Sonia Gandhi upset with Sanjay Dutt

Everyone knows that Sanjay Dutt was in Delhi when the election results were announced. But few people know that while in the Capital city, he connected with Madam aka Sonia Gandhi. It is believed that Samajwadi party leader Amar Singh had invited the actor to Delhi. Sure of a win, Singh asked him to come to the capital city for a meeting with Madam. But, his party lost and they never got an audience with the leader of the Congress party. However a telephonic conversation did take place.

A source confirms, "Sanju Baba spoke to Soniaji, and she expressed her displeasure over Sanju's statement, "Congress killed my father," during a campaign rally in Lucknow. She also told him that his family had always been a Congress supporter and she was disappointed by his statements against the party." It is not clear how the actor defended his statements but he expressed his concern over his impending case.

The source adds, "He feels that his Congress bashing will be used against him, now that they are in power." Dutt is presently shooting in Goa is said to be depressed about his party losing, as he'd been told that being defeated was not an option. A source close to Dutt admits that he was in Delhi but denies any meeting between the actor and Sonia, "Sanju didn't go to meet Madam in Delhi last week. He had gone for some personal work — meetings with people for his production house." 

He was there to meet Amar Singh, who was unwell. Meeting madam wasn't part of Sanju's plans nor did he try to make an appointment with her. Also if Amar and he had gone to meet Madam at her residence, the entire media would have landed up there and it would become public knowledge."

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I am ready to face anything: Sanjay Dutt

Sanjay Dutt speaks up about sis Priya, 'big bro' Amar Singh, pativrata patni, Maanyata, his detractors, the filmi feuds et al. And why he prefers being Baba over being the new Duttsaab

From recent interviews, it looks like you've learnt to speak like a politician. You deflect questions and use humour to get out of some. How do you approach the media as a neta, Sanjay? Are you guarded?
No, I don't look at it differently at all. I feel I'm the same old Sanjay talking to the media that I was 20 years ago. But yes, I think time makes you more diplomatic in your answers.

You're seen as a Bombay boy. How has it been campaigning in Lucknow?
I know that some people feel I'm an outsider to Lucknow, but how can you do that? I'm an Indian first and I have the right to stand from any part of the country that I feel. Lucknow is a part of India. It's been a great experience campaigning and not at all tiring. My family has always been involved in social service and Gandhian sentiments. My ethics are the same.

Raj Thackeray recently brought up the fact that you were standing from Lucknow. Were you referring to him just now?
No, I never meant Rajbhai. Some people in Lucknow have been questioning why I'm standing from there. There has been a campaign against me, but I'm ready to face everything, even if they dig up the past. I can't start trading abuses, but I'll let my work talk for itself.

You've now appealed to the Supreme Court for your case. But your opponents have used the AK-47 allegation against you. How do you deal with this?
I'm used to it; I've faced it for 18 years. The allegations are baseless and they don't have their facts right. In its last judgment in my case, the honourable court has taken the draconian part out of my case. I'm no longer a TADA convict and it's now seen under the Arms Act. I feel people should go by the facts. I'm amused that they bring up my past, but it doesn't matter. I've helped people all the time for cancer, AIDS, drugs. I want my work to speak for me. I've been helping people not to be in the news, but because it makes me feel good.

Tell us five things about your constituency, Lucknow?
See, I'm still learning about the voters. I feel the essence of Lucknow is its chikan work and that has died. I'm trying to revive and enhance that. I'd like to do something in the IT sector and the medical facilities there are bad. I've been speaking to the people there and they have concerns like electricity, water, law and order. I also feel, why should people leave Lucknow for jobs? It's my dream that it gets so developed that other people come looking for jobs there.

The complaint against actors is that once they're elected, they forget their constituency. Will you be based here or in Lucknow? How will you be able to do all this work?
Lucknow isn't too far. I'm definitely not going to leave films, but I'll cut down on my work and choose my movies carefully. I want to do a lot. I know actors have faced flak over this, but I'm Sunil and Nargis Dutt's son. It's in my genes.

What about Parliament attendance? Actors are notoriously bad at that. How will you balance acting and politics?
You know, once you schedule your life, you can go with it. All of it is manageable.

Sanjay, how do you think your father Sunil would have reacted to you joining the Samajwadi Party?
It's a tricky question and difficult to answer. But my father was my strength, my force. I believe he would have respected my decision.

Your sister Priya said recently that you'd learn a sense of reality from politics. Is that true?
I feel I'm in the process of growing as a person after joining politics. I read what she said, but I think I've faced more reality than others (laughs). This is some new aspect she's talking about.

