On Hindi Diwas, celebrated on 14th September every year, the contributions of the Hindi language to Indian culture and cinema take center stage. Hindi is not just a medium of communication in India; it has shaped careers, inspired artists, and helped in storytelling that resonates globally. In the world of Bollywood, where Hindi films dominate, many well-known actors have shared their unique experiences and connection with the language and literature that influenced their lives.
Aparshakti Khurana’s Deep Connection with Hindi Literature
Actor Aparshakti Khurana, who is popular for his roles in films like Stree and Helmet, talked about how Hindi literature, especially Chanakya Niti, has been a guiding force in his life. “I have always been a fan of Hindi writers like Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and the wisdom found in Chanakya Niti,” he shared. According to him, different people interpret Chanakya’s teachings in various ways, but the principles of life, wisdom, and policy discussed in the text have universal relevance.
Aparshakti also emphasized the importance of Hindi for artists. “Knowing Hindi is the biggest asset for any actor. Today’s generation is smart, and they want to understand everything in-depth. That’s why we are seeing many Hindi pages and apps becoming popular on the internet. Although there might be some misinformation online, it’s good to see the promotion of Hindi in such an accessible way,” he added. His perspective reflects how modern technology is helping preserve and spread Hindi among the youth.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Love for Classic Hindi Literature
Pankaj Tripathi, one of the most respected actors in Bollywood, shared how reading Hindi novels and poetry has enriched his life. He spoke passionately about his love for Raag Darbari, a famous novel by Shrilal Shukla, which deeply impacted him. He also mentioned poets like Phanishwar Nath Renu, Suryakant Tripathi ‘Nirala’, and Nagarjun, whose works have left a lasting impression on him. For Pankaj, these literary figures have given him a unique perspective on life and society.
“Reading gives you a new perspective. I have been influenced a lot by these poets and authors. Kedar Nath Singh’s poems, in particular, stir deep emotions,” he said. Pankaj Tripathi believes that the youth of today are recognizing the importance of staying connected to their linguistic roots. He lauded the growing popularity of apps like Pocket FM, which offer Hindi stories and content, helping keep the language alive in the digital age.
Saloni Batra’s Philosophy Inspired by Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Actress Saloni Batra, who has been gaining attention for her performances, spoke about how the poetry of Harivansh Rai Bachchan, especially the words “Man ka ho toh achcha, na ho toh ab bhi achcha” (If things go your way, it’s good; if they don’t, it’s still good), have guided her through difficult moments in life. She reflected on personal and professional challenges, where this philosophy helped her maintain a positive outlook, even when things didn’t go as planned.
Saloni revealed that she started reading Harivansh Rai Bachchan’s works after hearing many Bollywood stars, especially Amitabh Bachchan, quote his father’s poems. “I faced moments when I almost got a role, and then it slipped away. But later I realized that whatever happens, happens for the best. This philosophy has stayed with me throughout my journey,” she shared. Her connection with Hindi literature highlights how the language continues to inspire and provide comfort in times of struggle.
Raghav Juyal’s Strong Connection to Hindi from Childhood
Raghav Juyal, known for his dancing skills and growing presence in Bollywood, reminisced about his early connection to Hindi through school textbooks. “I was introduced to the stories of Munshi Premchand in my school days. His works like Godaan have left a lasting impression on me,” he shared. Raghav mentioned how Premchand’s stories often raise societal questions that still resonate with him today.
He also shared his admiration for more contemporary playwrights like Girish Karnad and Swadesh Deepak, whose play Court Martial deeply influenced him. However, Raghav observed that modern plays don’t use pure Hindi as often as earlier works did. “Pure Hindi is less common now, but the emotional depth in Premchand’s stories still moves me,” he said.
Raghav, who hails from Uttarakhand, emphasized how Hindi is a part of his everyday life. He mentioned that although English has become more common, Hindi and Urdu remain widely spoken in northern India. He expressed his happiness about the rise of online platforms dedicated to Hindi poetry and stories. “Pages and apps dedicated to Hindi content are trending, and it feels great to see people celebrating the language. Hindi is not just a means of communication for me, it’s part of who I am,” he added.
How Hindi Language Shapes Bollywood and Beyond
The influence of the Hindi language on Bollywood is undeniable. Over the decades, actors, directors, and writers have shaped the cultural landscape of India and even taken Hindi to global audiences. From Aparshakti Khurana’s admiration for Chanakya Niti to Pankaj Tripathi’s deep love for Raag Darbari, Hindi literature continues to guide and inspire.
At the same time, stars like Raghav Juyal and Saloni Batra highlight how the teachings and philosophies of iconic Hindi writers help them navigate the challenges of life and their careers. Whether through classic literature or contemporary works, the language remains a source of wisdom and emotional depth for these artists.
In today’s digital world, platforms promoting Hindi have made it easier for the younger generation to connect with their linguistic heritage. Apps, online pages, and social media platforms are helping spread Hindi literature in ways that were unimaginable before. For actors like Pankaj Tripathi, who attribute their success to their strong connection with the language, this trend is a promising development.
As we celebrate Hindi Diwas, it’s clear that the language is not just confined to the classroom or traditional media; it is thriving in the hearts of those who cherish it and the new digital platforms that keep it relevant. Hindi continues to be a powerful force, shaping not only careers but also personal philosophies and worldviews.
