Actor and host Shekhar Suman has returned to the talk show space after fourteen years with his new YouTube series Shekhar Tonite. Marking the launch of the show, the first episode featured Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, in a candid conversation that touched upon language, politics, public responsibility and social unity.

Nitin Gadkari addresses Marathi language debate on Shekhar Tonite; tells Shekhar Suman, “You are a Bihari too!”

During the episode, Gadkari spoke at length about the Marathi language and Maharashtra’s cultural identity. Reflecting on his experiences outside the state, he said, “We are proud of the Marathi language, Marathi culture, Marathi theatre, Marathi literature, Marathi songs, and Marathi poets like Arun and Shridhar Phadke. When I started spending more time outside Maharashtra, that is when I truly understood the importance of Marathi. And this idea of unity in diversity that is our speciality. It is a very beautiful thing.”

The conversation also touched upon the recent debate surrounding Marathi language requirements for auto-rickshaw and scooter drivers in Maharashtra. Addressing the issue, Shekhar Suman said, “But speaking of Marathi, there was recently a diktat that those who cannot speak Marathi would not be allowed to drive scooters or auto-rickshaws. Those poor people got scared, and people like us Biharis became even more worried, sir. Please take care of us Biharis.”

Responding to the remark, Nitin Gadkari said, “You are a Bihari too. Let me tell you something after Bihar became a state, we built the maximum number of bridges and roads over the Ganga and changed the entire picture of Bihar. If we were against Biharis, then how could we have done all that? But it’s okay, they later took that statement back. We said that if there was no other work left and I had to drive an auto-rickshaw, then I too would learn Marathi, because if you cannot speak the language, you may lose your work. Every language should take pride in its literature and culture, but that pride should never turn into fanaticism or obsession.”

The minister further discussed the broader nature of politics and public accountability. “Politics does not only mean power politics. Politics is a game of compromises, compulsions, limitations, and contradictions. Unfortunately, let me tell you something, for many of the things that upset or anger people, the public is more responsible than political parties or leaders. The day people decide what they will allow and what they will not allow, for example, deciding not to vote for someone who defies politics, will begin to change. If the public comes forward with conviction, the political system will transform.”

Speaking about his own principles, Gadkari also stated, “I have been elected to Parliament three times, and I decided that beyond a certain point, I would never compromise on my principles and values. At one point, caste-based movements were very active in Maharashtra, and I publicly said, ‘Whoever talks about caste politics, I will kick them hard.’ It made no difference to me because I believe that everyone in my constituency whether they voted for me or not belongs to me, and I will work equally for all of them. My entire constituency is my family. I will never discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, religion, faith, language, or gender.”

Created by Adhyayan Suman and produced by Dharmesh Sangani, Shekhar Tonite marks Shekhar Suman’s return to the format he became widely known for. The show streams every Friday at 6 PM on YouTube and promises conversations spanning cinema, politics and public life.

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