After a clip of Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi’s interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Padma Awards ceremony on Wednesday went viral, the 83-year-old actor took to X to hit back at the trolls.
In a new response, the Padma Shri awardee stated that “it is not all about politics”, adding that “it is unfortunate that of all the things that happened at the ceremony, this is what some people want to focus on.”
The video in question shows Dr Rastogi walking to the stage to receive the Padma Shri and greeting Prime Minister Modi with his hands folded midway, ignoring the handshake that the Prime Minister appeared to have initiated.
“I was out to receive one of India’s highest civilian awards, a huge achievement for me, and I was anxious, confused and missed that outstretched hand! This does not mean I have any less respect for the man!” Dr. Rastogi wrote in a note shared on X.
The actor added that he is a supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has great appreciation and respect for Prime Minister Modi.
The 83-year-old’s response also comes after many, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale, mocked the viral moment.
“For all those scoffing, I am a man over 80 years old, this was an oversight on my part due to my age. I have great respect for the Prime Minister and feel he is the best option we currently have to run the country!” He wrote on X in response to Gokhale.
Read also | I’m over 80: Actor Anil Kumar Rastogi slams trolls over weird moment with PM Modi at Padma Awards ceremony
Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi was conferred the Padma Shri on Tuesday for his contribution in the field of theatre, cinema, radio and television.
According to an official government statement, he gave about 1,000 performances of 100 plays, worked in more than 75 feature films, and 500 episodes of television shows.
Dr. Rastogi is also an accomplished scientist who has co-authored more than 78 research publications and is a philanthropist for indigent patients.
