Padma Award Viral Moment: Veteran Actor Anil Kumar Rastogi Says Missing PM Modi’s Handshake Was an Age-Related Oversight
A brief moment from the recent Padma Awards ceremony has turned into a social media talking point after a video showing veteran actor and Padma Shri recipient Anil Kumar Rastogi walking past Prime Minister Narendra Modi without acknowledging an extended handshake went viral.
The clip quickly generated speculation online, with many users interpreting the incident as a deliberate gesture. However, the 80-plus actor has now dismissed those claims, explaining that the moment was simply an unintended oversight.
Responding to the growing discussion, Rastogi stated that his age played a role in the incident and emphasized that he holds immense respect for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the missed handshake was not intentional and should not be viewed through a political lens.
The actor's clarification has shifted the conversation, with many social media users expressing support and acknowledging that the viral clip did not reflect the full context of the moment.
Apart from his contribution to Indian cinema and theatre, Rastogi has had a distinguished career in science. He previously headed the Biochemistry Department at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) in Lucknow, balancing scientific research with an active journey in performing arts.
Over several decades, he has built an extensive body of work, appearing in more than 75 films, including Ishaqzaade, Mulk, Raid, and Thappad. He has also featured in multiple web series, hundreds of television episodes, and nearly a hundred stage productions, making him one of the country's most versatile performers.
His contribution to art and culture has been recognised through several prestigious honours, including the Yash Bharti Award, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Pataliputra Lifetime Achievement Award, the Abhyudaya International Shalaka Samman and the Kalidas Samman.
With his clarification now public, the veteran actor has sought to put an end to the controversy, reiterating that the widely shared moment was nothing more than an age-related oversight during one of India's highest civilian award ceremonies.
