Shekhar Suman has stood out in support of Sanjay Dutt after the actor’s recent remarks on Shekhar Tonite sparked a debate online. Sanjay had spoken about not feeling the same sense of ‘peace’ in the country anymore, following which Dutt clarified that the comments were part of a scripted conversation intended to be playful and humorous.
Shekhar Suman defends Sanjay Dutt after his ‘peace in India’ remarks
Now Shekhar Suman has reacted to the controversy and extended his support for the actor. He said that Dutt’s comments were meant positively and should have been taken in that context. He told NDTV, “Sanjay Dutt has huge respect for our country and fellow countrymen, and what he said was completely innocuous and in a very positive way. He should not be penalised and maligned for what he never said or meant. I know him for years; he is a good man who loves his country and has utmost regard for it.”
How did the controversy start?
The controversy started after Sanjay appeared on the Gandhi Jayanti episode of Shekhar Tonite. During the episode, the actor talked about India being warm and hospitable, before stating that he did not feel the same sense of peace here anymore.
“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,” Sanjay said. The episode later moved towards a satirical segment in which Sanjay imitated his iconic Munna Bhai character, imagining himself as the Prime Minister for five minutes.
The actor included Mahatma Gandhi’s famous three monkeys in the talk and suggested the need for a fourth. “Apun Gandhi ji ko bahut maanta hai. Aur Gandhi ji ke teen bandar sabko pata hai, bura mat dekho, bura mat suno, bura mat kaho. Lekin aaj ek chautha bandar bhi mangta hai. Bura dekhega to use theek kaun karega?” he said. Clips of the conversation subsequently began surfacing online and drew backlash.
What did Sanjay Dutt say?
Following the criticism, Sanjay issued a statement on X explaining the context behind his remarks. “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. The actor said the conversation had been scripted and was supposed to be taken in a lighthearted manner. Sanjay concluded by saying that his remarks had been misunderstood, saying that the country should always remain the same ‘loved’ way.
