The Vasai Fort controversy has taken social media by storm after a video featuring a Marathi content creator dressed as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj went viral. The incident, which took place at the historic Vasai Fort, has triggered a heated debate over language respect, cultural pride, and media bias.
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The Viral Moment at Vasai Fort
A few days ago, a Marathi influencer named Rupesh Hulawale visited Vasai Fort dressed in the royal attire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for a photoshoot. During the session, a security guard allegedly stopped him, stating that taking such photos was not allowed. The situation escalated when the guard reportedly boasted that he didn’t know Marathi, which offended the influencer and several locals.
A video capturing the exchange quickly went viral, with Rupesh seen confronting the guard. The clip sparked strong reactions across Maharashtra, with many political figures and social media users criticizing the guard’s behavior and defending the Marathi influencer.
Hindi Media’s Misrepresentation
While Marathi news channels largely supported Hulawale’s version, several Hindi news outlets allegedly portrayed the situation differently. Their reports suggested that the Marathi youth was intimidating a Hindi-speaking guard, reversing the narrative entirely.
Hulawale responded to these claims in a follow-up video, expressing his disappointment with the way the story was twisted.
“Before showing such news, these channels should have verified what actually happened. Marathi news outlets reported the truth — and for that, they have my respect,” he said.
Defending Marathi Pride
In his statement, Hulawale emphasized that his intention was not to insult anyone but to seek mutual respect.
“I spoke to the guard in Hindi out of courtesy,” he explained, “but when I asked him to respond respectfully in Marathi, he refused. Every state respects its language — why shouldn’t Marathi be given the same respect in Maharashtra?”
He also questioned the management at Vasai Fort for allowing misconduct on the premises while restricting respectful cultural expressions. Hulawale accused some guards of negligence, pointing out that the fort often sees littering, alcohol bottles, and inappropriate activities by visitors.
A Call to Protect Maharashtra’s Heritage
The influencer passionately appealed to citizens to preserve historical forts and the Marathi identity.
“If we don’t protect our forts, who will?” he asked. “We must ensure that those guarding these places understand their history and respect our culture. Vasai Fort was reclaimed by Chimaji Appa — that’s a legacy every Marathi person should know.”
Hulawale further alleged that there might be deliberate attempts to suppress Marathi language and culture in Maharashtra, but vowed that such efforts would not succeed.
“We will continue to honor our mother tongue and our history,” he concluded. “Everyone is welcome here, but respect for Maharashtra’s language is non-negotiable.”
Community Reaction and Cultural Sentiment
The Vasai Fort controversy has ignited a larger conversation about cultural sensitivity, linguistic respect, and heritage preservation. Locals have called for improved training for fort guards and stricter enforcement of cultural guidelines at heritage sites.
For context, Vasai Fort — also known as Fort Bassein — is a 16th-century structure built by the Portuguese and later reclaimed by Chimaji Appa, a general of the Maratha Empire. The fort remains one of Vasai’s most popular tourist destinations and an enduring symbol of Marathi pride.
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