Sanjay Dutt has apologised for a remark made on Shekhar Suman's talk show Shekhar Tonite, where he referred to himself as the fourth bandar in a Gandhi Jayanti episode. The actor said he never intended to hurt anyone.

On the show, Dutt performed a satirical sketch in a Munna Bhai style, imagining himself as prime minister. He said, I can't feel that peace in our country anymore, and joked about a fourth monkey beyond Gandhi's three, one that sees everything but stays silent.

The remark drew criticism online after clips circulated. On October 4, Dutt posted a clarification on X, saying the sketch was scripted and humorous and that he never intended to hurt anyone's sentiments.

Shekhar Suman defended the segment, calling it completely innocuous and saying the satire was aimed at Dutt's own screen persona rather than at any person or institution.

The episode aired around Gandhi Jayanti, when references to the three monkeys carry particular weight. Dutt's quick apology appears to have defused the controversy, with most responses accepting the explanation.