Sonam Kapoor Joins Debate Over Mandatory Marathi Language Tests for Mumbai Taxi and Auto Drivers
MUMBAI: The implementation of a new state mandate requiring commercial vehicle drivers in Maharashtra to possess proficiency in the Marathi language has ignited a fierce debate across the city, drawing reactions from public figures, including Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor.
The controversy centers on a recent directive from the Maharashtra State Transport Department, which set an August 15 deadline for all auto and taxi drivers to demonstrate their ability to speak Marathi. Following this, authorities launched an intensive assessment campaign on August 20.
The Findings and Regulatory Backlash
Transport officials have been conducting rigorous checks across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Out of 3,942 drivers screened in the MMR—and 5,211 across the state—the department found that 722 drivers failed to meet the language requirement. These individuals have since been issued formal notices, sparking significant unrest within the transport community.
As news of the notices surfaced on social media, Sonam Kapoor expressed her reaction to the developments with a terse, one-word comment: “Huh.”
Protests and Strike Action
The enforcement of the rule has met with fierce resistance from driver unions. On Monday, Mumbai’s autorickshaw drivers initiated a three-day strike to protest the policy, which they argue imposes an unfair burden on the workforce.
Protesters, who obstructed traffic on the Kandivali Link Road, voiced concerns regarding the logistical and educational hurdles posed by the mandate. Many drivers pointed out that older members of the community, who may have limited formal schooling, find it nearly impossible to achieve fluency in a new language within such a condensed timeframe. Union leaders have also highlighted that the focus on language proficiency detracts from the professional challenges of daily driving in a city as congested as Mumbai.
A Look at Sonam Kapoor’s Professional Life
While the actress has weighed in on the social issue, her focus remains primarily on her personal life and future career projects. Since her marriage to businessman Anand Ahuja in 2018, Kapoor has balanced motherhood with her professional endeavors. The couple welcomed their son, Vayu, in August 2022, and announced the birth of their second son, Rudralokh, in March of this year.
Kapoor’s most recent screen appearance was in the 2023 crime thriller Blind, directed by Shome Makhija and produced by Sujoy Ghosh. While fans eagerly await her return to the silver screen—with long-standing rumors surrounding her potential role in the adaptation of Battle For Bittora—the actress has been selective, recently making a notable appearance at the wedding of her cousin, Anshula Kapoor, this past July.
As the standoff between the Maharashtra Transport Department and the city’s drivers continues, stakeholders are calling for a more inclusive approach that accounts for the diverse backgrounds of Mumbai’s essential public transport workforce.
