‘Never my intention to hurt’: Sanjay Dutt clarifies remarks
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified his remarks about not being able to "feel that peace anymore in India", saying they were made as part of a scripted, light-hearted conversation and were never intended to hurt or offend anyone.
The 67-year-old actor faced online backlash after his comments on the Shekhar Tonite show, hosted by Shekhar Suman, surfaced on social media.
During the show, Dutt said, "There should be peace, I can't feel that peace anymore in India."
In a statement posted on Sunday, Dutt said his remarks were not intended to disrespect the sentiments of any individual, community or institution.
"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 said.
Dutt said his comments were made in the context of a scripted conversation intended to be humorous.
He also linked the spirit of his remarks to the humour and satire associated with his 'Munna Bhai' films, particularly the concept of "Gandhigiri", which he said was meant to convey a message of "love, warmth, togetherness, and goodwill".
"Unfortunately, my words were interpreted outside of that intended context," the actor said.
During the show, Dutt adopted his popular "Munnabhai" persona while discussing what he would change in India if he became prime minister.
He said he would not spend most of his time outside the country and would promote brotherhood. He also said that instead of putting up his own photographs, he would display pictures of Mahatma Gandhi across the country.
Inputs from PTI