The popular notion is that your mentor Amar Singh creates rifts in families. Can you clear the air?
Nothing has happened in my family. There is no rift. It's because I'm an actor that it keeps getting written about. Every family has ups and downs. Priya is my younger sister and if she's said anything in anger, I forgive her. We'll always be together.

Amar Singh is like family. He's my older brother. He's been selflessly standing beside me. Amar Singhji takes a stand for someone he cares about and there's nothing wrong in that. It's a rare quality. It's not right to call him a home-breaker.

In a TV interview, you said your wife Maanyata had nothing to do with your decision to enter politics. This interview, though, was arranged after consulting her...
No, no, not at all. You see, my work is divided. I can't handle everything. Press, politics, acting if I did it all, I wouldn't be able to sleep! (laughs) I asked Maanyata to handle my interviews now. But really, her decisions are taken in the kitchen, over whether it should be biryani, chicken or kebabs.

If the court says you can't stand, will Maanyata stand in your place, like Amar Singh suggested?
That's not decided yet. If the court doesn't allow me, I'll respect that. But I'll still go to Lucknow and campaign for whosoever the party chooses.

You had the bad boy image, in real life and on screen. Will you stop doing negative roles if you're elected?
Depends on the role. The script is most important. People remember Munnabhai and Vaastav the most; the emotions and sentiments that come through. I've already cut down on gangster roles. But I won't let a character I'm playing define my life. People recognise it's just a character and I'm only entertaining them.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra said at the Jaipur literary fest that he was disappointed that the concepts of Gandhigiri and jaadoo ki jhappi were being used by political parties.
Vinod is my older brother; he's absolutely right. It shouldn't be used in campaigning I respect that and Amar Singh agreed. That said, I can't stop the public from chanting Munnabhai when I go on rallies. I can't stop you press people from using that to describe me.

How are things between you and Priya?
I'm not against my sister or I would have stood against her in her constituency. We're the same blood.

You raised objections to her taking her father's name?
I have no problems with a woman keeping her father's name. I was misquoted. But the fact remains that after a woman gets married, she should respect her married name. Even Indiraji could have kept the name Nehru, but she chose Gandhi.

What of Abu Azmi saying that if Congress puts up a candidate opposite you in Lucknow, you will campaign in Mumbai against Priya?
I've no answer to that. He never said that. The party decides, but I know they will not make me do it. They understand the bond.

How do you react to Varun Gandhi's statements? You are half-Muslim yourself.
I won't comment on that. I'll only speak for myself.

Rumours are that you're not committing to more dates on your film Blue, directed by Anthony D'Souza. Too busy with politics?
I've given all my dates to Blue. They had asked for 65 days, I shot for nearly a hundred. I'd give more to finish the film. There's no problem.

Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar lately, we've heard all of them take potshots at each other. Where is Sanjay Dutt in all this?
Sanjay Dutt is not a number. I'm not concerned with the numbers game. I don't get involved.

Will your friends from the film industry campaign for you?
If they come out of their own will, they're welcome. But I'll never ask them to campaign for me.

Finally, how do you people see you today as the new Duttsaab or as Sanju Baba?
I feel Baba will remain a favourite. As for Duttsaab, if I'm even 10 per cent of what he was, I'll feel like I've won the battle.

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Sanju gets helicopter to balance shooting and politics

Will travel to and from Goa via a chopper for shoot

Sanjay Dutt seems to be getting special treatment from his producers, especially after his entry into politics.

For Rohit Shetty's untitled next for Devgan Productions, which goes on floors March 10 onwards, Dutt will be given a helicopter to fly him in and out of Goa.

A source from the unit reveals, "The producers have hired a helicopter for Mr Dutt's Goa schedule. Since Sanju is busy with his election campaigning and has to tour about to various places in India, it will become difficult for the team to shoot.

Thus for the smooth operation of the shoot and to save time, Sanjay Dutt will be flying in and out of Goa using the private helicopter hired for the schedule.

They have a one-month schedule in Goa and don't want to waste much time since there are a lot of joint scenes of other actors with Sanju."

The source continues, "The extras and junior artists who only have few days of shooting are also asked to give their dates for the entire month.

This is because they can adjust their dates according to Dutt's availability.

The producers understand Sanjay's importance in the election campaigning and have decided to co-operate.

The cast is being put up in Taj Village in Goa."

Producer Kumar Mangat denies it. He says, "We haven't hired any helicopter and haven't got any instructions for the same."

The movie also stars Ajay Devgan, Bipasha Basu, Fardeen Khan and Mugdha Godse.

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No politics in Sanjay-Shatrughan friendship

Friendships in politics and showbiz are hard to predict.

