Viral Video from Mumbai: Shopkeeper Threatened for Not Speaking Marathi, Sparks Fresh Debate on Language Courtesy
Viral Video from Mumbai: Shopkeeper Threatened for Not Speaking Marathi, Sparks Fresh Debate on Language Courtesy
Mumbai, May 18 2025 – A short video shared widely on social media shows a customer at a small snacks outlet in Ghatkopar West urging the shopkeeper to “learn Marathi” and warning he will return in a fortnight to check. The man’s repeated demands to close the shop if Marathi is not used have been criticised online as intimidation, although no physical violence is visible in the clip.
The video begins with the customer entering the shop saying, “Marathi shik re” (which translates to “Learn Marathi,”). When the shopkeeper calmly replies, “Marathi nahi aati” (“I don’t know Marathi”), the tone of the conversation quickly escalates.
With a threatening demeanor, the customer responds, “Nahi tar dhanda band kar” (“Otherwise, shut down your business”), followed by an intimidating remark, “Shutter bandh karu ka?” (“Should I shut your shop shutter?”). The shopkeeper, visibly confused but composed, replies, “Marathi kaise?” (“How [can I learn] Marathi?”)
Kalesh b/w a Shopkeeper and a Guy over Not speaking Marathi in Maharashtra:
— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) May 20, 2025
pic.twitter.com/peZUBNpXtq
The customer continues with increasing aggression, again demanding that the shopkeeper close his business. The shopkeeper attempts to reason with him by saying, “Ek do din mein thodi Marathi aayegi” which means, “I won’t learn Marathi in just two or three days.”
Unmoved, the customer replies, “Arey itna marega na abhi” (“I’ll beat you so badly now”) and insists once more that the shopkeeper must learn Marathi. The shopkeeper responds respectfully, “You are right, but how can I learn it in two or three days?”
In the footage the shopkeeper responds politely, explaining that mastering a new language in a few days is unrealistic. Viewers across Maharashtra including many Marathi speakers have condemned the exchange, emphasizing that linguistic pride should be encouraged through education and goodwill, not threats.
The incident has revived discussion about how Mumbai can celebrate Marathi while remaining welcoming to the migrant workforce that keeps its service sector running. Civic groups have urged residents to promote the language through free classes, signage and cultural events rather than confrontation.
