'Whoever got hurt, I’m sorry': SBI manager apologises in Kannada after refusing to speak local language

Following widespread backlash and accusations of insensitivity, the SBI official was transferred.

A State Bank of India (SBI) branch manager, who recently faced public outrage for allegedly refusing to converse in Kannada with a customer in Karnataka, has now issued a public apology in the local language. The development comes days after a video of the incident went viral, fuelling a sharp debate over linguistic identity and cultural respect.

The manager, reportedly posted at the SBI branch in Surya Nagara, Chandapura in Bengaluru Rural district, was seen in a video refusing to switch from Hindi to Kannada, despite repeated requests from a customer who reminded her, “This is Karnataka.” In response, the bank official insisted on continuing in Hindi, arguing, “I live in India,” leading to a prolonged disagreement inside the bank premises.

Kalesh b/w a SBI branch Manager and Local guy over not speaking kannada inside Bank:pic.twitter.com/0pbxUHEJzz

Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) May 20, 2025

Following widespread backlash and accusations of insensitivity, the SBI official was transferred. A separate video has now emerged online showing her offering an apology in Kannada. In the clip, seemingly coached by colleagues, she repeats: “Whoever got hurt because of me, I’m sorry. I will try to converse in Kannada.”

The video of her apology was widely shared across social media platforms, notably on X (formerly Twitter), with many users commenting on the perceived sincerity of the statement and the broader implications for linguistic inclusivity in public institutions.

The arrogant SBI manager who was saying She will never speak Kannada now apologised. But look at her how she is giggling. @TheOfficialSBI she thinks this issue is a Joke.#RajivGandhi#HHVMGrandPressMeetpic.twitter.com/JtyxKA6cHpRebel_Warriors (@Rebel_Warriors) May 21, 2025

The original confrontation had sparked a heated debate online, with users split over the issue. While some argued that citizens have the right to communicate in any Indian language of their choice, others criticised the bank employee for her refusal to use Kannada in a professional capacity within the state.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also weighed in on the matter, calling the SBI official’s conduct “strongly condemnable.” In a post on X, he said: “The behaviour of the SBI Branch Manager in Surya Nagara, Anekal Taluk, refusing to speak in Kannada & English and showing disregard to citizens, is strongly condemnable. We appreciate SBI’s swift action in transferring the official. The matter may now be treated as closed.”