Shashi Tharoor praises Punjabi restaurant owner’s fluent Malayalam
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Photo: Free Press Journal
A video from Kochi has gone viral, drawing widespread appreciation after a Punjabi man impressed viewers with his fluent Malayalam, turning an ordinary interview into a celebration of language and cultural diversity.
The clip features Mohinder Singh Sethi, owner of Sethi Da Dhaba, speaking confidently in Malayalam during an interaction with Manorama Online. His natural delivery, clear pronunciation, and ease with the language surprised many, given that he is not originally from Kerala.
During the conversation, Sethi was seen responding smoothly in Malayalam, effortlessly switching into the language. Social media users remarked on how comfortably he seemed to have adapted to the local culture despite his Punjabi background.
Many pointed out that the contrast between his traditional Punjabi appearance and his fluency in Malayalam made the video especially striking, Free Press Journal reported.
Online reactions praised his effort to learn the regional language, with several users describing it as a sign of respect for the local community. Some even joked that he appeared “more Malayali than Malayalis,” while others applauded his confidence and accent.
Among those who shared the clip was Shashi Tharoor, who highlighted it as an example of India’s unity in diversity. He expressed admiration for Sethi’s fluency and noted that it was refreshing to see such cultural harmony, especially given the contrast between his appearance and linguistic ability.
He said, "Wonderful to hear him articulate so fluently his satisfaction and appreciation for Keralites’ enjoyment of Punjabi food! Born and brought up in Kerala, so his fluency is no surprise, but great to hear amid the incongruity of his appearance! A striking affirmation of our fabled #UnityInDiversity!”
The video has resonated widely, with many viewers seeing it as a reminder of how language can bridge cultural divides. Sethi has been widely appreciated for embracing Kerala’s linguistic and cultural landscape while retaining his Punjabi identity.