Actor Sharad Ponkshe questions the decline of Marathi schools and population in Mumbai, blaming political inaction and builder influence, while supporting current protests against the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, 10 July 2025: As the language dispute in Maharashtra intensifies, veteran Marathi actor Sharad Ponkshe has added fuel to the fire with a bold and emotionally charged statement, questioning the decline of Marathi schools, the influence of non-Marathi builders, and the marginalization of Marathi people in Mumbai.
This comes just days after a mass protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on July 7, where political parties, activists, artists, and writers united against the alleged imposition of Hindi and in support of Marathi language and identity. Ponkshe has supported the movement but raised uncomfortable questions about how the situation deteriorated in the first place.
In a video message shared on his YouTube channel, he strongly criticized the erosion of Marathi dominance in Mumbai, especially in strongholds like Dadar, Lalbaug, Parel, Girgaon, and Mahim. He pointed out that despite the Shiv Sena’s historical presence in these areas, Marathi people have been pushed out over the last 25–30 years.
“Why did Marathi schools decrease? Who is responsible for throwing out Marathi teachers? Why did no one protest when non-Marathi builders took over these localities?” he asked, directly addressing political leaders. He acknowledged and appreciated Raj Thackeray’s ongoing agitation but questioned the delayed political unity.
Ponkshe’s message also resonated with sentiments earlier expressed by actor Sumit Raghavan, who lamented the condition of Marathi schools. Ponkshe took it a step further, challenging political parties to set aside their flags and unite not just against the Hindi push, but also to fight the builder lobby that he claims is displacing Marathi people from their own cities.
He concluded his speech with a powerful appeal: “Let’s hope someone rises not just for language protests, but for Marathi schools, for Marathi rule in Marathi land. We live on hope. Let’s keep that alive.”
His remarks have reignited the debate over linguistic identity, urban displacement, and cultural preservation in Mumbai, sparking widespread discussion on social media and political circles alike.
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