Last Updated:
From Swara Bhasker, Sanjay Dutt to Ranbir Kapoor, these celebs have either clarified their remarks or apologised after their words became a talking point on social media.
7 Celebs Who Had To Clarify Their Comments After Facing Backlash
Sanjay Dutt recently found himself at the centre of a social media controversy after a remark about not feeling at peace in India went viral. The actor later clarified that the comment was part of a scripted, light-hearted conversation and did not reflect his personal views. His clarification is the latest example of a Bollywood celebrity having to explain a remark after it sparked backlash online. Over the years, several other stars have found themselves in similar situations, with comments from interviews or public appearances being widely circulated and attracting criticism. From Swara Bhasker and Nora Fatehi to Ranbir Kapoor, these celebrities have either clarified their remarks or apologised after their words became a talking point on social media.
1. Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay Dutt is the latest celebrity to find himself in this situation. During an appearance on Shekhar Suman’s Shekhar Tonite, the actor spoke about the need for peace in India and said he could no longer feel the same sense of peace in the country. Clips of the conversation quickly circulated online, with the remark drawing criticism and debate. Dutt subsequently issued a clarification, explaining that the conversation was scripted and intended to be light-hearted and humorous. He said the segment was inspired by the humour and satire associated with his Munna Bhai films and the idea of “Gandhigiri”. On October 6, he reiterated that the remarks did not represent his personal views.
2. Swara Bhasker
Swara Bhasker faced backlash in September 2026 after a clip from her appearance at a discussion in Delhi about Padmaavat went viral. While discussing the film’s depiction of Jauhar, her remarks were circulated with claims that she had called Rani Padmaavati and the women who committed Jauhar “cowards”. Swara responded with a clarification on social media, saying that this was not what she had said. She explained that her comments were about the impact of the scene on survivors of sexual violence and insisted that she had never called Padmaavati or the other women “cowards”.
3. Nora Fatehi
Nora Fatehi found herself facing criticism after old comments about feminism resurfaced online. Clips from her 2024 conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia went viral, particularly a remark in which she appeared to blame feminism for negatively affecting society. Addressing the backlash in a later conversation with Lilly Singh, Nora said the clips did not capture the complete context of what she had discussed. She said, “Certain small cuts come out on reels and TikTok, and they get blown up and people miss the context.” She clarified that her criticism was aimed at extremism rather than the broader concept of feminism and said she supports women being independent while also valuing relationships and family responsibilities.
4. Annu Kapoor
Annu Kapoor’s comment about Tamannaah Bhatia’s performance in Aaj Ki Raat became a talking point after he described the actress as having a “dudhiya badan”. The remark, made during an earlier interview, went viral and attracted criticism online. In April 2026, Kapoor revisited the controversy and explained that he had been appreciating Tamannaah’s performance after watching the song. He argued that his words had been interpreted differently from his intention and maintained that admiration should not automatically be equated with desire. He also said he would apologise to Tamannaah if she felt hurt by the remark.
5. Kajol
Kajol also had to clarify a remark during the promotions of Maa in 2025. While discussing experiences involving negative energy and unusual sensations on film sets, she referred to Hyderabad’s Ramoji Film City as one of the most haunted places. The comment triggered backlash, prompting Kajol to address it publicly. She later said that she had shot multiple projects at the location and stayed there several times, describing it as a professional environment and a safe destination for families and children.
6. Varun Badola
Varun Badola was pulled into a controversy over comments he made about the promotional strategy surrounding Saiyaara. While discussing viral videos of audiences reacting dramatically to the film, he suggested that the promotions had gone “a little overboard”. His remarks were subsequently reported as criticism of the film’s PR strategy. Badola then took to Instagram Stories to push back against the reports, saying his words had been misinterpreted and misrepresented. He maintained that his comments were observational and that there was no intention to undermine the film.
7. Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor’s “phailod” comment about Alia Bhatt’s pregnancy remains one of the more memorable examples of a celebrity having to apologise for a viral remark. During Brahmastra promotions in 2022, Alia was talking about the film’s promotions when Ranbir interrupted with a joke referring to her baby bump. The comment quickly drew criticism, with many finding it insensitive. At a subsequent promotional event in Chennai, Ranbir apologised to those who were offended. He said it was a joke that had not landed well, adding that Alia herself had laughed it off when they discussed it. From comments that were clipped and circulated without their full context to jokes that simply did not land as intended. He said, “Yes, absolutely. Firstly, let me start with, I love my wife with everything that I have in my life. I think it’s a joke that didn’t turn out to be funny. I really want to apologise if I have triggered anyone. It was not my intention. So I want to say sorry to people who got offended or triggered.”
Quick Answers
Ask News18Sanjay Dutt faced criticism after a clip from Shekhar Tonite where he stated he could no longer feel a sense of peace in India went viral. He later clarified that the comment was part of a scripted, light-hearted conversation inspired by the satire of his Munna Bhai films and did not reflect his personal views.
Ask News18October 06, 2026, 17:00 IST