A viral video from the Padma Awards ceremony showing an “awkward moment” between veteran actor-scientist Anil Kumar Rastogi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has triggered online speculation and trolling. But the 80+ Padma Shri awardee has now responded firmly, dismissing the claims and clarifying what actually happened.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.ALSO READ: Ketan Agarwal Pune DeathHow did the controversy start?The controversy started when TMC spokesperson Saket Gokhale shared a clip on X in which Anil Kumar Rastogi was heading to receive the prestigious award. In the clip, when PM Modi folded his hands to welcome him, he greeted the Prime Minister with a "namaste". Saket Gokhale wrote in the caption, "Modi's event management failed."ALSO READ: Maruti Brezza facelift launch expected soon with major upgrades“I’m over 80 years old, it was an oversight,” says Anil Kumar RastogiResponding to the viral criticism, Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi pushed back strongly against the narrative being built around the video.He 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!”— AKRastogi (@AKRastogi) His clarification directly addressed the online interpretation of the moment, insisting that there was no intention of disrespect.Viral clip sparks debate over “awkward handshake” momentThe video in question shows PM Narendra Modi appearing to extend his hand as Dr Rastogi approaches the stage, while the awardee instead greets him with folded hands in a traditional namaste gesture.Soon after the clip surfaced, several social media users and political commentators began sharing it with contrasting interpretations—some calling it a misunderstanding, others framing it as a sign of disrespect.However, the awardee has now clarified that the moment was unintentional and misread online.“Respect for the Prime Minister is very high,” says Padma Shri awardeeDr Rastogi further emphasized that his respect for the Prime Minister remains unchanged, rejecting any suggestion of disrespect. He reiterated that age-related oversight played a role in how the interaction unfolded and urged people not to misinterpret a brief public moment.Dr Anil Kumar Rastogi is a renowned theatre and film actor as well as a scientist, recently honoured with the Padma Shri for his contribution across arts, theatre, cinema, radio, television, and scientific research.According to official details, he has performed in over 75 films, staged nearly 1,000 theatre shows, and contributed to more than 500 television episodes, alongside over 70 scientific research publications.His dual identity as both a scientist and performer has made him a unique figure in India’s cultural landscape.