Regardless of where he is in his career or his personal life, Sanjay Dutt has always been an open book. From time to time, he has looked within to gather the strength to get past the tall hurdles and achieve the goals he had set for himself. For instance, right now, he’s eager to bring machismo, swagger and larger-than-life characters back into vogue. In a chat with Bombay Times, the actor spoke about his character Adheera in KGF - Chapter 2, what drove him to make his debut in Kannada cinema after 40 years in Hindi films, braving cancer and more:

I don’t know what happened to me, but I felt that I was not taking care of myself adequately as a person and as an actor. I wondered why I was missing out on the one thing that I have loved doing all my life. The day I felt strongly about it, I went back to the gym. It’s extremely hard to go back after two-three years, but I pushed myself. It has been nearly two months now, and I feel good about myself already. I’ve another six months to go before I achieve what I am aiming for. It’s good to be in that headspace where I know that I can do this after what I went through with lung cancer. It’s also medically good for me. I was doing cardio exercises without much of a hassle, but I had to consult my doctors before taking any health and fitness supplements.

God has been kind to me. When it was detected, it was a kind of a jolt for my family and me. I knew I had to stay focussed and remember that I had to beat this. I was told about how chemotherapy would affect me before we went in for it.

I was kind of prepped about its side-effects like hair loss, vomiting and weakness. I was sure I wasn’t going to let the toxins get the better of me. So, after every session, I used to come back home and spin on the cycle machine for two hours. I would get the excess toxins out. When I would get chemotherapy done in Dubai, I would play badminton for two hours and follow a healthy diet. The only way I know to combat a problem is to take it head-on.

My wife Maanayata is a huge fan of KGF - Chapter One. She had asked me to watch it. I enjoyed it, too. The team from KGF — Yash and director Prashanth Neel — got in touch with me through my family friend, Deepak Patel. I was amazed with Yash and Prashanth’s dedication and humility. The character Adheera that they had for me was larger than life and yet had these wonderful human qualities. We worked on the character’s looks, how he would behave, and so on. I loved what was offered to me — the vision, the story and the passion that was backing everything.

Clearly! It was like I had been transported back to the 90s. It was so beautiful — the energy, the vibe and the passion and dedication that each member of that team showed towards the film. Everyone was putting in their best, treating the movie like their own baby, which I feel is missing to a certain extent here in our industry. Passion nikal gaya hai yaar! That passion has to come back. Prashanth, for me, is easily one of the best directors we have in the country. He has fantastic vision, and he knows the pulse of the audience. I would have said the same thing about him even before working on the film because I felt that on the narration table, too. He gave me the vibe that I felt from stalwarts like Subhash Ghai and Mahesh Bhatt saab.

We had this period between the Coronavirus lockdowns when we had to shoot those action scenes. I was offered a body double because both Yash and Prashanth wanted to tread very carefully, especially with my health. They offered to shoot the climax on a green screen. When I heard them, I told them that they should stick to the material as they had narrated it to me. In fact, I even told them that if they didn’t do it, I wouldn’t shoot. I wanted that dust, the mud and the smoke. I wanted the scene to come alive when we shot the climax. I wanted to do it the way it had been imagined. They agreed, but they were still wary of how things would turn out. I don’t blame them because they just wanted to take care. After the first day’s shoot, when everything went off smoothly, I could see the reassurance on their faces. And yes, I performed all the stunts by myself because it reassured me as a person. I felt really good and strong inside.

Yes, and KGF came as a relief. I’ve grown up watching Amit ji (Amitabh Bachchan), Dharam ji (Dharamendra) and Vinod saab (Vinod Khanna) play these macho men. I came into the industry doing those same things that I had seen. And then suddenly, it was all lost somewhere. When I got back to the movies a few years ago, I worked on a couple of films like Prassthanam and others, none of which made me happy, till KGF came along. I was so happy on the sets of this film. This is the heroism we saw in our cinema until a few years ago. This is what it has to be like if you intend to entertain the whole country and the masses everywhere. We forget out here that our main audience is the junta sitting across states like UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, MP and so on. We have to cater to them. I have realised that my audience does not like to see me looking weak on screen. And that is what I am going to keep in mind as I go along the way.

Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 16, 2020)

On August 11, Sanjay Dutt announced on Twitter that he’ll be taking a short break from work on medical grounds following his hospitalisation and subsequent diagnosis. Ever since, speculations about his health and chosen course of cancer treatment continue to make headlines. The actor, however, surprised everyone by reporting for work at a city studio last week for two days to wrap up his portions in Shamshera, in which he plays the antagonist. The actor also finished his dubbing, thereby calling it a film wrap. Mirror has now learnt that Sanjay has taken off for a family vacation to spend some time with wife, Maanayata and kids, Shahraan and Iqra. They left on Tuesday evening.

“Maanayata and the kids were stuck in Dubai during the lockdown and only returned when Sanju was diagnosed with cancer. After coming out of quarantine, Maanayata has been accompanying him on visits to hospital. The chemotherapy sessions have been going well and the tests too are positive. That’s why, after a smooth shoot, Sanju decided to take off for a brief family vacation to an undisclosed location abroad. They will catch up on ‘we’ time before he returns to Mumbai and resumes work on his other films—KGF 2 and Bhuj. This is not to seek treatment abroad,” informs a source close to the actor.

