New Delhi: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified his recent remarks about not being able to “feel that peace” in India after the comments triggered criticism on social media.
The 67-year-old actor made the remarks during an appearance on the Shekhar Tonight show hosted by Shekhar Suman. During the programme, Dutt spoke about changes he would make if he became the Prime Minister and said, “There should be peace; I can’t feel that peace anymore in India.”
The comment was widely circulated online, prompting criticism from some sections of social media users.
In a statement posted on Sunday, Dutt said he had no intention of hurting or disrespecting any individual, community or institution. He explained that his remarks were part of a scripted conversation designed to be light-hearted and humorous.
Dutt said the tone was inspired by the humour and satire associated with films such as Munna Bhai, particularly the idea of “Gandhigiri”, which he said was intended to convey messages of love, togetherness, warmth and goodwill.
He added that his words had been interpreted outside their intended context.
Dutt Talks About His Vision for India
During the show, Dutt appeared in his popular “Munnabhai” persona while discussing what he would change if he became Prime Minister.
He said he would spend more time in India rather than being away from the country and spoke about promoting brotherhood.
Dutt also said that instead of displaying his own photographs, he would put up pictures of Mahatma Gandhi across the country, continuing the Gandhian theme associated with his comments.
The actor's clarification came after his original remarks generated an online debate over their meaning and context.
