Bengaluru Man Who Told Auto Driver to Speak Hindi Now Says ‘Sorry’ in Kannada

Bengaluru man who told auto driver to 'speak in Hindi' now says 'sorry' in Kannada after a video of the confrontation went viral and sparked widespread outrage. The non-Kannadiga, criticised for his insensitivity towards the local language, later issued a heartfelt apology, calling Bengaluru his home for the past nine years.

In the viral video, the man is seen getting into a heated argument with the auto driver, angrily saying, "Speak in Hindi if you want to stay in Bengaluru," as his friends attempt to calm him down. The driver, clearly agitated, retorts, "You have come to Bengaluru, you speak in Kannada. I won't speak in Hindi."

The video has reignited the ongoing debate over the use of regional languages in Karnataka's capital, with many social media users, particularly Kannadigas, criticising the man's remarks as insensitive and culturally disrespectful.

Amid growing backlash, the man released another video apologising in Kannada. "I apologise to all Kannadigas. I've lived in Bengaluru for the past nine years. I have deep emotional ties with this city. Bengaluru has given me life and livelihood. I truly love and respect this city. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I am sorry," he said.

The full context of the original incident remains unclear.

Social Media Reacts

The man's apology drew mixed reactions on X (formerly Twitter). Some users appreciated the gesture, while others remained critical of his earlier behaviour.

"Let it go now. He made a mistake, owned up, and apologised. Hope we all learn to respect local languages and cultures when we move to a new place," one user wrote.

Another user urged a practical approach: "Why fight? If there's no common language, use English. It's a better bridge for communication. Let's not make language a battleground."

However, not everyone was forgiving. One user commented, "Let's see how it feels when the same thing happens to someone from your state. Then it won't be a joke anymore."

The episode has once again sparked discussions about linguistic sensitivity and respect for regional identities in a multicultural city like Bengaluru.