Showing posts with label Priya Dutt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priya Dutt. Show all posts
Sanjay Dutt ready to head to the USA for treatment?
8:28 AM
Sources say Sanjay Dutt has got five-year visa; expected to seek lung cancer treatment at New York hospital where mother Nargis was admitted
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; August 25, 2020)
Last week, as wife Maanayata, sisters Priya and Namrata, and the rest of the family huddled around him, Sanjay Dutt waved out to the photographers lined outside his Bandra residence and urged them to pray for his well-being, before heading out to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. The actor, 61, has since been undergoing preliminary treatment for stage three lung cancer at the Andheri hospital. In the latest development, it is heard that Dutt has procured a US visa and will soon be headed to New York for further treatment.
A source reveals, "Sanju had applied for the visa as soon as he learnt of the diagnosis. However, initially, it wasn't easy to get the clearance since the actor was among those convicted in the 1993 Bombay blasts. Fortunately, one of his close friends helped the actor secure a five-year visa on medical grounds. He is expected to fly to New York with Maanayata and Priya, where he will pursue treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre." Dutt's mother Nargis, who battled pancreatic cancer between 1980 and 1981, had been admitted to the same hospital. In the recent past, late Rishi Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Sonali Bendre too put their faith in the hospital, which is the world's oldest private cancer centre.
Sanjay Dutt's eldest daughter Trishala lives in the Big Apple. Maanayata, Priya and Namrata are expected to fly to and from New York during his treatment. The source adds, "Sanju was considering travelling to Singapore if the US plan did not materialise. Thankfully, everything has worked out swiftly, and he is expected to leave at the earliest."
Earlier this month, Dutt announced that he is taking a short break from work to seek medical treatment. Soon after, Maanayata issued a statement, saying, "God has yet again chosen to test us to overcome the challenges ahead. All we seek are your prayers and blessings."
mid-day reached out to Maanayata, who did not respond till press time.
Nargis, Rishi Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Sonali Bendre had sought treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre
Sanjay Dutt admitted to Kokilaben Hospital for preliminary tests
8:30 AM
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 21, 2020)
Following consultations with doctors at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, Sanjay Dutt was admitted to another city hospital, Kokilaben, on Tuesday. The actor was diagnosed with lung cancer last week after he checked into Lilavati Hospital complaining of breathlessness. While rumours flew thick and fast, wife Maanayata, in a statement, requested people to stop speculating on the stage of his illness and let the doctors continue to do their work. “We will update you all regularly with his progress,” she assured. Maanayata was stuck in Dubai with their children, Iqra and Shahraan, when the Coronavirus lockdown was suddenly announced. She flew back to the city on August 12 and is currently under 14-day quarantine, which is why the actor is accompanied everywhere by sister Priya Dutt.
The 61-year-old actor has taken the illness in his stride and remains upbeat, greeting the paps with a thumbs up and telling them to pray for him. According to a source, the family has seen Nargis Dutt and his late wife Richa Sharma fight the Big C and Sanju’s sister, Priya, has been running a cancer foundation for over two decades so they are familiar with the treatment. “Despite knowing this will be a long and tough journey, they are determined to go about their lives as normally as possible, confident that this too shall pass. Right now, the preliminary tests are being conducted. So, Sanjay is not expected to be in the hospital for a long time. Once the reports are out, he will return home but hospital visits will be frequent.”
There have been reports that Sanjay will be flying off to the USA or another country abroad for treatment. The source dismisses the speculation: “The family will discuss the future course of action depending on the test reports.”
Image: Sanjay Dutt to begin treatment in the city
8:10 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (August 17, 2020)
On Sunday, at around 12 noon, Sanjay Dutt was spotted at the Lilavati Hospital, along with sister Priya Dutt. He arrived well before his appointment and stayed in his car until the doctor arrived. The extensive consultation with Dr Jalil Parkar, senior pulmonologist, lasted till 3.15 pm, following which the doctor and Priya left the hospital. Sanjay, however, was there for another two hours and left only post 5 pm in his car. It seems that the actor was at the hospital for another round of check-ups at the hospital.
On Saturday, the brother-sister duo visited the Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri for a brief period. The actor is expected to begin chemotherapy sessions there soon.
A week ago, he had checked into the Lilavati Hospital following breathing trouble. While he didn’t test positive for Coronavirus, it is believed that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. On Tuesday, the actor, who has four films on the floors and two up for release, had posted on social media that he would be taking a short break for medical treatment and promised to be back soon.
Priya Dutt said I look exactly like her-Aditi Seiya
3:06 PM
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 26, 2018)
Who wouldn't want to make their Bollywood debut with Rajkumar Hirani? Even if it were a blink-and-miss role, I would have taken it up," says South star Aditi Seiya, who plays Priya Dutt in Sanju, Sanjay Dutt's biopic.
Although she has got the look down pat, getting into the skin of the character was a task, especially since she has never met the politician. "After watching her interview on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, I could gauge that she is a strong personality. She is poised and dignified, and I had to adopt her mannerisms. When Raju sir sent her pictures of my look test, she said I look exactly like her."
Quipping that it was "difficult to play Ranbir Kapoor's sister since he is a heartthrob", Seiya is all praises for his acting skills. "Ranbir is a one-take guy who enhances every scene. He turned an important family scene around by suggesting minor tweaks. I have become his fan after working with him."