Sanjay looked in high spirits as he strode into the airport. The flight took off around 5 pm. “He’ll be back soon to continue his treatment in the city. He has a five-year USA visa, but since we’re in the midst of a pandemic, a call on whether he’ll go there will be taken later,” adds the source.

Prathamesh Bandekar (BOMBAY TIMES; September 8, 2020)

Sanjay Dutt, who has been reportedly diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, and has completed the first round of chemotherapy, resumed work yesterday. The actor was seen at a studio in Andheri at noon. Buzz is, he was shooting for his film with Ranbir Kapoor. On the work front, while two of his upcoming films — Bhuj: The Pride Of India and Torbaaz — are ready for release, his other projects, including KGF Chapter 2, are in various stages of completion.

On August 8, Sanjay was admitted to a city hospital. Though he tested negative for COVID-19, there were speculations about his health. It was later reported that he was diagnosed with lung cancer. On August 11, Sanjay posted a note on social media stating that he plans to take a short break from films for some medical treatment. During this time, he was alone in Mumbai, while his wife Maanayata and children — Iqra and Shahraan — were stuck in Dubai due to travel restrictions, owing to the pandemic. On her return to Mumbai, in a 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.” According to reports, Sanjay has been granted a five-year US visa for medical treatment, but is currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital.
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In his first shoot since being diagnosed with cancer last month, Dutt films his portions of Shamshera over two days at Yash Raj studios
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 8, 2020)

Last month, Sanjay Dutt announced that he was taking a break from work to address his health concerns. In the weeks following his stage three lung cancer diagnosis, the actor has often been spotted outside Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri, where he is currently seeking treatment. However, on Sunday afternoon, he stepped out of his Bandra residence, ready to head to a different destination — Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. mid-day has learnt that the actor filmed his portions of Karan Malhotra's Shamshera over two days, marking his first shoot since the illness.

"Ranbir Kapoor had finished shooting his scenes last month. Sanjay sir had two days' patchwork shoot left before Karan could call it a wrap on the dacoit drama. Producer Aditya Chopra had requested the actor to take his time before returning to the set," reveals a trade source. Given the actor's frail health, the producer personally ensured that the shoot was conducted with minimal crew and in adherence with the strictest safety measures. "Everyone involved had to undergo a COVID test before s/he joined the senior actor on the floor," adds the source.

It is heard that Dutt wants to honour his pending commitments — including dubbing for Ajay Devgn-led Bhuj: The Pride of India and filming KGF: Chapter 2 that will mark his debut in regional cinema — before he heads to the US. While he had initially considered flying to New York soon after he procured the US visa late last month, sources close to the actor reveal that there has been a change of plans. "After several discussions, Sanju and Maanayata have decided to pursue treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in December as his children, Shahraan and Iqra, will have their winter holidays then. Sanju wants his kids by his side as he battles the illness," says a source. In the meantime, Dutt will continue his treatment in Mumbai.

mid-day reached out to wife Maanayata regarding Dutt's US visit. She was unavailable for comment.

But actor yet to decide on his next course of treatment; waiting for test reports to come in
Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 28, 2020)

Sanjay Dutt, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, has been granted a five-year US visa and can now go there for treatment. However, the 61-yearold actor is waiting for the reports of the tests carried out at the Kokilaben Hospital last week to come in before he consults with specialists on his next course of action given that we are still in the midst of a pandemic. The actor was admitted to the Lilavati Hospital on August 8, complaining of breathlessness. He tested negative for Covid-19 and was discharged two days later. However, the following day, he announced that he would be taking a break for medical reasons.

Mirror had earlier reported (August 17, 2020) that the actor has started his treatment in a city hospital. However, even as he undergoes chemotherapy, Sanjay is also considering travelling abroad to countries like the US and Singapore for treatment. “The family wants him to get the best possible treatment and they are leaving nothing to chance,” informed a source.

Sanjay’s mother, Nargis Dutt, fell ill during a Rajya Sabha session on August 2, 1980. She was rushed to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital, where, after 15 days of tests, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She underwent treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York City. Upon her return home, her condition deteriorated and she passed away on May 3, 1981.

Sanjay’s first wife, actress Richa Sharma, was diagnosed with brain tumour and passed away at her parent’s home in NY on December 10, 1996. The couple’s daughter, Trishala, lives in the US.

There have been reports in the press that because of his conviction in the 1993 blasts case, Sanjay would not be eligible for a US visa. He was arrested in 1993 by the crime branch at the Mumbai airport upon his return from Mauritius, on charges of possession of an AK-56 rifle, a 9 mm pistol and ammunition connected to the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. For the next 23 years, Sanjay was in and out of prison before he was acquitted under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), and convicted under the Arms Act. He was finally released from prison on February 25, 2016.

The source informs that according to US policies, if anyone is convicted in any case for five years and above, they need a special waiver to apply for a US visa.

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

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.”

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.