Take Shatrughan Sinha and Sanjay Dutt. The two are so close now that Sanjay Dutt will be visiting Patna on Feb 19 on Shatrughan Sinha's invitation. This, quick on the heels of Shatrughan Sinha's warm presence at Dutt's wedding-anniversary bash last week, is being seen in political circles as a very serious social and political association.

Shatrughan Sinha is a prominent and vocal member of the Bharatiya Janta Party while Sanjay Dutt is a new recruit to the Samajwadi Party(SP) whose general secretary Amar Singh is quoted as saying that Shatrughan Sinha welcome into SP whenever he desires.

Could the Shatru-Sanju friendship be seen as a political alliance?

The two were never the best of chums.Though always on cordial terms. Says a source close to Sanjay, "While Mr Shatrughan Sinha was fond of Dutt and never spoke negatively about his younger colleague all through his court hearing and trial, there was never any serious bonding between the two."

But lately there has been a focused attempt from both sides to get close to one another.

Says the source, "Shatruji came to Sanjay's anniversary party with his children. But before that the two of them met on a Mumbai-Delhi flight and chatted seriously for two hours. That conversation really brought them together. Shatruji now advices Sanju on a lot of matters, both political and personal."

When contacted to explain the nature and gravity of Sanjay Dutt's flash visit to Patna next week, Shatrughan Sinha, says, "Please don't read any political meanings to his visit to Patna. I want Sanju to visit the Mahavir Cancer Hospital in Patna. As you know Sanju's father worked relentlessly for cancer patients. Even I work closely with cancer patients. Sanju is also coming to meet the winners of a cricket memorial award. Every year I bring a topnotch celebrity to Patna on the occasion . This time they were very keen on Sanjay Dutt, because this award is about the youth. And Sanju has played a big hand in promoting the 'gym culture' among the youth of the country."

Interestingly Amar Singh is also expected to accompany Shatrughan Sinha and Sanjay Dutt to Patna on Thursday.

Laughs Shatrughan Sinha, "I know people will read even more politics into the visit. But we're coming before the electoral code of conduct is announced in Bihar. Amar Singh and Sanjay Dutt are accompanying me to Patna purely as a social visit. They'll also be visiting the famous Gurudwara in Patna City to pay their respects.But let me tell you there's no political agenda to this visit. I've been a part of the BJP, I'm a part of the BJP and hopefully I'll continue to be a part of the BJP."

But seen in the light of recent statements about Shartrughan Sinha's unhappiness with his party, wouldn't his alliance with two high-profile SP members be seen as politically motivated?

Says Sinha, "Look I know people are talking about my being sidelined by my party. But Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh have said I'd be getting an election ticket in Bihar.I see no hitches in this. However let me add, I've friends in every party and I've open invitations to join them any time. But at the moment I'm not going anywhere.I repeat, Sanjay Dutt's visit is not political. In fact they'll be stopped from making any political statements during their visit."

Sanjay Dutt says only one thing. "Shatruji and Amar Singhji are now like family to me. Their wish is my command."

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Sanjay Dutt's Deadly look in Luck

Sanjay Dutt will be seen in a completely different look from what he has been sporting, all thanks celebrity stylist Aalim who has given him a complete makeover for Dhilin Mehta's Luck.

Directed by Soham Shah, the entire team leaves today for a 10 day schedule to Capetown from where they'll proceed to Bangkok for the next schedule.

Says Sanju baba, "Soham is a very talented director and he has a very creative outlook. We both sat and discussed the look and I'm very happy that Aalim has styled me exactly as we envisioned."Says Aalim, the man behind the look, "This is one of Sanju's most daring and dashing looks! It's a very different sidelock with 3 triangles opposite each other. Sanju can carry off anything larger than life… his aura is really huge! He is looking really cool and sexy and will set a new trend with his facial hair!"

The captain of the ship, Soham has the last word, "I wanted a look for Sanju sir which he had never worn before. I designed a couple of looks on photoshop and Sanju suggested a particular style. Aalim took it to a different level with his international styling experience. Sanju sir is the only actor who can carry this style as he has an attitude that no one has. He is the best and has a larger than life screen image."

The film is produced by Dhilin Mehta under his banner Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd. It marks the debut of Shruti Hassan and stars Sanjay Dutt, Imran Khan, Mithun Chakraborthy, Danny Denzongpa, Ravi Kissen and Chitrakshi. The Action sequences by Allan Amin is the highlight of the film.

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No sister gets along with her brother's Wife: Sanju

What was your reaction to a part of your family going against your wife, Manyata, publicly?
My sister Priya (Dutt) has denied that

she is against my wife. Being the eldest member of the family, along with Manyata, I forgive Priya even if she has any anger towards us. Priya is my blood, nothing can change that. However, Manyata is Sunil Dutt and Nargis’ daughter-in-law, and there are no two ways about that. There’s only one Mr and Mrs Dutt in Pali Hill (in Mumbai), and that’s Manyata and I. Girls who become part of a new family after marriage must assume their new surname and all the responsibilities that come with it.

