Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: Senior Actor Breaks Silence on Viral PM Modi Moment

By Aditya Nagar | June 25, 2026

Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: On Wednesday, well-known actor Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi addressed people who made fun of his awkward greeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Padma awards ceremony on Tuesday.

President Droupadi Murmu gave him the Padma Shri the day before.

The actor spoke out after Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale called the moment a “Modi’s event management fail” in a social media post.

Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: Padma Shri Winner Clarifies Modi Handshake Moment

Anil Kumar Rastogi Viral Video: Gokhale posted a video showing Dr Rastogi walking to the stage to receive his Padma Shri. In the video, Dr Rastogi greeted PM Modi with folded hands and missed the handshake.

As the video spread online, the 80-year-old Padma Shri winner responded on social media, stressing his respect for the prime minister.

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Padma Shri Recipient Clears the Air on Modi Remark

Anil Kumar Rastogi PM Modi: Dr Rastogi replied to Saket Gokhale's post, saying the mistake happened because of his age.

He repeated that he has great respect for the Prime Minister and believes Mr Modi is the right leader for the country.

Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: Anil Kumar Rastogi received the Padma Shri for his major contributions to theatre, cinema, radio, and television.

Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: A Rare Blend of Art, Science and Compassion

Padma Awards 2026: A government release said he has acted in about 1,000 shows of 100 plays, and has worked in over 75 feature films and 500 TV episodes.

He is also a scientist who has co-authored more than 78 research papers and is known for helping poor patients through charity work.

Padma Awards Ceremony: President Murmu Confers Padma Awards on 131 Honorees

President Murmu also gave Padma awards to other famous people, such as tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, actors Mammootty and Satish Shah, cricketer Rohit Sharma, and playback singer Alka Yagnik.

On the eve of Republic Day, the government announced 131 Padma awards, including two cases where two people shared an award, with each pair counted as one.

The list had five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.

At the first civil investiture ceremony on May 25, the President gave out 65 Padma awards, including two Padma Vibhushan, six Padma Bhushan, and 57 Padma Shri.

The other 65 awards, including one shared by two people, were given at the second ceremony at the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday.

Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: Actor Dismisses Political Angle in PM Modi-Padma Awards Video

Anil Kumar Rastogi Latest News: A video of Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Padma Awards went viral on Wednesday. Later, the 83-year-old actor addressed critics on X.

Dr Rastogi rejected the political interpretation of the event. He said it was unfortunate that people focused on just one moment instead of the entire ceremony.

In the video, Dr Rastogi walks to the stage to receive his Padma Shri. As he greets PM Modi with folded hands, he misses the handshake the prime minister seems to offer.

'No Disrespect Intended': Padma Shri Recipient Explains Viral Moment With PM Modi

Anil Kumar Rastogi Latest Update: On X, Dr Rastogi said he missed the handshake because he was nervous about receiving such an important national award.

He stressed that this did not lessen his respect for the prime minister. Dr Rastogi supports the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and holds PM Modi in high regard.

He responded after several people, including Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson Saket Gokhale, mocked the viral moment.

Replying to Gokhale on X, Dr Rastogi said he made the mistake because of his age. He added that he deeply respects the Prime Minister and believes he is the best person to lead the country at this time.

Anil Kumar Rastogi Padma Shri: List of Films

Here is a look at the films where Dr. Anil Kumar Rastogi truly delivers a masterclass in acting.

Ishaqzaade
Mukti Bhavan
Raid
Mulk
Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran
Article 15
Thappad
Mission Raniganj
Main, Meri Patni Aur Woh
Z Plus
Nakkash
Bengal 1947

TV Serials

Udaan
Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha

OTT/Web Series

Aashram
Several other OTT projects (around 12 series in total).

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