I’ll act till the day I die-Manisha Koirala
8:06 AM
Deepali Singh (DNA; June 11, 2018)
When we meet Manisha Koirala on a cloudy evening, the same morning the actress has posted a picture of herself trying her hand at swimming. As soon as we bring it up, she throws her head back and laughs. “I know what people will say. At this age she wants to learn swimming!” Wearing an off-white pantsuit that fits her petite frame and big glares which hide her twinkling eyes, the actress reveals that she has taken to her new hobby with a vengeance. “I used to float in water, but never really swam in the deep. I’ve always been petrified of that. But I felt proud of myself for finally being able to swim and trying out something new. Now, I’m super enthusiastic to come here every day at 6 am. I’m quite obsessive that way!” she laughs.
Post her recovery from cancer, the award-winning actress was last seen in Dear Maya last year. And now, she has three films lined up for release — Dibakar Banerjee’s Lust Stories, Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju as well as the Hindi remake of the Telugu hit Prasthanam. Naturally, there is loads to talk about with her and Manisha, too, has been busy with media interactions since noon. Isn’t she exhausted? “Not at all. This is an important part of our profession. Especially today, it’s important to do them well and be there 100 per cent... I love it!” she insists with a smile. Over to her...
Swimming lessons, solo trips... you seem to be thoroughly enjoying this post-recovery phase?
I am embracing life with open arms! I’m doing things which I love. I feel I can do a few things, but I’m fully present because I’m enjoying them. I love nature, hiking, trekking, taking long walks... so I’m doing all that.
There was a lull in your career once you were diagnosed with cancer. Last year, you returned with Dear Maya and now, you have three films coming up...
Well, it’s great to be in your late 40s and be able to work. Honestly speaking, I had no idea in my 20s that I’ll continue loving my work. But it seems to me that I’ll act till the day I die (laughs). Have you heard of this Italian movie called Il Postino? I love Pablo Neruda’s poetry and this film is about his encounter with a postman, who used to bring his letters. The actor, Massimo Troisi, who played the latter, passed away after the film was shot. I know the value of an actor because cinema and acting is everything for me. If you love your work so much that this could be the last thing you would be doing before you say goodbye to the world, then it’s the best thing. I’ve rediscovered my love for acting. I’m so grateful that I’ve an opportunity to be able to perform different kind of genres. I’m scared of getting typecast. The industry has the tendency to stereotype actresses over 40 into mothers’ roles. I will do them, but differently with the sense of an actor.
You mentioned during Sanju’s trailer launch that the late Sunil Dutt told you that you reminded him of Nargis Dutt in your film Bombay. How did you prepare for the role of the late actress?
There was a trial of Bombay at Ajanta Theatre owned by Dutt saab. After seeing it, he called me and said, ‘Manisha, you reminded us of Nargis Dutt ji.’ That was a massive compliment for me! After so many years, I am playing her. But I was not very confident. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do justice to the role. So, I was nervous but Raj ji (Rajkumar Hirani) and his team were thoroughly prepared. We did look tests, held discussions and he made me watch documentaries on her. Then I met Priya Dutt, who sent me a book written about her parents. I never got a chance to talk to Baba (Sanjay Dutt) about her, but all this work helped me perform.
Your association with Sanjay Dutt goes back many years. Now, you play his real mother in Sanju and his on-screen wife in Prasthaanam. Tell us a bit about working with him.
My association with Baba has been since my childhood. I became his fan when Rocky released! I think I was in sixth or seventh standard and I just loved him and Tina (Munim). We were not allowed to put up posters of film actors in our house, so I would stick his pictures and postcards behind the almirah door. When I got a chance to work with him, I told him I used to be his biggest fan. He said, ‘Why, aren’t you my fan now?’ (laughs) I told him, ‘Now, you are my colleague!’ Working with him is such a pleasure. He’s always the brat of the unit, so full of life and pulling pranks on everyone. I’m really excited to be working with him after all these years.
You will be seen next in Lust Stories. You have done your share of bold roles and some have even courted controversies. Is this a bold film, too?
I was enjoying solitude in Nepal when Dibakar (Banerjee) contacted me for this film, which was called Bombay Talkies 2 then. I saw the first part after that. I really liked that these four big directors have experimented with unconventional subjects because, in a bigger film, there is the handicap of trying to recover those big monies. I feel, for a performer too, it’s great to be able to work in a mainstream film as well as a movie set-up like this. I see it as a film that’s giving me scope to perform differently.
Since your story is about an extra-marital relationship, were there any bold scenes you had to shoot?
I’m fairly conservative, so there were none! In fact, Dibakar said people will know that he didn’t make a bolder film because of me (laughs). I feel some people can pull it off while others can’t. I’m someone who can’t pull off so much boldness; my boldness has its limitations.
You’re just bold in your views...
Absolutely, bang on! (Laughs)
You’re making your digital debut with this film...
Yes, and I have a few more interesting offers in that space. So, let’s see.
Sanju: How Manisha Koirala became Nargis Dutt in the Ranbir Kapoor starrer
7:52 AM
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; June 7, 2018)
Manisha Koirala, who plays Nargis Dutt in the Sanjay Dutt biopic, Sanju, went through many sessions to get her look just right for the part. And it seems the effort has paid off. We have got our hands on some behind-the-scenes images. Says a source, “The team tried a lot of different get-ups so that Manisha resembled Nargis ji. Director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra loved what they saw during the look tests.” Those who have seen the pictures have remarked about the uncanny resemblance between Manisha and the Mother India actress.
