Sanjay Dutt clarifies ‘Peace in India’ remark after social media controversy

Actor Sanjay Dutt has responded to the controversy surrounding his recent comments about peace in India. His remarks, made during an appearance on actor Shekhar Suman’s talk show Shekhar Tonite, triggered a wave of reactions on social media after portions of the episode began circulating online.

The episode was aired around Gandhi Jayanti and featured Dutt taking part in a conversation as well as a satirical segment inspired by his much-loved Munna Bhai character. Following the reactions to his comments, the actor took to X on October 4, 2026, to explain the context behind his statements.

What Sanjay Dutt Said About Peace in India?

The controversy began during Dutt’s appearance on Shekhar Tonite, when he spoke about the people of India and expressed his wish for peace in the country.

Dutt said, “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.”

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The comments attracted considerable attention online. Social media users had different reactions to the statement, with some expressing surprise at what the actor had said, while others strongly disagreed with his remarks.

The ‘Fourth Monkey’ Comment

Dutt’s appearance also included a short political satire in which he returned to his well-known Munna Bhai character. During the roughly five-minute performance, he portrayed a fictional Prime Minister and addressed the nation in his familiar Munna Bhai style.

While referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s three monkeys, Dutt said, “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?”

The reference to a fourth monkey, along with his earlier remarks about peace in the country, became part of the discussion surrounding the episode.

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Dutt Says the Remarks Were Scripted

After the reactions intensified, Dutt released a video statement in which he addressed the comments and explained their context. He acknowledged that people had contacted him about what he said on the show, with some saying they were surprised and many others strongly disagreeing with his remarks.

Dutt said, “I completely understand their feelings, and I would like to clarify one thing about this. Whatever I said on the show was part of a scripted segment, as is often the case on television shows of this nature. We were performing according to a script. The things said during that segment were part of that performance and its context.” He further clarified that the remarks were not a reflection of his personal position.

“They were in no way my personal views, thoughts or feelings,” Dutt said. He added that he deeply values the trust and affection of his friends and well-wishers and would never want a misunderstanding about his actual views to arise because of a scripted performance.

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His Clarification on the Intended Message

In his written statement on X, Dutt reiterated that his intention was not to offend anyone. He said the remarks were made within the context of a scripted conversation designed to be humorous.

He also linked the spirit of the performance to the humour and satire seen in Munna Bhai, particularly “Gandhigiri”, which he said was intended to convey a message of love, warmth, togetherness and goodwill.

Dutt said that his words were unfortunately interpreted outside their intended context. He concluded his video statement by saying, “I hope this clarifies the whole matter in the right context. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”

How the Debate Unfolded?

The debate surrounding Dutt’s appearance stemmed primarily from his statement that he could no longer feel peace in the country, followed by his satirical comments about adding a fourth monkey to Gandhi ji’s three monkeys.

The remarks received mixed responses on social media and led to a wider discussion about their meaning and context. Dutt has now clarified that the comments made during the relevant portion of the programme were part of a scripted performance and should not be considered his personal views.

Shekhar Suman, who hosted the programme, has not made any remarks on the controversy so far.

- PTC PUNJABI