sanskruti Yuva Pratishthan organises one of the prominent Dahi Handi celebrations in Thane, attracting Bollywood personalities, political leaders and business figures every year.

This year's celebration was attended by several celebrities, including Dutt, actor Suniel Shetty and cricketer Suryakumar Yadav.

The controversy began when Dutt, while interacting with Sarnaik at the event, remarked that despite spending six years in Yerawada jail, he had not managed to learn Marathi.

The comment triggered a debate on social media, with some users criticising the actor. Others questioned the emphasis on Marathi and whether expectations to learn the language were being directed mainly at autorickshaw and taxi drivers.

Following the controversy, Dutt called Sarnaik on Thursday to explain his remarks. He said he had only been joking and stressed that he could speak Marathi well.

Dutt also said his family members were Mumbaikars and that he had grown up in Maharashtra, a state that had given him a lot.

During the conversation, Dutt recalled the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and expressed gratitude for the support he had extended to the actor and his family during a difficult period.

Dutt said Thackeray had stood by him and his family when they were going through challenging times.