Is that a message to Priya ?
That’s a message not just to my sisters, but to all girls who hang on to their parents’ surname. It’s become fashionable these days. But I strongly feel that doing so disrespects the person they’ve married.

Those are strong words.
This may sound harsh, but if Manyata had said that she wanted to retain her father’s surname, I would’ve felt offended.

How do you manage to pull off a balancing act between your wife and sisters?
There is no balancing act. My wife is my wife. She’s the topmost priority of my life. Any spouse feels the same way. For Priya, her husband Owen (Roncon) is of utmost importance.

It’s now more than a year since your marriage, yet your sisters haven’t accepted Manyata?
Look, do you have a sister? Because if you do, then you’ll also know that no sister gets along with her brother’s wife. Had my mother been alive, she would’ve happily accepted Manyata. Manyata is a homemaker, just like my mother was.

So why can’t your sisters see that?
But there’s no feud in the family. It is really sad to read about family differences in the newspapers. We do have differences of opinion, but that’s like any other family. Manyata doesn’t speak about my family to the media out of love and respect for my feelings. God willing, my sisters too will see things the same way soon.

Lucknow welcomed you with banners displaying AK-47s ...
These are just a handful of people with vested interests seeking publicity. They can’t hurt me. I know politics won’t be easy for me. But I’ve been facing brickbats for 20 years now. I’m used to it. I’ll prove to these detractors that my past isn’t going to colour my future.

Did Amar Singh approach you after 26/11?
Yes. Amar Singhji, who is like an older brother to me, spoke to me about joining politics when I went to meet him in Delhi. He thought I should enter politics because I’m capable of helping people.

There’s panic in the industry about your unfinished projects?
I don’t understand why. Politics won’t affect my film career. I’ll only take on less work. This new responsibility will force me to become more quality conscious. I’ve been doing too many films and film appearances for friendship’s sake. Politics is a golden opportunity to put an end to unwanted films.

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I will Contest on SP ticket: Sanjay Dut

Ending speculation and ignoring objections from his family members, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt on Friday night announced that he would contest the next parliamentary elections on a Samajwadi Party ticket.

He also said that he was the eldest member of the Dutt family and so there was no need to discuss his political plans with anybody.

If there were legal hurdles to his political plans, then the next step would be decided accordingly, he said.

The Samajwadi Party named Dutt as party candidate for the Lok Sabha polls from the Lucknow seat. His sister and Congress MP Priya Dutt has voiced objections to his joining the Samajwadi Party.

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Sanjay Dutt Vs. Priya Dutt

The Samajwadi Party is planning to pit its Maharashtra unit chief Abu Asim Azmi against Priya Dutt from the Mumbai Northwest Lok Sabha constituency after naming her brother and Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt or his wife Manyata as its candidate from Lucknow. The prestigious seat in Mumbai was earlier represented by Priya Dutt’s father, late Sunil Dutt of the Congress, for five terms and briefly by the Shiv Sena which won it in 1996 and 1998.
Indicating the possibility of fielding Azmi against Priya Dutt, a Samajwadi Party office-bearer said that it would prevent the Congress Lok Sabha member and her family from pressurising Sanjay Dutt against contesting the polls. It could also ensure that Sanjay Dutt would not campaign for his sister.

At the same time, the party will be in a position to corner Priya Dutt by cutting into the votes of north Indians and Muslims who constitute a substantial chunk of the voters in the constituency. From the opposition Bharatiya Janata party (BJP)-Shiv Sena alliance, the constituency falls in the quota for the Shiv Sena, which had won it thrice when Sunil Dutt declined to contest after Sanjay Dutt’s name cropped up in the March 1993 serial bomb blasts here.

Addressing a press meet, Azmi said that pending a possible alliance with the Congress in the state, it has decided to go ahead and prepare for contesting at least 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state, including four of the six in Mumbai. Among these would be Mumbai South, Mumbai Northwest, Mumbai Northeast, Mumbai North-Central, Thane, Aurangabad and Yavatmal. The details of the three more constituencies would be announced later.

Asked about his possible candidature against Priya Dutt, Azmi said he would abide by the decision of the party leadership. "Party general secretary Amar Singh is expected to officially announced it over the weekend," he added. He accused the Congress of delaying a decision on a pre-poll alliance with the Samajwadi Party. "We hope a decision on the alliance comes through by Jan 15. In that case, we would like to contest only five seats in the state," Azmi said.

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