Commenting on the same, Manisha says, “We had many discussions. Hirani sir showed me a documentary on Nargis Dutt ji, while Priya Dutt gave me the book, Mr And Mrs Dutt: Memories Of Our Parents. We used to try various wigs and hairstyles. To match her charm and the spark in her eyes, I studied her a lot. Hirani sir’s entire team was involved in helping us actors get the right look and mannerisms.” At the launch of the film’s trailer, Manisha had reminisced how Sunil Dutt had once complimented her and compared her to the legendary actress. Manisha said, “He had called me after Bombay had released and told me that I reminded him of Nargis ji. That was special.”
I love Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal-Priya Dutt on Sanju
9:17 AM
With his effortless act as Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor seems to have found an admirer in the veteran actor's sister, politician Priya Dutt
Bharti Dubey (MID-DAY; May 31, 2018)
With his effortless act as Sanjay Dutt, Ranbir Kapoor seems to have found an admirer in the veteran actor's sister, politician Priya Dutt. She said, "You can't have anybody aping bhaiyya 100 per cent. But I loved the way Ranbir has portrayed him."
Priya Dutt also believes that Rajkumar Hirani, who has given Sanjay two of his biggest hits, Munnabhai MBBS (2003) and Lage Raho Munnabhai (2006), was the perfect choice to tell his story to the world. "Nobody besides Raju could have made the film. He knows how to bring out the emotions. The scenes between papa [Sunil Dutt] and him will be amazing. Raju has added the right kind of humour. Bhaiyya's life has had so much comedy — the situation may have seemed crazy then, but now, when we look back, we laugh about them. The makers have made it as real as possible — there is nothing to hide."
Images: Sanjay Dutt’s original house recreated for Ranbir Kapoor's Sanju
7:53 AM
Sanjay Dutt, Rajkumar Hirani, and the original residence of the Dutts and (above; left) the set
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; May 26, 2018)
Rajkumar Hirani’s upcoming directorial, Sanju, starring Ranbir Kapoor is one of the most-awaited films this year. Ever since its teaser released, people have been commenting on the young actor’s striking resemblance to Sanjay Dutt, on whose life the biopic is based. In fact, Rajkumar, who is known for his detailing, has striven to portray every aspect of Sanjay’s life aptly through the film.
While prepping for the movie, the director had to recreate the actor’s house where he lived with his parents. However, the house no longer exists. But that didn’t stop Raju from replicating Sanjay’s childhood home. He reached out to the actor’s sister, Priya Dutt, who helped him with photos and videos of their Bandra residence.
A source revealed, “Rajkumar sir wanted to portray Sanju’s life right from childhood. Hence, we started recreating the set-up for the house where he originally resided with his parents, Sunil and Nargis Dutt. It took us about 25 days and once it was ready, the cast and crew including the visitors on the sets were amazed to see an exact replica of the original house.”
I don’t want a man in my life now. I don’t want to shake up my life again-Manisha Koirala
7:57 AM
After heartbreaks, low phases and going off-track, Manisha Koirala says she has now made peace with her past
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 15, 2017)
She's back on the B- Town scene after — as she puts it — facing death and no more of taking your health for granted. When we meet Manisha Koirala at a suburban club at a little after 9.30 pm, we see no signs of exhaustion although she has been giving back-to-back interviews for the past few hours for the promotions of her upcoming film, Sunaina Bhatnagar’s Dear Maya. Manisha has two more projects lined up — Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt in which she essays the actor’s mother, Nargis Dutt, and Bombay Talkies 2 in which she features in the segment directed by Dibakar Banerjee. As she sits down for a chat, she keeps wiping her face with a wet tissue. Excerpts:
Do you find the pace of promotions hectic now?
It is indeed hectic. I am doing it after a gap and things have changed. I consider myself old-school, but I am keeping up with the times. But, I do not want to overdo things that can take a toll on my energy. I want to strike a balance. I am doing whatever I can for Dear Maya. There is so much competition now. The audience has too many choices; they could rather be watching a movie on Netflix [instead of your film in theatres]. We have to push little harder to lure the audience.
How do you look at the new phase of your life?
I am grateful for a new lease of life. My battle with cancer opened my eyes to several things. In the last five years, I had a lot of time to introspect. I consider myself in a better space now. I don’t want to look back. I have had my bad times. I have had heartbreaks, low phases and gone off track, but it has been a learning phase. I am content with life and have made peace with many things including my relationship with my parents. What matters to me is that I remain happy. I know it is not going to be easy. I don’t want a man in my life now. I don’t want to shake up my life again.
What were your apprehensions about a comeback?
I was coming back after a break, so I was keen to get it right. I was conscious about the decisions that I needed to take. The script, producer, director — everything had to be right. At the same time, I didn’t want to push myself. I want to enjoy my work and don’t want to do what I did in my 20s. I have made compartments in my life; I want to enjoy them all.
How is the shoot of Bombay Talkies 2 coming along?
I feature in one of the segments directed by Dibakar Banerjee. I play a mother of two who loves the water. I was a jury member at the Dubai Film Festival where his 2006 film Khosla Ka Ghosla was screened. Dibakar is a new-age director with new vision. I was hoping to work with him one day, and now I have got the chance.
Initially, you had reservations about playing Nargis Dutt in the Dutt biopic?
