Shekhar Suman: Peaceful Protest Is a Positive Thing in Society
The actor and Shekhar Tonite host says peaceful dissent is part of society and a way to make the government listen, amid Delhi's anti-CEC protests.
Shekhar Suman has entered an already heated conversation with a simple line: protest, when peaceful, is a sign of a healthy society. The actor and host of Shekhar Tonite made the comments during an appearance on The Lallantop as Delhi continued to see demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Where Shekhar draws the line
Suman did not tie his comment to a party or a candidate. Instead, he described protest as part of growing up. “When we don’t get something, we start protesting at home, saying that we want this or that,” he said in Hindi. If a protest remains peaceful and does not turn violent, he added, it is “absolutely right and should take place.”
Citing Mahatma Gandhi, Suman said the freedom fighter taught people to fight for what is right, and that a collective voice forces the government to pay attention. “I see it as a very positive thing in society,” he said, making the case that anyone, regardless of their position, should be able to raise their voice.
Why his words are landing now
In recent days, several Bollywood celebrities have voiced support for the protests in Delhi. Their comments come at a moment when the demand for the CEC’s resignation has moved from political circles into public debate. Suman’s statement stands out because it focuses on the method, non-violence and collective pressure, rather than on whether the specific allegations are true or false.
- Peaceful protest is a normal part of society, not a threat to it.
- Dissent becomes effective when it stays non-violent and collective.
- The government is more likely to respond when voices rise together.
- Everyone can protest for what they believe in, no matter their position.
Shekhar Tonite after the Sanjay Dutt storm
The comments also arrive shortly after Suman’s own show became a news story. Sanjay Dutt appeared on Shekhar Tonite and said he could no longer feel peace in India, a remark that drew criticism online. Dutt later clarified that his words were misinterpreted and described the conversation as scripted. Suman defended him at the time, saying Dutt has “huge respect for our country and fellow countrymen.”
The episode has kept Suman in a familiar position: at the intersection of satire, celebrity and public sentiment. His defence of peaceful protest now extends that role, giving fans a clearer sense of where the host draws his own line.
What to watch next
As the anti-CEC protests continue, more public figures will likely be asked where they stand. Suman’s answer offers a template: support the principle of peaceful dissent without necessarily endorsing every claim behind a specific protest. Whether that balance satisfies his audience or adds to the debate is the next part of the story.
Source: Hindustan Times
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