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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How did the controversy start?
The controversy started when TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale shared a clip on X in which Anil Kumar Rastogi was heading to receive the prestigious award. In the clip, when PM Modi folded his hands to welcome him, he greeted the Prime Minister with a "namaste". Saket Gokhale wrote in the caption, "Modi's event management failed."
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“I’m over 80 years old, it was an oversight,” says Anil Kumar Rastogi
Responding to the viral criticism, Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi pushed back strongly against the narrative being built around the video.
He said: “For all those making fun, I’m a man of 80+ years, this was an oversight on my part due to my age. I have huge respect for our PM and feel that he is the best choice we currently have for running the country!”
