Mumbai: Actor Sanjay Dutt has sought to put an end to the controversy surrounding his recent remarks about the lack of “peace” in India, clarifying that the conversation on Shekhar Suman’s talk show was scripted and intended as light hearted satire.
The actor issued his clarification on X after his comments triggered criticism and debate on social media. Dutt said he never intended to hurt, offend or disrespect any individual, community or institution, stressing that his remarks were made within the context of a planned humorous exchange.
According to Dutt, the tone of the conversation was influenced by the humour and social messaging associated with his popular Munna Bhai films, particularly the idea of “Gandhigiri”. He said the intended message was one of love, warmth, togetherness and goodwill, but acknowledged that his words were interpreted outside that context.
The controversy began after Dutt appeared on Shekhar Suman’s show Shekhar Tonite around Gandhi Jayanti. During the conversation, he spoke about India and said that although Indians are generous and hospitable, he no longer felt the same sense of peace in the country.
Dutt also slipped into his iconic Munna Bhai persona during a satirical segment in which he imagined himself as the Prime Minister for five minutes. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s three monkeys, he jokingly suggested that a “fourth monkey” was needed one that would act when something wrong was seen.
The comments quickly became a talking point online, with sections of social media interpreting the remarks as criticism of the country rather than as part of a scripted satirical exchange.
Shekhar Suman has since come out in Dutt’s defence. Speaking about the controversy, Suman described the show as satirical and said Dutt has immense respect for India and its people. He argued that the actor should not be criticised or “penalised” for words that, according to him, were never intended to offend anyone.
Shekhar Tonite, hosted by Suman, uses satire and humour as part of its format. The latest clarification from both Dutt and Suman appears aimed at restoring the context surrounding the remarks after the controversy gained traction online.