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.

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.

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

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.

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.