Sanjay Dutt says his comments about peace in India and PM Modi were part of a scripted, satirical Munna Bhai segment.
MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified remarks that sparked debate after he said he no longer feels the same sense of peace in India and later performed a satirical monologue referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The comments came during the Gandhi Jayanti special episode of Shekhar Suman’s Shekhar Tonite, where Dutt was asked to imagine himself as India’s Prime Minister for five minutes. He responded in the style of his popular character Munna Bhai character
‘I can’t feel that peace’
During the conversation, Dutt praised Indians as warm and hospitable but said he wished the country could return to a greater sense of harmony.
His remarks quickly attracted mixed reactions online, with some supporting the sentiment and others criticising the actor’s comments.
Munna Bhai-style take on PM Modi
In the satirical segment, Dutt joked about political leaders’ photographs, foreign travel and the relationship between a Prime Minister and the public.
He also referred to US President Donald Trump, invoking the “Gandhigiri” philosophy associated with the Munna Bhai films and advocating dialogue and affection over confrontation.
Sanjay Dutt issues clarification
Following the backlash, Dutt said on October 5 that the exchange was scripted and intended as light entertainment, adding that he did not mean to hurt or disrespect any individual, community or institution.
He said the segment was built around the humour and message of love associated with his Munna Bhai character.
Impact to expect
The clarification may shift attention from the political interpretation of Dutt’s remarks toward the entertainment context in which they were delivered, though debate around the comments is likely to continue online.
