Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most respected actors, recently shared a deeply personal aspect of his life. The actor revealed that he did not know Marathi until the age of 44, which he later considered a matter of shame. Known for his attention to detail and commitment, Aamir decided to learn the language as an act of respect and cultural responsibility.
While promoting the digital release of his film Taare Zameen Par, Aamir discussed this journey in an interview. He explained how he overcame his limitations and finally learned to speak Marathi fluently.
Aamir Admits He Felt Ashamed of Not Knowing Marathi
During a recent interview with IANS, Aamir Khan admitted that he once felt embarrassed for not knowing the language of Maharashtra. He stated that although Marathi was part of his school curriculum, he never paid serious attention to it. It wasn’t until he was 44 years old that he realized how important it was to know the state language.
He shared that this realization pushed him to correct his mistake. “At around 44, it struck me that I couldn’t speak Marathi. I felt ashamed,” Aamir said. This moment of self-awareness motivated him to act.
Learning Marathi Was a Personal Challenge for Aamir
Once he made up his mind, Aamir Khan hired a tutor and began learning Marathi. It was not an easy process. The actor admitted that he is not naturally gifted when it comes to learning languages. He confessed, “I’m a bit weak with languages. It takes me a long time to pick up a new one.”
Despite the challenge, Aamir stayed consistent and eventually learned to speak the language. Today, he can hold conversations in Marathi, which he sees as a significant personal achievement.
Knowing Multiple Languages Adds Value, Says Aamir
In the same interview, Aamir Khan emphasized the importance of multilingual skills. He said that being fluent in more than one language is an asset, no matter what field you work in. According to him, the more languages one learns, the more opportunities open up.
He encouraged people to take an interest in learning different languages, not just for professional gain but also for personal growth.
Marathi Language Debate Ongoing in Maharashtra
Aamir’s remarks come at a time when discussions about the status and respect of the Marathi language are prominent in Maharashtra. Over the past few years, debates have emerged around making Marathi compulsory in schools and ensuring it is respected in public spaces. Aamir’s personal example adds a meaningful layer to this public conversation.
By choosing to learn Marathi, especially at a later stage in life, Aamir Khan sets a strong example. His actions reinforce the idea that language is not just a means of communication, but also a gesture of respect toward a region and its people.
Aamir’s Recent Work Continues to Win Hearts
Professionally, Aamir Khan continues to stay relevant and admired. His classic film Taare Zameen Par was recently re-released on YouTube, gaining renewed praise from viewers. The film, which originally released to critical acclaim, remains one of his most impactful performances and directorial efforts.
Meanwhile, his production house is working on two upcoming projects that are already creating buzz. One of them is Lahore 1947, starring Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in lead roles. The film is set against a historical backdrop and has generated significant curiosity.
Another much-awaited film under Aamir’s production banner is Ek Din, which stars his son Junaid Khan along with acclaimed actress Sai Pallavi. The project marks Junaid’s significant entry into the industry and is expected to showcase fresh chemistry and storytelling.
Learning Marathi Symbolizes Cultural Respect, Not Just Skill
What makes Aamir Khan’s journey inspiring is not just that he learned a new language, but why he chose to do so. It wasn’t for a role, a film, or a requirement. It was purely because he felt that knowing the language of the place where he lives is essential.
He viewed his lack of Marathi knowledge as a personal shortcoming and worked to change it. His story resonates with many people who might live in a region but don’t speak the local language. It’s a gentle reminder that cultural integration also means linguistic inclusion.
Aamir Khan Continues to Influence Beyond the Screen
Aamir Khan has always been more than just an actor. His influence extends into education, social awareness, and now even language and culture. Whether through shows like Satyamev Jayate or his film choices, Aamir uses his platform to make people think.
His decision to learn Marathi might seem simple on the surface, but it carries a powerful message—respect for local culture, self-awareness, and the willingness to learn, even later in life.
Aamir Khan’s choice to learn Marathi at 44 wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a social statement. It reflects a broader message about respecting the region you live in and embracing its language and culture.
At a time when language politics can often divide, Aamir’s story offers a narrative of unity. It encourages people to see language not as a barrier, but as a bridge. For many of his fans, and perhaps even critics, this gesture adds another layer to his already rich legacy.
