A recent video featuring Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt at singer Kulwinder Billa’s live show has taken social media by storm, but not for reasons anyone expected. What began as a casual, friendly interaction between Dutt and a newlywed groom in the audience quickly turned into a viral clip that has sparked heated debate online. While some viewers found Sanjay Dutt’s Punjabi banter humorous and spontaneous, many others expressed disappointment, claiming that his comment during the exchange was unnecessary and disrespectful.
The incident occurred during a grand wedding event in Punjab where Kulwinder Billa was performing live. Sanjay Dutt, who was present as a special guest, was seen in a cheerful and energetic mood, interacting with the crowd and sharing light-hearted moments on stage. At one point, Billa noticed a groom dancing excitedly with his friends and decided to spotlight him. As the groom approached the stage, Dutt joined in the fun, greeting him warmly and engaging in a playful conversation in Punjabi — a language he often flaunts with affection due to his long-standing bond with Punjabi audiences.
However, the banter took a sharp turn when Dutt jokingly asked the groom a line that many online users perceived as inappropriate. Though the crowd at the venue laughed in the moment, social media users later felt the actor’s tone crossed a boundary, especially considering the occasion and the groom’s respectful behaviour. The video, which has been widely circulated on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), has drawn mixed reactions. Some viewers defended Dutt, saying the comment was made in jest and meant to keep the atmosphere lively. But a large section of fans, particularly those from Punjab, expressed annoyance and said the actor should be more mindful of his words while addressing newlyweds or young fans who look up to him.
Fans in the comment sections accused the actor of being “insensitive” and “loud,” with some saying that celebrities should avoid cracking jokes that could embarrass individuals in public settings. A few also pointed out that the groom, who was smiling awkwardly throughout the exchange, seemed unsure of how to react in front of the cameras and the massive crowd. Several social media posts claimed that Sanjay Dutt’s celebrity status puts extra responsibility on him to maintain dignity in public interactions. Others argued that Punjabi gatherings are often filled with friendly teasing, and Dutt’s comment should be taken in that spirit rather than blown out of proportion.
On the other hand, supporters of the actor came forward to defend him, reminding critics that Sanjay Dutt has always shared a warm relationship with Punjabi culture, often attending events, concerts, and charitable gatherings in the state. They insisted that his comment was nothing more than typical Punjabi-style humour, which is often bold and playful. They also noted that the groom himself did not appear offended and continued enjoying the moment, posing for pictures with both Sanjay Dutt and Kulwinder Billa after the performance.
While Sanjay Dutt has not responded to the online chatter, Kulwinder Billa subtly addressed the issue during an Instagram Live session. Without naming anyone, he mentioned that people online often misinterpret jokes or friendly interactions, especially when taken out of context. He urged his fans not to react unnecessarily to harmless moments from live shows, where spontaneity and humour are natural parts of the atmosphere.
The viral clip has once again ignited the ongoing debate about celebrity behaviour in public spaces. Should stars tone down their humour to avoid backlash? Or should audiences learn to differentiate between playful jokes and actual disrespect? The incident with Sanjay Dutt has become a talking point not just for fans but also for social media commentators who frequently highlight the fine line between humour and offence.
As of now, the groom has not publicly commented, and those who were present at the event continue to insist that the atmosphere was joyful and free of discomfort. Whether this controversy fades away or leads to a broader discussion about public conduct remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in today’s age of instant virality, even a moment of casual banter can spiral into a full-fledged debate — especially when celebrities like Sanjay Dutt are involved.
