Fourteen years later, Shekhar Suman is back with a new late-night talk show, Shekhar Tonite, and in the first episode, he welcomes Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari, for one of his rare and candid conversations. ~
After a long wait of fourteen years, Shekhar Suman is back with Shekhar Tonite, this time on YouTube, bringing audiences candid conversations, sharp humor and powerful perspectives like only he can. Ushering in this exciting new chapter, the first guest on the show is none other than Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari.
In a deeply interesting and thought-provoking conversation, Gadkari spoke about language, politics, public responsibility and the importance of unity in diversity. Speaking passionately about Maharashtra and the Marathi language, he reflected on how living outside the state made him truly understand the value of Marathi culture and identity.
Talking about the same, Nitin Gadkari shared, “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’s when I really understood the importance of Marathi. And this idea of unity in diversity, which is our specialty. It’s a very beautiful thing.”
During the conversation, Shekhar Suman also referred to the recent debate around the Marathi language and said, “But speaking of Marathi, recently there was an order that those who do not speak Marathi would not be able to drive scooters or auto-rickshaws. Those poor people got scared, and people like us Biharis got even more worried, sir. Please take care of us Biharis.”
To this, Nitin Gadkari replied, “You are Bihari too. Let me tell you something after Bihar became a state: we built maximum number of bridges and roads over the Ganga and changed the entire image of Bihar. If we were against Biharis, how could we have done all that? But okay, later they retracted that statement. We said that if there was no other job and I had to drive an auto-rickshaw, then I would also learn Marathi, Because if you can’t speak the language, you can lose your job. Every language should be proud of its literature and culture, but that pride should never turn into fanaticism or obsession.
He added: “Politics does not just mean power politics. Politics is a game of commitments, 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 challenges politics, will begin to change. If the public comes forward with conviction, the political system will be transformed.”
Talking about his own principles and approach towards public life, Gadkari also said: “I have been elected to Parliament three times, and I decided that beyond a certain point, I would never compromise my principles and values. At one time, caste-based movements were very active in Maharashtra, and I publicly said, ‘Whoever talks about caste politics, I will kick him hard.’ “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, the show brings back Shekhar’s signature blend of humour, honesty and heart – just what audiences have been missing for over a decade. With powerful guests, deeply personal moments and Shekhar Suman back in his element, Shekhar Tonite promises to be more than a comeback.
Watch Shekhar Tonite, every Friday at 6 pm, on YouTube.
