‘I’m a Man of 80+ Years’: Actor Anil Kumar Rastogi Breaks Silence on Awkward Handshake Moment With PM Modi at Padma Awards 2026
Bollywood actor Anil Kumar Rastogi, 83, has addressed the viral video showing an 'awkward' moment with PM Modi at the Padma Awards 2026 on June 23. The Padma Shri recipient stated it was an 'oversight' due to his age, dispelling claims of disrespect and reiterating his profound respect for the Prime Minister.
A video clip of veteran actor Anil Kumar Rastogi’s interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Padma Awards 2026 ceremony has been making rounds on social media, sparking widespread speculation and debate. The moment, which occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, during the prestigious event at Rashtrapati Bhavan, saw Rastogi greeting the Prime Minister with folded hands while PM Modi appeared to extend his hand for a handshake. President Droupadi Murmu Confers Padma Awards 2026; Alka Yagnik, Rohit Sharma, Mammootty Among 65 Eminent Personalities Honoured.
What Happened Between Anil Kumar Rastogi and PM Modi at the Padma Awards 2026
The incident unfolded as 83-year-old Anil Kumar Rastogi, who was conferred with the Padma Shri for his significant contributions to the arts, theatre, cinema, radio, and television, approached the dais to receive his honour from President Droupadi Murmu. As he made his way past the dignitaries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen extending his hand, seemingly for a handshake.
However, Rastogi, a respected figure in Indian theatre, cinema, radio, and television, responded with a traditional 'namaste' gesture, folding his hands. The brief exchange was captured on camera and quickly went viral across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with many social media users dissecting the body language and labelling it an "awkward moment."
Anil Kumar Rastogi's Viral PM Modi Greeting Video
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Anil Kumar Rastogi's Clarification
Reacting to the burgeoning controversy, Anil Kumar Rastogi has now broken his silence, firmly dismissing claims of any intentional snub or awkwardness. The veteran actor, who was born on April 4, 1943, and is 83 years old in 2026, attributed the moment to an "oversight" on his part, explaining that his advanced age played a role in the unintentional interaction.
“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!” Rastogi stated, addressing the trolls. He further expressed his surprise at the controversy, emphasising that receiving the Padma Shri was a profoundly emotional and proud occasion for him, and that people were reading too much into a simple, brief moment at a formal ceremony. Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale was among those who shared the video, commenting on it as "Modi's event management fail."
Anil Kumar Rastogi Reacts to Viral Handshake Gaffe With PM Modi at Padma Awards 2026
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!
— Anil Kumar Rastogi (@AKRastogi) June 24, 2026
Anil Kumar Rastogi's Famous Works
Anil Kumar Rastogi has had an illustrious career spanning several decades, contributing significantly to Indian theatre, television, and film. A scientist by profession, he has worked with renowned theatre personalities and has acted in numerous theatre plays. His diverse filmography and television appearances showcase his versatility:
He has appeared in several acclaimed films and television projects, including Ishaqzaade (2012), Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh (2005), Mukti Bhawan (Hotel Salvation) (2017), Raid (2018), Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran (2018), Mulk (2018), Thappad (2020), and Mission Raniganj (2023). Alka Yagnik Seen in a Wheelchair After Padma Bhushan Honour: Everything To Know About Singer’s Rare Hearing Condition.
On the small screen and OTT platforms, he is known for roles such as CM Sundar Lal in Aashram (2020–23), Umesh Mahajan in Shiksha Mandal (2022), SSP Bashir Ahmed in Udaan (1989), and appearances in Na Bole Tum Naa Maine Kuch Kaha 2 (2013) and Samvidhaan: The Making of the Constitution of India (2014).
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 12:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