When casting agent Mukesh Chabbra called me for it, my first reaction was, ‘What? I have to play Baba’s (Sanjay Dutt) mother now?’ We have done several films (Yalgaar, 1991; Sanam, 1997; Kartoos, 1999). I was always a tomboy on the set when shooting with Baba. I had my reservations as I would end up playing mother’s roles. I know how the industry functions. I pondered over it for a while and then said yes. I thought to myself, when will I get to play Nargis Dutt again. When I told my mother, she was excited about it. She told me about Nargisji and her trademark white sarees. I am looking forward to the film.
Have you interacted with the Dutts recently?
No, I am going with Rajji’s [Hirani] vision. I had once met Priya Dutt on a flight to New York where I was headed for a medical checkup. I have always admired the work she does for Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation. Last month, she invited me for a cancer survivors event, I told her, ‘now tell me about your mom’. She handed me a book, Mr and Mrs Dutt, (co-written with sister Namrata Dutt Kumar).
Your brother Siddharth Koirala has disappeared from Bollywood.
He is back home in Nepal and into politics now. He is married and has a daughter.
Shaheen Parkar (MID-DAY; May 15, 2017)
She's back on the B- Town scene after — as she puts it — facing death and no more of taking your health for granted. When we meet Manisha Koirala at a suburban club at a little after 9.30 pm, we see no signs of exhaustion although she has been giving back-to-back interviews for the past few hours for the promotions of her upcoming film, Sunaina Bhatnagar’s Dear Maya. Manisha has two more projects lined up — Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic on Sanjay Dutt in which she essays the actor’s mother, Nargis Dutt, and Bombay Talkies 2 in which she features in the segment directed by Dibakar Banerjee. As she sits down for a chat, she keeps wiping her face with a wet tissue. Excerpts:
Do you find the pace of promotions hectic now?
It is indeed hectic. I am doing it after a gap and things have changed. I consider myself old-school, but I am keeping up with the times. But, I do not want to overdo things that can take a toll on my energy. I want to strike a balance. I am doing whatever I can for Dear Maya. There is so much competition now. The audience has too many choices; they could rather be watching a movie on Netflix [instead of your film in theatres]. We have to push little harder to lure the audience.
How do you look at the new phase of your life?
I am grateful for a new lease of life. My battle with cancer opened my eyes to several things. In the last five years, I had a lot of time to introspect. I consider myself in a better space now. I don’t want to look back. I have had my bad times. I have had heartbreaks, low phases and gone off track, but it has been a learning phase. I am content with life and have made peace with many things including my relationship with my parents. What matters to me is that I remain happy. I know it is not going to be easy. I don’t want a man in my life now. I don’t want to shake up my life again.
What were your apprehensions about a comeback?
I was coming back after a break, so I was keen to get it right. I was conscious about the decisions that I needed to take. The script, producer, director — everything had to be right. At the same time, I didn’t want to push myself. I want to enjoy my work and don’t want to do what I did in my 20s. I have made compartments in my life; I want to enjoy them all.
How is the shoot of Bombay Talkies 2 coming along?
I feature in one of the segments directed by Dibakar Banerjee. I play a mother of two who loves the water. I was a jury member at the Dubai Film Festival where his 2006 film Khosla Ka Ghosla was screened. Dibakar is a new-age director with new vision. I was hoping to work with him one day, and now I have got the chance.
Initially, you had reservations about playing Nargis Dutt in the Dutt biopic?
When casting agent Mukesh Chabbra called me for it, my first reaction was, ‘What? I have to play Baba’s (Sanjay Dutt) mother now?’ We have done several films (Yalgaar, 1991; Sanam, 1997; Kartoos, 1999). I was always a tomboy on the set when shooting with Baba. I had my reservations as I would end up playing mother’s roles. I know how the industry functions. I pondered over it for a while and then said yes. I thought to myself, when will I get to play Nargis Dutt again. When I told my mother, she was excited about it. She told me about Nargisji and her trademark white sarees. I am looking forward to the film.
Have you interacted with the Dutts recently?
No, I am going with Rajji’s [Hirani] vision. I had once met Priya Dutt on a flight to New York where I was headed for a medical checkup. I have always admired the work she does for Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation. Last month, she invited me for a cancer survivors event, I told her, ‘now tell me about your mom’. She handed me a book, Mr and Mrs Dutt, (co-written with sister Namrata Dutt Kumar).
Your brother Siddharth Koirala has disappeared from Bollywood.
He is back home in Nepal and into politics now. He is married and has a daughter.
It will be an emotional day when I go back on set with Bhoomi-Sanjay Dutt
8:27 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2016)
Almost a year after he
walked out free from Pune's Yerwada Jail, Sanjay Dutt is a busy man. From
participating in his twins' daily activities to planning for his
production house, Sanju Baba has his plate full. Come January 2017, the
actor will be back in the studio, shooting for a father-daughter
action-drama titled Bhoomi. Sanjay talks to BT about what lies ahead.
Excerpts:
You'll start shooting for your comeback film in January 2017. What's on your mind?
I am really excited about Bhoomi which will be directed by Omung Kumar. It took me long to decide my comeback vehicle. Finally, I chose this film because apart from an impressive and dramatic father-daughter story laced with realistic action, I'll be collaborating with a great team.
Omung has made good films.
Sarbjit and Mary Kom were impressive. Bhoomi largely dwells on the journeys of a teenager and her father. It's a story I could relate to.
You were offered action films and a few dramatic ones also, right?
