A video from Bengaluru shows a dispute at a hair salon after a customer asked for a Kannada-speaking stylist. A staff member responded angrily, leading to a heated exchange. Another video shows the woman apologising.
Row over language after customer asks for Kannada-speaking staff
A video from Karnataka has triggered a heated online debate after a customer at a hair salon asked if any staff member spoke Kannada. According to the clip, the workers at the salon were Hindi speakers.
The customer, identified online as a Kannadiga, requested a Kannada-speaking stylist for a simple trim.
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Verbal clash captured on video
In the video, a woman staff member is seen responding angrily. She reportedly told the customer that Hindi could be used and questioned why Kannada was being asked for. The exchange escalated into a verbal argument.
The clip quickly spread on social media, where many users described the behaviour as disrespectful, while others defended the staff member’s right to speak any language.
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Another video allegedly shows apology from the woman
A second video later surfaced online. In it, the woman appears to apologise, bowing her head before local people. The follow-up clip was widely shared along with strong comments from both sides.
Some users said the apology should end the matter, while others argued that language respect remains an important issue in the state.
Strong and divided online reactions over language row
Social media reactions were sharply divided. Some users said customers in a private establishment cannot demand a particular language and can choose another shop if needed. Others argued that businesses operating in Karnataka should be able to communicate in Kannada with local customers.
Several comments supported the idea of respecting the local language where one works. Others warned against turning language differences into hostility. A number of users also criticised the tone of the debate itself and called for calm, saying India’s strength lies in diversity.
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Wider discussion on language and identity
The incident has reopened an ongoing discussion about language use in public spaces in Karnataka, especially in large cities where people from many parts of India live and work. Supporters of Kannada emphasise cultural respect and accessibility for local residents. Others stress freedom of language choice and the practical need for common languages in urban workplaces.
Experts often note that many service businesses try to balance both concerns by using multiple languages for communication. The viral videos have once again highlighted how everyday interactions can quickly become flashpoints when identity and language are involved.
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No official complaint reported yet
As of now, there is no confirmed report of a formal police complaint linked to the incident. The matter remains a social media-driven controversy, with discussion continuing online about respect, rights and coexistence in multilingual cities.
