Sanjay Dutt has once again clarified his controversial remarks about the lack of “peace” in India, saying the comments were part of a scripted segment on Shekhar Suman’s talk show Shekhar Tonite and did not represent his personal views.
The actor issued a video statement on Monday, October 5, in which he was seen folding his hands while addressing the online debate surrounding his comments. His clarification came after clips from the Gandhi Jayanti episode circulated on social media, drawing mixed reactions, including criticism and disagreement.
Dutt said he understood why viewers had reacted strongly to his comments but wanted to explain the context in which they were made.
“Whatever I said on the show was part of a scripted segment,” the actor said, explaining that such scripted performances are common on television shows. He added that he and the other participants were performing according to a predetermined script.
Sanjay Dutt Says Remarks Were Not His Personal Views
Dutt stressed that the comments should not be interpreted as his own political or personal opinion.
According to the actor, the statements made during the segment were part of the performance and were intended to be understood within that context. He said he valued the trust and affection of his friends and well-wishers and did not want any misunderstanding about his actual views.
Dutt ended his video clarification by saying he hoped the explanation would put the controversy in the right context, signing off with, “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
The clarification followed an earlier post by Dutt on X, where he had also addressed the controversy. He said it was never his intention to hurt, offend or disrespect the sentiments of any individual, community or institution.
What Did Sanjay Dutt Say On Shekhar Suman’s Show?
The controversy began after Dutt appeared on Shekhar Tonite during a special episode marking Gandhi Jayanti.
During the conversation, Dutt said that while Indians are known for being large-hearted and hospitable, he could no longer feel the same “peace” in the country. He expressed hope that peace would return and said he prayed to Shivji that those days would come back.
The actor also appeared in his popular Munna Bhai persona during a political satire segment. Imagining himself as the Prime Minister for five minutes, Dutt referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s well-known three monkeys — associated with the messages of not seeing, hearing or speaking evil.
He then jokingly suggested the need for a “fourth monkey”, asking who would correct something if a person saw something wrong.
The remarks subsequently triggered debate online, with portions of the conversation being interpreted differently from the satirical context in which they were delivered.
Dutt Links Remarks to ‘Gandhigiri’
In his earlier clarification on X, Dutt said the conversation was scripted and intended to be light-hearted and humorous.
He also linked the spirit of the segment to the humour and satire associated with the Munna Bhai films and the concept of “Gandhigiri”. According to Dutt, the idea was intended to convey love, warmth, togetherness and goodwill.
Shekhar Tonite, hosted by Shekhar Suman, premiered on May 15.
More About Sanjay Dutt
Dutt holds a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, while his wife Maanayata Dutt and their twins, Shahraan and Iqra, live in Dubai.
The actor was convicted under the Arms Act in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case and sentenced to five years in prison. He was acquitted of terrorism charges under TADA after the court found insufficient evidence to establish his involvement in the conspiracy.
On the work front, Dutt was last seen in the political drama Aakhri Sawal, released in May. His upcoming projects include Khalnayak Returns, in which he is set to reprise his role as Ballu.
