'Not everything is about politics': Padma Shri Anil Kumar Rastogi explains why he didn't shake hands with...

'Not everything is about politics': Padma Shri Anil Kumar Rastogi explains why he didn't shake hands with PM Modi

Actor Anil Kumar Rastogi, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, has found himself in a difficult position after videos from the event showed that he didn't shake hands with Narendra Modi although the Prime Minister did offer a hand.

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.

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 23, 2026

Now, in a post on X, the veteran actor has addressed the clip going viral on social media and explained why he didn't shake hands with PM Narendra Modi.

"It is unfortunate that of all the things that happened in the ceremony, this is what some people want to concentrate on, how an old man (I’m 83!), missed a small gesture by Modi ji and moved on. I only came to know about this when I watched the telecast later!," said Rastogi.

"I was out to receive one of India’s highest civilian awards, a big achievement for me, was anxious and overwhelmed and missed that stretched hand! That does not mean I respect the man any less!," he said in a post on X.

Stating that he has always been a BJP supporter and held PM Modi in high regard, Rastogi said, "In fact, I personally feel of all the faces in active politics, he has the most experience and capability to handle India's top job!"

Replying to a post of TMC's national spokesperson Saket Gokhale, the actor 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!"

Dr. Anil Kumar Rastogi was conferred the Padma Shri---India's highest civilian award--- by President Droupadi Murmu in the field of Art. He was recognized for his unique parallel careers in performing arts and scientific research.

Rastogi is a distinguished scientist, theatre personality and film actor whose contributions span both the arts and scientific research. According to official records, his artistic career includes appearances in more than 75 films, nearly 1,000 stage productions, and over 500 television episodes, in addition to extensive work in radio.

Alongside his achievements in the performing arts, he has authored more than 70 scientific research papers, making him one of the few individuals to successfully bridge the worlds of science and entertainment.

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