Yes. A lot of action films came my way but they wouldn't have satisfied the actor in me. This movie has so much for the common man to connect with. It just felt like the right project to reboot my career with.
Are you anxious about returning to cinema?
It has been a while since I shot for a film, but acting is like riding a cycle, driving a car or swimming. You don't forget these things. I know it will be an emotional moment on the first day of shoot in Agra. I am looking forward to it.
Have you started preparing for the role?
I've started working out. I'm yet to discuss the look of my character with Omung, but I'm even game for a salt-and-pepper look if he wants one.
How much do you plan to draw from your experiences as a father to two daughters?
Fathers and daughters share a special bond, sons are closer to their mothers. I have seen my sisters, Priya and Namrata, with my dad. Trishala and little Iqra have a funny but amazing equation with me. And to answer your question, I will try to incorporate as many of my experiences with them in the film as I can.
You've played a father before. How different is it this time around?
It's going to be more believable. I have played Hrithik Roshan's dad in Mission Kashmir (2000) but this time, it feels more correct. The space I'm trying to explore as an actor is the kind that Denzel Washington and Kevin Costner occupy in the West.
What happened to Marco Bhau, which was supposed to be your comeback film?
There was an issue with the script and Vidhu Vinod Chopra wasn't too happy with it. So, we've put it on hold for now but once he's satisfied, we'll start shooting.
You'll start shooting for your comeback film in January 2017. What's on your mind?
I am really excited about Bhoomi which will be directed by Omung Kumar. It took me long to decide my comeback vehicle. Finally, I chose this film because apart from an impressive and dramatic father-daughter story laced with realistic action, I'll be collaborating with a great team.
Omung has made good films.
Sarbjit and Mary Kom were impressive. Bhoomi largely dwells on the journeys of a teenager and her father. It's a story I could relate to.
You were offered action films and a few dramatic ones also, right?
Yes. A lot of action films came my way but they wouldn't have satisfied the actor in me. This movie has so much for the common man to connect with. It just felt like the right project to reboot my career with.
Are you anxious about returning to cinema?
It has been a while since I shot for a film, but acting is like riding a cycle, driving a car or swimming. You don't forget these things. I know it will be an emotional moment on the first day of shoot in Agra. I am looking forward to it.
Have you started preparing for the role?
I've started working out. I'm yet to discuss the look of my character with Omung, but I'm even game for a salt-and-pepper look if he wants one.
How much do you plan to draw from your experiences as a father to two daughters?
Fathers and daughters share a special bond, sons are closer to their mothers. I have seen my sisters, Priya and Namrata, with my dad. Trishala and little Iqra have a funny but amazing equation with me. And to answer your question, I will try to incorporate as many of my experiences with them in the film as I can.
You've played a father before. How different is it this time around?
It's going to be more believable. I have played Hrithik Roshan's dad in Mission Kashmir (2000) but this time, it feels more correct. The space I'm trying to explore as an actor is the kind that Denzel Washington and Kevin Costner occupy in the West.
What happened to Marco Bhau, which was supposed to be your comeback film?
There was an issue with the script and Vidhu Vinod Chopra wasn't too happy with it. So, we've put it on hold for now but once he's satisfied, we'll start shooting.
Sanjay Dutt turns 57 with three cakes
7:53 AM
The actor who had brought in his birthday in prison for the last three years, made it an occasion to remember this year with his wife, children, sisters and the media
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 30, 2016)
Sanjay Dutt who turned 57 on Friday celebrated his first birthday as a 'free' man with wife Manyata, sisters, Namrata and Priya, and their husbands, Kumar Gaurav and Owen Roncon, cutting the first cake at midnight.
A source close to the actor adds, "Sanjay's kids, Shahraan and Iqra, who go to bed by 9 pm, missed out on the midnight celebrations. So the doting dad made it a point to wake up early the next morning despite the late night before they left for school and cut another cake with them. The kids gifted the birthday boy a card while Manyata gifted him a hot pair of wheels, an Audi Q7. The family then proceeded to lunch with Manyata and all of Sanjay's favourite dishes were laid out. The day ended with a family dinner at the couple's favourite restaurant in Bandra."
However, before calling it a day, Sanjay cut a third cake with the media at 6 pm, telling them how great it felt to celebrate as a free man. "I spent the last three birthdays in jail. Today, I'm glad I can celebrate it with my kids," he exulted.
The actor also took the opportunity to address rumours of a rift with Salman Khan, making it a point to underline the fact that the actor had called to wish him. "He is my younger brother, there is no fight between us and can never be. I had called him too when he got a clean chit in the court cases. I'm happy for him, I don't want anyone to go through what I did," he said emotionally.
However it's not all play and no work for the Dutt who has his hands full. "Marco Bhau, with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, will begin in November. I'm doing a film with Mahesh Manjrekar too which is a remake of the Marathi film De Dhakka. And the next Munnabhai film is expected to roll by 2018," he informed, adding that he has resumed his workouts and is also practising martial arts. "I have also given up alcohol and follow a strict diet to keep fit," he concluded.
I left drugs because I wanted to be out of it & not because of my family-Sanjay Dutt
8:09 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; May 9, 2016)
Sanjay Dutt was in Delhi
recently to speak at EEMA's (Event and Entertainment Management
Association) annual convention. Since
he has not attended many public meetings in the recent past, after he
came out of jail in February, we asked him what he was going to speak
about and he said, 'Ab pata nahin, wahan joh dil se niklega woh
bolunga'. The sessions
were supposed to be short, not more than 15 minutes. However, when Dutt
got on stage and started talking - about being booked under TADA, his
jail term and drug abuse -it went on for more than an hour.
