Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; August 13, 2020)

A day after Sanjay Dutt announced a break from films for medical treatment, his wife, producer Maanayata Dutt said the actor is a “fighter” who has always emerged winner amid adverse conditions, while urging fans to not fall prey to speculations. The 61-year-old actor was hospitalised at Lilavati Hospital over the weekend after complaining of breathlessness. He was discharged on August 10, and released a statement on Tuesday, announcing he would be taking a “short break” from work to focus on medical treatment. “I am taking a short break from work for some medical treatment. My family and friends are with me and I urge my well wishers not to worry or unnecessarily speculate. With your love and good wishes, I will be back soon!” he shared.

In her statement Maanayata said, “There is a lot that the family has gone through in the past years but I am confident, this too shall pass.However, it is my heartfelt request to Sanju’s fans to not fall prey to speculations and unwarranted rumours, but to just help us with their ongoing love, warmth and support. Sanju has always been a fighter, and so has our family. God has yet again chosen to test us to overcome the challenges ahead. All we seek is your prayers and blessings, and we know we will emerge as winners on the other side, as we always have. Let us use this opportunity to spread light and positivity.”

On the work front, three of his films — Sadak 2, Bhuj: The Pride of India and Torbaaz — will soon be released on OTT platforms. His upcoming projects include Shamshera, Prithviraj and KGF Chapter 2, which are in various stages of completion. The actor was also expected to team up with Arshad Warsi and Sajid Samji for a comedy later this year.
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Wife Maanayata back home; confident this shall pass
MUMBAI MIRROR (August 13, 2020)

On Saturday, Sanjay Dutt was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lilavati Hospital after he complained of breathlessness. He tested negative for Coronavirus and was discharged on Monday. But rumours have since been rife that the 61-year-old actor is suffering from lung cancer, more so after he posted on social media on Tuesday that he was taking a short break from work for some medical treatment.

A source from the Lilavati hospital informed that when Sanjay was taken to the hospital, he was low on oxygen saturation. “Fluid had accumulated in his lungs and because of that he was having breathing trouble,” said the source, adding that the fluid samples were sent for testing. “Doctors said it could be tuberculosis or cancer. The reports on Wednesday confirmed that Sanjay is suffering from stage 4 lung cancer.” Dr Jalil Parkar senior pulmonologist, who is treating the actor refused to comment on his condition.

Meanwhile, wife Maanayata and twins, Shahraan and Iqra, who were stuck in Dubai following the lockdown, returned to Mumbai on Wednesday, around 1.30 am. Later in the day, she released an official statement asking his fans and well-wishers to pray for the actor. “There is a lot that the family has gone through in the past years but I am confident, this too shall pass. Sanju has always been a fighter, and so has our family. God has yet again chosen to test us to overcome the challenges ahead. All we seek is your prayers and blessings, and we know we will emerge as winners on the other side, as we always have. Let us use this opportunity to spread light and positivity,” she asserted.

Buzz is, Sanjay has applied for permission to travel to the US for treatment. He could also fly to Singapore. But according to sources close to the actor, all decisions will depend on further test reports.