Subhash K Jha (DNA; June 18, 2015)

As the time of Sanjay Dutt’s release approaches, those close to him including his wife Maanayata, have spread the word that he will soon be available again to work in films. However, she has apparently also instructed Dutt’s marketing team to let producers know that the actor won’t be available to play negative roles anymore.

Hence, news that Dutt is opting out of Karan Johar’s Shhuddhi. A friend of the Dutt family reveals, “Sanju opting out of Shuddhi is the actor’s family’s way of letting the world know he won’t do negative roles. His image-building machinery won’t allow him to.”

As Sanjay prepares for life post-release, positive roles are being whipped for the actor by directors Rajkumar Hirani, Umesh Shukla and Sanjay Gupta who have scripts ready for Dutt. However, a family friend who has known Sanjay closely warns against excessive enthusiasm regarding the actor’s comeback. “He would first need to get back into psychological and physical shape. After his five-years jail term, he can’t just jump in front of the camera. I guess he won’t be back to acting before the end of 2016.”

Adds the friend, “Who will sign him first will depend on how quickly he re-conditions himself to civilian life. From what Sanju told me, I could gather he isn’t too keen on facing the camera immediately after his return. He wants to spend time with his wife, children and sisters. His career is going to take a backseat for some time.”