Actor Sanjay Dutt has clarified remarks he made on a talk show that drew criticism online. Appearing on Shekhar Suman’s show ‘Shekhar Tonite’ in its Gandhi Jayanti episode released on October 2, Dutt said, “I can’t feel that peace in our country anymore,” adding that he prayed to Lord Shiva for those days to return. The comments, part of a mock prime ministerial speech in the style of his ‘Munna Bhai’ character, were widely shared.

On Sunday, Dutt posted a clarification on X, saying it was never his intention to hurt anyone’s sentiments. He said the remarks came from “a scripted conversation intended to be light-hearted and humorous,” and were being taken out of context. Dutt, who holds a 10-year UAE Golden Visa, divides his time between Mumbai and Dubai, where his family is based.

The actor was last seen in theatres earlier this year and has several projects lined up.