I’m waiting for the verdict
By: Sarita Tanwar

HiTLIST editor Sarita Tanwar caught Sanjay Dutt off the court, in a rather conversational mood…

Sanjay Dutt
It’s the last few days before his hearing and it can’t be easy on him, but Sanjay Dutt still manages to lead a normal life (under the circumstances).

In between his appearances at court, he finds time for physiotherapy sessions, film commitments, family and social obligations.

I meet the actor on the day of his father’s (Sunil Dutt) birthday and naturally, he’s nostalgic.

We talk about the impending verdict, his films and he even sportingly speaks about his current love interest — even though at the beginning of the interview, he’s had only one request — no questions about HER. Read on…

Just a few days more before the court decides your fate. What’s your state of mind right now?

I’m waiting for the verdict. I know it’s the last few days and there’s a certain amount of anxiety, but I have faith in the system and I’m hoping for the best.

No sleepless nights?

Yes, that happens… Also, I have been having some health problems. My blood pressure for one, and my back too. I have been going for regular physiotherapy sessions. It’s the price one had to pay for all those action scenes and non-stop hours of shooting.

What’s the mood like at home?

Like I said, everyone is anxious but otherwise it’s normal. Yesterday was dad’s birthday and we were all sitting and talking about him till late last night, remembering the old times.

Every year, on his birthday, he used to go to the Tata Memorial Hospital. Now we follow the tradition. Priya went and distributed toys in the children’s ward.

What’s the reaction of filmmakers over the last few years? Do you feel like they deserted you in your hour of need?

No, I would say the industry has been very kind. I’ve been offered films at every point. Within the industry, I’ve enjoyed everyone’s love and support. I can’t complain.

There was a bit of a panic when a TV channel did a sting operation on your lawyer Satish Maneshinde. Is that the reason he’s taken a backseat now?
I don’t know about the details of the sting operation but Satish hasn’t taken a backseat. He is in court everyday.

You must’ve been worried when the sting was aired?

Yes, it was a very stressful time for us. And yes, we were worried about its implications.

You are in your mid-forties and still considered one of the most bankable stars. What do you attribute that to?

I would say doing the right kind of films. It’s also a combination of eating right and living right. Working out takes years off you (smiles).

You’ve done films like Eklavya, Anthony Kaun Hai and Nehle Pe Dehla, which didn’t justify your presence. What made you take them on?

I did Eklavya for Vinod Chopra. I’ve told him that I will do even a two-minute role in his film. In fact, I’ve told him that I want to be in every film of his, even if it is a small part.

I did Anthony Kaun Hai for Arshad Warsi. He asked me to do the film, and so I did it. As for Nehle Pe Dehla, I did it for…(shrugs)… I don’t know (laughs).

In Shootout At Lokhandwala, you play AA Khan. Tell us about your meeting with him.

This was the first time I was playing a real-life character, so I wanted to meet him. I wanted to study the way he talks, his mannerisms etc. When I expressed my desire, he agreed. I used my observations to add to the character.

How real was the film?

Well, we couldn’t show what was real. No one will tell us what really happened in the building, so that was done with whatever information we could gather and the rest was up to the director.

You haven’t done a film with old buddy Mahesh Manjrekar in a long time. What went wrong there?

I really don’t know what happened. Mahesh and I just lost touch. We haven’t spoken in ages. I think after he started that play, he became busy and I am busy with the court case. Once this gets done, maybe we will meet and then maybe a film will happen.

Munnabhai was one of last year’s biggest hits. How did it feel being nominated alongside younger stars and even bagging a few awards for it?

It felt great. Munnabhai has been a great experience and I can’t wait to begin shooting for Munnabhai Chale Amrika with Rajkumar Hirani.

But hasn’t Hirani signed Shah Rukh for his next?

The film with Shah Rukh is another film. Not the Munnabhai series.

Munnabhai has also resurrected Arshad Warsi’s career. To the extent that he’s been quite the scene-stealer in the film. Comment.

I think Munnabhai and Circuit work well together. You know, in the other languages that Munnabhai has been made in the South, the character of Circuit is not the same.

Whatever Circuit does in Munnabhai has been done for the main hero (Munnabhai) in these regional languages because the character is so great. But I have no problems with Circuit doing what he does. I don’t want to steal his thunder.

You were among the few actors to be invited for for Abhishek and Ash’s wedding. Did you feel like the privileged few?

Privileged? No. Abhishek is like a younger brother. He wanted me at the wedding and I wanted to be there for him on his big day.

You are close to the Bachchans as well as Shah Rukh. How do you maintain the balance when there is a war-like situation between them?

I don’t get involved in other people’s wars. I deal with both of them on a personal level. The Bachchans have been very close to the family for many years. And Abhishek is like a kid brother and I am very fond of Shah Rukh. He’s a great guy.

You’ve stayed away from politics. Do you intend to get into politics in the future?

No. I don’t think so. One person from the family in politics is enough. And Priya is doing a great job.

At 45-plus, you are still playing lead roles. What have you planned for after a few more years? What kind of roles do you see yourself playing after you’ve crossed 50?

The kind of roles Clint Eastwood does. Or Charles Bronson used to do. A lot of great roles are now being written. Mr Bachchan is doing great roles at 60-plus. I am sure I will get the kind of roles I want to play.

It’s important to move ahead with the times. I play roles that suit my character. I stopped playing roles that require me to play a college student ages ago. It has been a deliberate move.

Ever thought about producing or directing films?

Yes, I think l will direct at some point. I am definitely interested in doing that.

You are a very emotional guy. When was the last time you cried?

Last week, on my mother’s birthday. No matter what age you are, you always miss having your parents around.

For the record, are you married to Maanayata?

No, we are not married.

How did you meet her? How did love happen?

I met her many years ago at a party. But it wasn’t love at first sight. We connected when we met again last year.