I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TADA WAS
Going back to 23 years ago, when he was booked under TADA, Dutt said, “I was shooting in Mauritius when my sister called and said that I was being charged for keeping rifles, and I said, 'Oh really?' Then dad called me and asked me to meet the Indian embassy officials. I went to the embassy and they said, 'Koi nahin, tum shooting finish kar ke aa jao'. But I couldn't, because I didn't know what was happening back home. When I reached Bombay airport, tab woh purana wala airport tha, I was coming down from the slide, and I saw 50,000 policemen pointing their guns at me, as if I was Osama Bin Laden.“
Dutt added, “Every person in India should know the law, be it entertainment tax or Income Tax. I made a mistake by not knowing the law. I chose to come back and say that I have not made a mistake, whatever I have done wrong, please usko dekh ke joh punishment hai de do, aur maaf kar do. I thought that the police would let me go, since I was a first-time offender. I was taken to the crime branch...And then suddenly, TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act). I swear I didn't know what TADA was. When MN Singh (the then Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Mumbai) came and said that I was being booked in the Mumbai blast case, I broke down. I was like, 'How can you expect me to blast my own city? Go against my country?' He said, 'I am sorry , but I have to arrest you'.“
JAIL MEIN MAIN MAKKHI NIKAAL KAR DAAL PI JAATA THA
Talking about the first time he went to jail, he said, “When I was in prison, it was very difficult time for dad, Priya and me. She came to meet me on Raksha Bandhan and I gave her the coupons that I collected in jail.“ Talking about his recent stint in jail, he said, “In the Pune jail, there are flies all over, billions of flies, in your hair, in your clothes and even in your food. Main makkhi nikaal kar daal pi jaata tha, mera co-accused daal nahin peeta tha. Maine usko bola, 'Yaar, tu kab tak bhookha rahega?' Usne poocha, 'Tu makkhi wali daal kaise pi jata hai?' Toh maine bola, 'Yahan protein nahin milta hai, daal mein protein hota hai'.“ Later, Dutt added, “Aaj biwi ne ghar mein kaali daal phir se banayi toh main complain nahi kar sakta!“
I DID NOT WANT HOPE WHEN I WAS IN JAIL
When asked about his survival strategy in jail, he said, “Never hope. It is the most difficult thing. Once you cut that hope, life is easy, you survive so beautifully. In jail, there is nothing but hope. But when I decided ki mujhe koi hope nahin chahiye, the journey in jail became easy and passed quickly. I learnt this apna kaam karo, hope mat karo. I want to go across the country and speak to people about my life and share my journey. For me, life has not been beautiful. It has been like going up to Mount Everest and then falling down. But every time I climbed the peak, I reached the top (again), beech mein nahin gira. Maine jail mein Ramayan, Bhagwad Gita, Shiv Puran, Ganesh Puran, Bible, Quran Sharif aur Guru Granth Sahib padhi. I can sit and talk to any maulana or any priest and make sense. I had a small temple, samne bathroom tha tab bhi mandir tha. God is in your heart.“
I TOLD MY CHILDREN THAT I WAS SHOOTING IN THE MOUNTAINS
Dutt said that his children still don't know that he was in jail. He said, “When I was in jail, it was very difficult for me to not see my children for three years. My wife Manyata used to say, 'Main unko leke aati hoon'. But I told her, 'Never, unko yahan kabhi mat lana, I don't want them here'. I didn't want them to see me in torn clothes and the topi. I didn't want them to live with that image. Aaj kal ke bachche bahut smart ho gaye hain, bolte thay 'Papa ko photo wala phone lagao'. I used to speak to them twice a month. I told them that I was shooting in the mountains and didn't have proper connection. That's what they know even today .“
I WAS 110KG WHEN I WENT TO JAIL BECAUSE I'D BEEN DRINKING
Talking about how he maintained his physique in jail, he said, “Kaun kehta hai gym nahin toh workout nahin kar sakte? Maine jail mein kiya. I was 110kg before I went to jail because I was drinking like a dog. One day, I was having a bath (in jail) and I looked at myself and thought, 'Yaar mera pet kuch zyada hi nikal gaya hai. Sanjay, kuch toh sharm kar yaar'. Then I started running in the yard, lifting huge buckets of water. I used to hit nails (sic) in the wall till my knuckles hurt and wrists swelled. But still, I used to do it every day, because I wanted to break through the pain.“
THERE IS NO DRUG IN THE WORLD THAT I HAVE NOT DONE
When asked if he started doing drugs when his mother, Nargis, passed away, Dutt said, “It's not that I started because of mom. Mera dog mar gaya toh daaru pi raha hoon, aaj mera gadha mar gaya to daaru piyunga these are just excuses. Substance abuse is something that you do if you want to do it. Once you get into it, it's very difficult to leave. It is the worst thing in the world. My journey with substance abuse has been about 12 years. There are no drugs in the world that I have not done. When my father took me to America (for rehab), they gave me a list (of drugs) and I ticked every drug on it, because I had taken all of them. The doctor told my dad, 'What kind of food do you eat in India? Going by the drugs he did, he should be dead by now!'“ About the process of rehab, he said, “I didn't leave drugs because of my family. I left because I wanted to be out of it. I didn't want that life. I want to tell youngsters, live your life, love your work, love your family, it is better than cocaine.“
