The actor has since clarified that the remarks were part of a scripted, satirical conversation and were not intended to offend anyone. Shekhar Suman , whose show the actor appeared on, has also defended him, saying the actor’s words were misunderstood and taken out of context.
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt ‘s recent comments about not feeling the same sense of “peace” in India have sparked a social media debate.
The controversy started after Sanjay Dutt appeared on Shekhar Suman’s show Shekhar Tonite in a special episode for Gandhi Jayanti. Shekhar has now backed Sanjay, arguing that the actor’s comments were neither malicious nor anti-national. “The people of this country are so lovely. There should be peace here. I can’t feel that peace in our country anymore. We Indians are large-hearted people, and we are hospitable. We have given so much, and we should always remain that way. The actor also connected the segment to the humour and satire associated with his Munna Bhai films. Sanjay’s appearance was not simply a conventional interview. During the episode, he returned to his Munna Bhai persona in a satirical segment where he imagined himself as India’s Prime Minister for five minutes. The actor brought up Gandhi’s famous three monkeys and joked about the need for a fourth, asking what happens when people choose not to acknowledge what is wrong.
Speaking to NDTV, he said the actor has always had deep respect for India and its people. “Sanjay Dutt has huge respect for our country and fellow countrymen, and what he said was completely innocuous and in a very positive way. He should not be penalised and maligned for what he never said or meant. I know him for years; he is a good man who loves his country and has utmost regard for it,” Suman told the publication. Suman also pointed to the nature of his programme, describing Shekhar Tonite as a satirical show that is “pro-people” and “totally unbiased and democratic. The segment was intended as light-hearted commentary rather than an attempt to offend or target anyone, according to him. the actor spoke about the need for peace and said he felt that something had changed While discussing India and its people. I pray to Shiv ji that those days come back soon,” he said on the show. With the comments attracting backlash, Sanjay took to X to explain the context behind what he had said. He stressed that he never intended to hurt or disrespect anyone and said the exchange was scripted and meant to be light-hearted. “I would like to clarify that it was never my intention to hurt, offend, or disrespect the sentiments of any individual, community, or institution,” he wrote. He said the conversation was meant to carry the same message of warmth and togetherness that was central to the idea of Gandhigiri.
