Sanjay Dutt on why he’s surrounded by women on both the personal and professional front

Upala KBR (BOMBAY TIMES; June 7, 2012)

 

Sanjay Dutt is feeling on top of the world. The year 2012 couldn’t have shaped up better for him. He is currently shooting in Rajasthan for Soham Shah’s Sher (tentatively titled), where he plays a Gujarati gangster, a first for the actor-producer who had a blockbuster hit with Agneepath this year. A chat with Dutt on his upcoming projects, the women in his life and why they are so important to him.

Your look in Soham Shah’s film has received a good response…
It feels good to hear after the hard work one puts in. It’s close to 47 degrees here in Rajasthan, and it’s difficult to shoot in such high temperatures. The movie is about a Gujarati gangster, so we had no choice but to choose a desert location. Though I haven’t mastered the language, I think whatever Gujarati I speak is good enough (laughs)!

You also play a hardcore Punjabi in Son Of Sardaar.
I am a Punjabi at heart, so playing one comes from within. I had the best time shooting in Patiala with all my school friends from The Lawrence School, Sanawar, around everyday during the shoot.

This year you have some great projects like SOS and Rensil D’Silva’s film produced by Karan Johar.
Karan’s production house is like a home banner. I was extremely close to Yash uncle… I would call him Buddha Uncle! My parents shared a great relationship with him and Hiroo aunty, so I have an emotional association with the banner and with Karan.

Talking of home banners, you have done the maximum number of films with Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s production house.
Yes I have. My relationship with him is beyond work. When dad passed away, I blanked out completely. He stepped in as a son to complete some of the last rituals in my place. We’re so close that Vidhu can walk into my house and tell my wife Maanayata, ‘Agar bachche bigde toh mere se bura koi nahin hoga!’

Talking about Manayata, she is the new CEO of Sanjay Dutt Productions.
Maana is a great wife and a super mom. She has proven that over and over again. She is hardworking and intelligent, so I’ve given her this responsibility as a challenge. I am confident she will pull it off. Sanjay Dutt Productions is as much her company as it is mine.

So you believe in woman power?
I have always believed in it. My mother (Nargis Dutt) was a woman of substance; my sister Priya perfectly balances her career and family life. Not to forget Anju, who has come up even stronger. She took mom’s place after her death and held us all together. It was a huge responsibility for someone who was very young then.

Apparently Reshma Shetty is your new business manager?
Yes, Reshma is handling my entire work. She is a thorough professional and I am impressed with her way of functioning.