Going back to 23 years ago, when he was booked under TADA, Dutt said, “I was shooting in Mauritius when my sister called and said that I was being charged for keeping rifles, and I said, 'Oh really?' Then dad called me and asked me to meet the Indian embassy officials. I went to the embassy and they said, 'Koi nahin, tum shooting finish kar ke aa jao'. But I couldn't, because I didn't know what was happening back home. When I reached Bombay airport, tab woh purana wala airport tha, I was coming down from the slide, and I saw 50,000 policemen pointing their guns at me, as if I was Osama Bin Laden.“
Dutt added, “Every person in India should know the law, be it entertainment tax or Income Tax. I made a mistake by not knowing the law. I chose to come back and say that I have not made a mistake, whatever I have done wrong, please usko dekh ke joh punishment hai de do, aur maaf kar do. I thought that the police would let me go, since I was a first-time offender. I was taken to the crime branch...And then suddenly, TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act). I swear I didn't know what TADA was. When MN Singh (the then Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Mumbai) came and said that I was being booked in the Mumbai blast case, I broke down. I was like, 'How can you expect me to blast my own city? Go against my country?' He said, 'I am sorry , but I have to arrest you'.“
JAIL MEIN MAIN MAKKHI NIKAAL KAR DAAL PI JAATA THA
Talking about the first time he went to jail, he said, “When I was in prison, it was very difficult time for dad, Priya and me. She came to meet me on Raksha Bandhan and I gave her the coupons that I collected in jail.“ Talking about his recent stint in jail, he said, “In the Pune jail, there are flies all over, billions of flies, in your hair, in your clothes and even in your food. Main makkhi nikaal kar daal pi jaata tha, mera co-accused daal nahin peeta tha. Maine usko bola, 'Yaar, tu kab tak bhookha rahega?' Usne poocha, 'Tu makkhi wali daal kaise pi jata hai?' Toh maine bola, 'Yahan protein nahin milta hai, daal mein protein hota hai'.“ Later, Dutt added, “Aaj biwi ne ghar mein kaali daal phir se banayi toh main complain nahi kar sakta!“
I DID NOT WANT HOPE WHEN I WAS IN JAIL
When asked about his survival strategy in jail, he said, “Never hope. It is the most difficult thing. Once you cut that hope, life is easy, you survive so beautifully. In jail, there is nothing but hope. But when I decided ki mujhe koi hope nahin chahiye, the journey in jail became easy and passed quickly. I learnt this apna kaam karo, hope mat karo. I want to go across the country and speak to people about my life and share my journey. For me, life has not been beautiful. It has been like going up to Mount Everest and then falling down. But every time I climbed the peak, I reached the top (again), beech mein nahin gira. Maine jail mein Ramayan, Bhagwad Gita, Shiv Puran, Ganesh Puran, Bible, Quran Sharif aur Guru Granth Sahib padhi. I can sit and talk to any maulana or any priest and make sense. I had a small temple, samne bathroom tha tab bhi mandir tha. God is in your heart.“
I TOLD MY CHILDREN THAT I WAS SHOOTING IN THE MOUNTAINS
Dutt said that his children still don't know that he was in jail. He said, “When I was in jail, it was very difficult for me to not see my children for three years. My wife Manyata used to say, 'Main unko leke aati hoon'. But I told her, 'Never, unko yahan kabhi mat lana, I don't want them here'. I didn't want them to see me in torn clothes and the topi. I didn't want them to live with that image. Aaj kal ke bachche bahut smart ho gaye hain, bolte thay 'Papa ko photo wala phone lagao'. I used to speak to them twice a month. I told them that I was shooting in the mountains and didn't have proper connection. That's what they know even today .“
I WAS 110KG WHEN I WENT TO JAIL BECAUSE I'D BEEN DRINKING
Talking about how he maintained his physique in jail, he said, “Kaun kehta hai gym nahin toh workout nahin kar sakte? Maine jail mein kiya. I was 110kg before I went to jail because I was drinking like a dog. One day, I was having a bath (in jail) and I looked at myself and thought, 'Yaar mera pet kuch zyada hi nikal gaya hai. Sanjay, kuch toh sharm kar yaar'. Then I started running in the yard, lifting huge buckets of water. I used to hit nails (sic) in the wall till my knuckles hurt and wrists swelled. But still, I used to do it every day, because I wanted to break through the pain.“
THERE IS NO DRUG IN THE WORLD THAT I HAVE NOT DONE
When asked if he started doing drugs when his mother, Nargis, passed away, Dutt said, “It's not that I started because of mom. Mera dog mar gaya toh daaru pi raha hoon, aaj mera gadha mar gaya to daaru piyunga these are just excuses. Substance abuse is something that you do if you want to do it. Once you get into it, it's very difficult to leave. It is the worst thing in the world. My journey with substance abuse has been about 12 years. There are no drugs in the world that I have not done. When my father took me to America (for rehab), they gave me a list (of drugs) and I ticked every drug on it, because I had taken all of them. The doctor told my dad, 'What kind of food do you eat in India? Going by the drugs he did, he should be dead by now!'“ About the process of rehab, he said, “I didn't leave drugs because of my family. I left because I wanted to be out of it. I didn't want that life. I want to tell youngsters, live your life, love your work, love your family, it is better than cocaine.“
Rani Mukerji hosts evening to educate friends and family about VivaMayr wellness centre?
