04 October,2026 12:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Dutt (Pic/AFP)
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Sanjay Dutt, who is closely associated with the Munnabhai franchise and its message of Gandhian principles, appeared on Shekhar Suman's show. During the interaction, he spoke about not finding peace in the country. However, his remarks drew flak from netizens, who brought up his controversial past.
During his appearance on Shekhar Suman's show, Sanjay spoke about India and said he wished for a greater sense of peace in the country. "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," he said.
As Sanjay Dutt's remarks went viral, netizens were quick to bring up his controversial past. Several social media users referenced his arrest and conviction for illegal possession of an AK-56 rifle and 9 mm pistol in connection with the 1993 Mumbai blasts case, while he was acquitted of the more serious TADA charges. Others also brought up his well-documented battle with drug addiction. To note, he has now been cleared of all charges.
One of them wrote, "He finds peace only when he helps the terrorists, it seems. He needs that âpiece'. What a moron?" While another mentioned, "What a disgrace." One citizen commented, "What peace he wants? Sound? Harmony? Political? Whataboutery? Sensationalization? News? House/wife? Terrorism? Chaos? Traffic? I mean, what?"
In one of the segments, Shekhar asked Sanjay to imagine himself as the Prime Minister for five minutes and share a message for the people of India. Slipping into his Munnabhai character, the actor said in Munnabhai style, "Chalo desh mein kuch to chal rehla hai. Mere pyaare deshwasiyo, aaj apun aapka PM banke khub khush hua. Bole to body mein ajeeb type ka tarang daud re la hai. Bole to itna bada desh hai, itne saare log hain aur ab hum sabki zimmedari apun ke upar (My dear countrymen, today I am very happy to have become your PM. There is a strange kind of energy running through my body. This is such a huge country, there are so many people, and now the responsibility of all of them is on me)."
