Published : 05 Oct 2026, 11:55 AM
Updated : 05 Oct 2026, 11:55 AM
Actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified his remarks about the lack of “peace” in India after the comments drew criticism on social media, saying his words were taken out of context and that he never intended to hurt or disrespect anyone.
Dutt made the comments during an appearance on actor Shekhar Suman’s talk show Shekhar Tonite on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Indian Daily Hindustan Times reports.
In a statement posted on X on Sunday evening, Dutt said his remarks were part of a scripted conversation meant to be light-hearted and humorous.
“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.
“My remarks were made in the context of a scripted conversation intended to be light-hearted and humorous. The spirit behind them was similar to the humour and satire seen in films like Munna Bhai, particularly the concept of ‘Gandhigiri’, which was intended to convey a message of love, warmth, togetherness, and goodwill.”
He added, “Unfortunately, my words were interpreted outside of that intended context.”
During the programme, Dutt spoke about the current state of the country and said he no longer felt the same sense of peace in India as he once did.
“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. I pray to Shivji that those days come back soon,” he said.
Dutt made the remarks in his trademark humorous style, drawing on his popular character Munna Bhai from the film “Munna Bhai MBBS”.
The actor, who holds a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, spends time between Mumbai and Dubai. His wife Maanayata Dutt and their twins, Shahraan and Iqra, live in Dubai.
During another segment of the programme, Dutt was asked to imagine himself as the prime minister for five minutes and address the people of India.
Continuing in a Munna Bhai-style monologue, he jokingly referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign trips.
“This is such a huge country, there are so many people, and now the responsibility of all of them is on me. But you people don’t have to worry at all. I am not going abroad to celebrate this happiness. I will stay right here, among all of you. Otherwise, how will there be a connection between the PM and the people?” he said.
Dutt was last seen in the political drama “Aakhri Sawal”, which was released in cinemas in May.
