Shekhar Suman defends Sanjay Dutt after backlash over ‘no peace in India’ remark: ‘He has huge respect for our country’

The controversy started after Sanjay Dutt appeared on Shekhar Suman's show Shekhar Tonite in a special episode for Gandhi Jayanti.

Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt's recent comments about not feeling the same sense of “peace” in India have sparked a social media debate. The actor has since clarified that the remarks were part of a scripted, satirical conversation and were not intended to offend anyone. Shekhar Suman, whose show the actor appeared on, has also defended him, saying the actor's words were misunderstood and taken out of context.

Shekhar Suman defends Sanjay Dutt over ‘no peace’ comment, says actor ‘has utmost regard’ for India.

Shekhar Suman comes out in Sanjay Dutt's defence

The controversy started after Sanjay Dutt appeared on Shekhar Suman's show Shekhar Tonite in a special episode for Gandhi Jayanti. Shekhar has now backed Sanjay, arguing that the actor's comments were neither malicious nor anti-national. Speaking to NDTV, he said the actor has always had deep respect for India and its people. "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," Suman told the publication.

Suman also pointed to the nature of his programme, describing Shekhar Tonite as a satirical show that is “pro-people” and “totally unbiased and democratic.” According to him, the segment was intended as light-hearted commentary rather than an attempt to offend or target anyone.

What did Sanjay Dutt say?

While discussing India and its people, the actor spoke about the need for peace and said he felt that something had changed.

“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 Shiv ji that those days come back soon,” he said on the show.

Sanjay Dutt clarifies his remarks

With the comments attracting backlash, Sanjay took to X to explain the context behind what he had said. He stressed that he never intended to hurt or disrespect anyone and said the exchange was scripted and meant to be light-hearted. “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 also connected the segment to the humour and satire associated with his Munna Bhai films. He said the conversation was meant to carry the same message of warmth and togetherness that was central to the idea of Gandhigiri.

"My remarks were made in the context of a scripted conversation intended to be light-hearted and humorous. The spirit behind them was similar to the humour and satire seen in films like Munna Bhai, particularly the concept of ‘Gandhigiri,’ which was intended to convey a message of love, warmth, togetherness, and goodwill. Unfortunately, my words were interpreted outside of that intended context," he stated.

Why Munna Bhai was part of the conversation

Sanjay's appearance was not simply a conventional interview. During the episode, he returned to his Munna Bhai persona in a satirical segment where he imagined himself as India's Prime Minister for five minutes. The actor brought up Gandhi's famous three monkeys and joked about the need for a fourth, asking what happens when people choose not to acknowledge what is wrong.

“I have great respect for Gandhi ji. Everyone knows about his three monkeys: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. But today, we need a fourth monkey, too. If one sees evil, who is going to set it right?” he said, questioning who would correct wrongs if people simply chose not to see them.

On the work front, Sanjay was last seen in the political drama Aakhri Sawal, which hit cinemas in May. The film was helmed by Abhijeet Mohan Warang.