Sanjay Dutt says controversial peace remarks were intended as humour

Actor Sanjay Dutt has issued a clarification after remarks about not feeling peace in India provoked criticism on social media. The comments were made during an episode of actor Shekhar Suman’s YouTube talk show, Shekhar Tonite. During the programme, Dutt praised Indian hospitality and said he wished for peace in the country, but added that he no longer felt that peace.

The episode was broadcast two days before his clarification, according to the supplied material. In a post on X on October 4, Dutt said he had not intended to hurt, offend or disrespect any individual, community or institution. He said the remarks formed part of a scripted conversation intended to be light-hearted and humorous, and that his words had been interpreted outside their intended context.

Dutt linked the tone of the exchange to the humour and satire associated with his Munna Bhai films, particularly the idea of “Gandhigiri”, which he said was meant to communicate love, warmth, togetherness and goodwill. During the programme, Dutt also performed a short skit as his Munna Bhai character, presenting himself as a fictional prime minister addressing the nation. Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s three monkeys, he suggested a fourth monkey that would act when someone saw wrongdoing.

The remarks generated mixed reactions online and developed into a wider controversy. Shekhar Suman had not commented on the issue at the time of the supplied report. Dutt’s clarification did not provide further details about any changes to the programme or the response from those who criticised his comments.