7:37 AM
Upala KBR (DNA; March 8, 2016)
Busy mom Rani Mukerji took time off from babysitting
her daughter Adira to build awareness for VivaMayr, a revolutionary
wellness centre in Austria, by hosting a private dinner where the
senior-most doctors from the centre gave a presentation to the guests —
friends and family to the Chopras at Yash Raj Studios.
Rani and husband Aditya Chopra have both experienced the health benefits of visiting the centre. On Saturday night, the doctors explained the principles of their clinic, while their chefs, specially flown down from Austria, cooked a delicious meal that gave those present an insight into the VivaMayr way of life. Says a source, “This event was planned meticulously for several months with Rani supervising the entire dinner herself right down to the minutest detail. The idea behind the sit-down dinner was to both educate about healthy choices and ring in an enjoyable evening. Rani started the evening welcoming everyone and told them about how her love affair with VivaMayr started and the life altering knowledge she got from their team in Austria when she visited them in 2014 — she had a serious health crisis then.” Adds the source, “The actress discovered the benefits of this centre after researching natural healing methods for some time. This centre has helped many address health issues in a sustainable manner. It’s a very selfless act for Rani to do this for her friends.”
Hrithik Roshan, Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor, Sikandar Kher, Sonali Bendre and Priya Dutt were some of the guests present at the dinner.
We are waiting for Sanjay Dutt to come out of this ordeal-Priya Dutt
7:36 AM
While reports suggest Sanjay Dutt will be a free bird by March 2016, the actor’s sister, Priya says the family will be anxious till his release
Shubha Shetty Saha (MID-DAY; December 10, 2015)
It has been reported that Sanjay Dutt, who is currently lodged in Pune’s Yerwada Jail, will be a free bird by February end or early March. However, his politician-sister Priya Dutt says although the family is fervently hoping that he does, they are not too sure if he will. The actor is serving a 42-month sentence after he was convicted for illegal possession of weapons in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. “We are waiting for him to come out of this ordeal. You know he’s gone through so much… gone through it all. He has been patient and strong. With all these ups and downs, with all the hate directed at him, he’s been dealing with all that very well,” says Priya.
She adds even though as a family they have all tried their best to be supportive, they cannot even imagine what he must have gone through personally. “Even though we have been supportive, as a family would, the fact remains that we are outside the prison, leading our normal lives. For us, it is more of an emotional ordeal. But he is the one who has actually gone through the sentence and I am happy with the way he’s conducted himself through the ordeal,” she adds.
Priya says while there was a lot of hate and criticism surrounding her brother, one thing escaped people’s notice: “He has abided by the law. In the last 21 years, he did not miss even a single court hearing. People think it is all easy because he’s a celebrity, but on the contrary, it becomes tougher because you are under scrutiny all the time.”
Raksha Bandhan will be a low-key affair at Sanjay Dutt's home?
8:21 AM
Priya always gets sentimental on this day
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; August 29, 2015)
Twenty-one years ago - in
August 1994, Sanjay Dutt was in prison on the occasion of Raksha
Bandhan. Every time she recalls how forlorn he looked in prison, when he
had said to her -'I have nothing to give you.' His little sister Priya
Dutt, who tied him a rakhi while he was in jail, had broken down. This
time around Sanju is home on parole. And while his sisters are happy
that they can walk up one floor and tie a rakhi to their brother, there
will no celebrations in the Dutt home. A source says, “Sanjay's sisters
Namrata and Priya live on the 10th floor of the same building as the
actor, who resides on the 11th floor. His sisters will drop by to tie a
rakhi to him. They will have a small ritual, followed by lunch cooked by
Manyata.''
Ranbir Kapoor is perfect to play Sanjay Dutt-Priya Dutt
4:06 PM
Rachana Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 10, 2014)
There have been reports that Rajkumar Hirani is all set to helm a biopic on Sanjay Dutt and is in talks with Ranbir Kapoor to play the khalnayak.
Although, Ranbir's date diary is chock-a-block with films like Roy, Tamasha, Ayan Mukerji's untitled next and his home production Jagga Jasoos, if he decides to take up this project, he already has a supporter in Sanjay's sister MP Priya Dutt.
Priya told Mirror, "Ranbir is one of our finest actors and is perfect to play Sanju. He knows my brother well and is a sensitive guy. I'm sure he will do a good job. However, it's too early to say anything more as I don't know what's on Raju's mind. Putting Sanju's life on celluloid can be tricky and one can go terribly wrong. I'm glad it is Raju in the director's seat. I'm sure his film, whenever it's made, won't disappoint us."
It was Priya who had urged her father, late actor Sunil Dutt, several times to write an autobiography and has been trying to convince her brother to do the same as well. But like their father, Sanjay too is not inclined to write.
Priya believes the idea of the biopic germinated from there. "I'd still prefer Sanju's autobiography to a biopic but for that he will have to revisit memories which can be quite painful. His life anyway is an open-book, a page-turner, with its ups and downs."
She is willing to lend full support to Sanjay's wife Manyata who is producing the film and strongly feels that the family should have a say in the script although the final call will be Sanjay's.
"It's crucial for the family to know what is eventually going into the film. There are so many incidents which only Namrata or I can recall, because Sanju used to be high on drugs and alcohol then that he might not be able to remember half of what happened during that period," says Priya.
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