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The Economic Times
The Economic Times
National
Trending Desk

“For all those making fun, I am over 80...”: Padma Shri Anil Kumar Rastogi breaks silence on viral ‘awkward handshake’ moment with PM Modi, slams trolls over social media clip

Narendra Modi X Saket Gokhale

A viral video from the Padma Awards ceremony showing an “awkward moment” between veteran actor-scientist Anil Kumar Rastogi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has triggered online speculation and trolling. But the 80+ Padma Shri awardee has now responded firmly, dismissing the claims and clarifying what actually happened.

The clip, which spread rapidly on social media, showed Dr Rastogi walking up to receive his Padma Shri while briefly appearing to miss a handshake with PM Modi as he instead greeted him with folded hands. The moment was interpreted by some users as “ignoring” the Prime Minister, sparking a wave of commentary and political trolling online.

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