Kochi: Producer Supriya Menon has hit back at criticism over her remarks on the ongoing debate around the use of English in public spaces, alleging that her words were being taken out of context and questioning the lack of basic fact-checking by some media houses.

The controversy follows a language-related exchange at a promotional event for Aasha involving actor Urvashi and presenter Daksha Raveendranath.

The original exchange took place after Daksha introduced Urvashi in English. Urvashi responded humorously in Malayalam, questioning why she needed to introduce her in English. She later said that speaking in Malayalam with affection would make it easier for everyone to understand.

The exchange soon sparked a wider discussion on social media, with opinions divided over Malayalam pride, the use of English and whether people should face criticism for choosing to communicate in English.

Supriya entered the discussion after commenting on a video shared by creator and commentator Carl Lafrenais on Instagram. Questioning what she described as the constant debate over speaking in English, the producer pointed to the widespread use of English in education and among Malayalis living abroad.

“I don’t understand this constant debate about speaking in English. As someone who has been at the receiving end of this since the time I entered public space here I am always confused by this. We send our kids to english medium schools and colleges. Our people move abroad at the drop of a hat and we form some of the largest diaspora worldwide. Yet when someone speaks in English why is it considered to be a mark of haughtiness or arrogance? Why must language pride in Malayalam reduce if one communicates in another language. Baffling indeed."

Her remarks, however, drew criticism, with some interpreting them as a comment directed at Urvashi rather than as a broader response to the debate over English and Malayalam.

Supriya later clarified that her remarks were about the larger issue of the constant scrutiny surrounding the use of English. She also hit back at the criticism in a post shared by Lafrenais on Instagram.

 

 

“Am I surprised? Not really! Twisting words out of context! Nothing new here! But noted media houses not even doing basic fact checks. What a shame, the press here has come to!” she said.

Her response came amid the growing social media discussion over the incident, which has now expanded beyond the original exchange between Urvashi and Daksha to a larger conversation about language choice, Malayalam identity, English proficiency and the way public remarks are interpreted and reported.