Sanjay Dutt says peace is missing in India, hopes 'those days' come back

Actor Sanjay Dutt recently opened up about the lack of peace he feels in India, saying he hopes the country returns to a time when people can live with greater harmony. Dutt shared his thoughts during an appearance on Shekhar Suman’s show Shekhar Tonite, where he also revisited his iconic Munna Bhai persona for a satirical take on Indian politics.

The Gandhi Jayanti special episode, released on Friday, saw the 67-year-old actor speak about the country, its people and his wish for greater peace. Reflecting on India’s current state, the actor 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.”Sanjay Dutt says he “can’t feel peace in India anymore” and hopes those days return soon.His remarks have now triggered a heated debate on social media. While some are agreeing with his concerns, others are bringing up his own controversial past — including his conviction for— Pinkie (@PinkiePragya) October 4, 2026

Dutt’s statement sparked mixed reactions online, with some questioning which “old days” he was referring to, while others were left wondering what exactly the actor meant by his remark.

One of the X users wrote, “Which period is he talking about? 1990s? When the country was marred by recurring terrorist attacks & communal riots? (sic),” while another commented, “But what kind of "peace" is he talking about? If there is no peace in India, then where is it? In our neighbouring countries? (sic). A third user chimed in and wrote, “No bomb attacks. No terror attacks. No riots. Yet, he doesn’t feel at peace in India anymore(sic).”

Later in the episode, Shekhar Suman asked the Welcome to the Jungle actor to imagine himself as the Prime Minister of India for five minutes and address the nation. The actor immediately slipped into the familiar language and mannerisms of Munna Bhai, turning the hypothetical scenario into a humorous political monologue.

“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,” he said. [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.] Sanajay Dutt, if he bacame India's PM:-I will not spend most of my time in foreign-Will promote brotherhood not online it should be offline-Will reduce my posters from everywhere Posters should be of Gandhi jiIs He taking a dig on Narendra Modi? pic.twitter.com/9Ug0b6VmVO— Gagan Choudhary (@trigguuuu) October 3, 2026

He then joked about celebrating his imagined victory by staying in India instead of travelling abroad, making an apparent reference to PM Modi’s foreign trips.

“Lekin aap log ekdum tension nahi lene ka. Apun is khushi ko celebrate karne videsh nahi jaane wala hai. Apun idharich rahega, aap sab logon ke beech,” he said. [But you people don’t have to worry at all. I am not going abroad to celebrate this happiness. I will stay right here, among all of you.)

The segment also saw Sanjay bring his signature Munna Bhai humour to references involving Mahatma Gandhi, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump, including political leaders’ photographs in public spaces, foreign travel and Trump’s tariff policies. He used the character’s idea of “Gandhigiri” to make a humorous case for Gandhi’s philosophy over confrontation.

Dutt's most recent theatrical release is the political drama Aakhri Sawal, which hit cinemas on May 15. He also made a special cameo appearance alongside Salman Khan in 7 Dogs. The film premiered in the Middle East in May 2026 and was released in Indian theatres on August 21. His upcoming projects include Khalnayak Returns, in which he reprises his role as Ballu.- EndsALSO READ | Sanjay Dutt refuses Maharashtra minister's request to speak in Marathi at event