Published on: August 26, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Mumbai, India
Actor Sonam Kapoor has reacted with a brief “Huh” after hundreds of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Mumbai were reportedly issued notices for failing to demonstrate knowledge of Marathi during an inspection drive by the Maharashtra State Transport Department.
The development has triggered a wider debate over the Maharashtra government’s language requirement for commercial vehicle drivers, with sections of Mumbai’s transport community also protesting against the directive.
722 Drivers Reportedly Issued Notices
According to reports, transport officials have assessed 5,211 commercial vehicle drivers since August 20, including 3,942 drivers across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
Of those checked in the MMR, 722 drivers were reportedly found unable to speak Marathi and were subsequently issued notices.
The inspections are linked to the state government’s earlier directive making knowledge of Marathi mandatory for commercial vehicle drivers.
Maharashtra’s Marathi Language Requirement
The Maharashtra government had earlier made Marathi proficiency a requirement for commercial vehicle drivers and reportedly set August 15 as the deadline for drivers to acquire knowledge of the language.
The move has now come under scrutiny, particularly among drivers who say the requirement could create additional difficulties for those with limited formal education.
Some drivers have also raised concerns that older members of the profession may find it difficult to learn the language within the stipulated period.
Sonam Kapoor’s One-Word Reaction
Amid the growing debate, Sonam Kapoor reacted to a post shared by journalist Faye D’Souza on Instagram.
The actor responded with just one word — “Huh” — apparently expressing surprise at the reported action against the drivers.
Her brief reaction quickly attracted attention online as the language issue became a topic of wider public discussion.
Mumbai Auto Drivers Launch Protest
The language directive has also triggered protests among sections of Mumbai’s autorickshaw drivers.
Drivers reportedly began a three-day strike on Monday, opposing the mandatory Marathi requirement and potential consequences for those unable to comply.
During the protest, traffic was reportedly affected on Kandivli Link Road, where drivers raised objections to the directive and possible penalties.
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The protesters argued that the rule could place an additional burden on drivers, particularly those who have had limited access to formal education.
Sonam Kapoor Away From Films in Recent Years
While her reaction to the Marathi language controversy has brought Sonam Kapoor back into the spotlight, the actor has largely remained away from mainstream films in recent years.
Sonam married businessman Anand Ahuja in 2018. The couple welcomed their first son, Vayu, in August 2022, followed by their second son, Rudralokh, on March 29.
She continues to divide her time between Mumbai, Delhi and London.
Sonam’s Last Film Was ‘Blind’
Sonam Kapoor’s last film appearance was in Blind, which was released in 2023.
After the birth of her first child, she had been expected to return to acting with an adaptation of Anuja Chauhan’s novel Battle For Bittora.
However, her focus has largely remained on her family in recent years.
Sonam Keeps Children Away From Public Spotlight
Following the birth of her second child, Sonam made her first major public appearance at her cousin Anshula Kapoor’s wedding to Rohan Thakkar in Mumbai on July 6.
The actor has continued to maintain a private approach towards her children and has chosen not to reveal their faces publicly on social media.
Meanwhile, her one-word “Huh” reaction to the Marathi language test controversy has added a celebrity voice to an issue that is already generating significant debate across Mumbai.
