Fluent in Kannada, mistaken for north Indian: Bengaluru based entrepreneur’s accent-skin tone 'mismatch' surprise sparks buzz online

NEW DELHI: A recent post on X (formerly Twitter) by Bengaluru-based entrepreneur Srijan R Shetty is gaining attention, as he shares how language plays a pivotal role in Bengaluru's social interactions and how locals react with unexpected warmth when he speaks Kannada. “Every time I start speaking in Kannada with a stranger, I'm met with eyes full of surprise and joy,” Shetty wrote. “The conversation is joyous and there is always a question of how did I manage to pick up Kannada.” Despite his fluency, he notes that his accent gives him away. “Once they realize I'm one of their own, it's funnily about how my diction is a bit off and maybe it's because I'm Mangalorean,” he quipped. “They usually say this to not embarrass me because my diction isn't perfect.”

Shetty also pointed to the linguistic diversity within the state. “Kannada is nuanced and it varies across different regions of Karnataka,” he added. “I find it extremely hard to understand the diction and vocabulary of Kannada spoken in regions where Konkani is prominent.” But beyond language, Shetty used his story to highlight a more nuanced understanding of Bengaluru’s people—where language politics does exist, but rarely manifests in hostility.

“Yes, there’s an issue of language politics,” he acknowledged. “A lot of locals believe they haven't gotten their fair share of Uru's growth story. But at the same time, most people are kind and wouldn't really push you to speak Kannada, but would reciprocate really well even if you did.” He ended his post on a light-hearted note: “In my books, if you've supported RCB through their bad times, you're Bangalorean enough.” In a city that’s both a tech hub and a cultural mosaic, Shetty’s experience is one many can relate to: a gentle reminder that language can divide—but it also has the power to delight, connect, and invite you in.