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Posts tagged sanjay dutt interview
Freedom is all I want-Sanjay Dutt, 2 days before SC verdict
12 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Just Two days prior to the Supreme Court’s verdict on his long- pending case, sanju talks about all the things important to him. Excerpts of the interview and how the judgement will affect Munnabhai’s upcoming projects
Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; March 22, 2013)
Two days before the Supreme Court gave its verdict on Sanjay Dutt’s long-pending case on illegal possession of arms, the actor was in an unusually jocular mood. It was to be one of the last interviews given by the star before yesterday’s verdict found him guilty. The actor had been shooting at a stable in Goregaon and chatted quite freely, even revealing why people think he is not mediafriendly.
In an earlier interview you said — ‘I don’t want name or fame. I just want freedom…’ Yes! I was talking about my case, as you know. I just pray that the case gets over and I get my freedom. There are too many restrictions on me right now, including restrictions on travel. I have to take permissions.
It’s been on for 20 years now, which is a very long time. I wish and pray to God that either I get acquitted or I get free. Freedom is all that I want.
How have you been coping? Family always sticks by you along with a couple of friends who you can count on your fingertips. But I don’t blame anyone. Lots of things have happened and I don’t want to get into details.
Has fatherhood made you more disciplined? I think once you reach your 40s, things change a lot. A person matures and looks at life differently. Especially, after you More >
I had never met Aamir Khan socially-Sanjay Dutt
02 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Meena Iyer (BOMBAY TIMES; March 9, 2013)
Sanjay Dutt, 53, has personally and professionally been there, done that and done that again. His parents, Nargis and Sunil Dutt, were world famous and have left behind a legacy in arts, politics and society that is unparalleled. Despite the innumerable hiccups Sanju ‘baba’ (as he is still referred to) has faced, be it his tryst with drugs or his incarceration on more serious charges, he remains rock-solid as an actor and as a person. In his 32 years as an actor, he has done rock-solid work with top-notch makers like Rajkumar Hirani, Feroz Khan and Subhash Ghai amongst others.
Today, Sanju is in a transition phase in cinema, having moved on from the leading man to more meaty characters. Excerpts from a chat with the superstar, who prefers to speak less and nod more.
Any more Kancha Cheena (Agneepath) or Billu Bhaisaab (Son Of Sardaar) like characters in your current lot of films? I wish there were more such challenges written for me. I salute Karan Malhotra for giving the Agneepath villain Kancha Cheena such a unique dimension and making it one of the most memorable bad guys of our time. I also thank Ajay Devgn for giving me Billu Bhaisaab. He was pivotal to the SOS plot. I thoroughly enjoyed Agneepath and SOS and I’m glad both these films made commendable profits.
You have outgrown the typical Hindi cinema hero roles, right? Yes, of course I have. If you have sung songs and danced for three decades… you automatically get into More >
I don’t work for awards-Sanjay Dutt
03 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
BOMBAY TIMES (January 23, 2013)
With a number of films lined up this year and filmmakers like K S Ravi Kumar, Rajkumar Hirani, Rensil D’Silva and Apoorva Lakhia offering him interesting roles, Sanjay Dutt is on a high. Excerpts from a chat…
Last year, you were part of two super grossers — Son Of Sardaar and Agneepath. Industry is abuzz with talks that you are the actor to watch out for this year too… I don’t know what people are talking about, but I am fortunate to be doing some good films and roles this year.
Filmmakers vouch for your professionalism… I work with people I’m comfortable with and vice-versa. For me, the equation I share with my producers and directors is the most important factor.
We hear you have become health-conscious and have gone off alcohol… I have realised that apart from financially supporting my family, I need to invest in my health, so that I can always be there for them. I have a crazy schedule in 2013. But obviously, health and family come first.
After playing Kancha in Agneepath last year, people are talking about your character Sher Khan in the Zanjeer remake… Pran uncle had made the character iconic in the original one. I’m honoured to play the part now. I hope people like and appreciate Sher Khan as much as they liked Kancha.
Marriage to Manyata and the birth of your twins have converted you into a complete family man… It happened a little late in life, but it has happened for the best. I am in a happy space as far as my family and career More >
Sanjay Dutt on his first hit – Rocky
04 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
As told to Mehul S Thakkar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 29, 2012)
I was just 22 when I did Rocky. The film was designed for me. Directed by my dad (late) Sunil Dutt and produced by Amarjeet, it was meant to be my launch pad.
We had a grand mahurat at Mehboob Studios and started shooting the film. Unfortunately, a few days into the shoot, my mother fell ill and my father had to take her to the US for treatment. He was by her side all through and couldn’t return to resume shooting. After much thought, he put the onus of completing the film on close friend Raj Khosla. It was a big thing both for Raj ji to accept that kind of responsibility and for my father to give it to him. Finally, it was Raj ji who shot the film’s climax and edited it.
And while I eagerly awaited Rocky’s release, tragedy struck in the form of my mother’s demise. I was in such a state of shock that I couldn’t enjoy my moment in the sun when it finally came. The only consolation was that my mom had seen my film before passing away. Needless to say, my first hit wasn’t at all exciting or uplifting. I was getting so much feedback but couldn’t respond to any of it. I even signed a couple of films but soon sank into this low phase, which ended with my being sent away for treatment for drug addiction.
I stayed abroad for two years. Upon my return, my father told me he would no longer put in a word for me. I remember his words clearly. “Go and struggle. Find work,” he told me. And so I struggled and landed one More >
Manyata is the reason I am back-Sanjay Dutt
05 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Sanjay Dutt credits the success of his recent films to his wife and why he will be a disaster as a producer
Kunal M Shah (MID-DAY; December 3, 2012)
Sanjay Dutt seems to be a very content man. After all, the actor is sitting pretty on two back-to-back successful films — Agneepath and Son Of Sardaar — and radiates a sense of satisfaction in the way he looks and speaks. A new-found disciplined life, multiple films and watching his kids growing up, Dutt is all smiles and credits wife Manyata for his success.
“I always said that I was content and happy if my films did well but this is the most amazing feeling. I owe it all to her.” Speaking about his production house that will be helmed by his wife, Dutt says, “We are starting three or four films and let’s see how it goes. But I will not be the producer as I think that will be a disaster. I can’t say no to anyone and people love me for my large heartedness. All these qualities do not work as a producer and yeh sab control karne ke liye koi chahiye and isi liye biwi producer hai.” Besides his busy schedule, the actor is extremely happy playing the doting father to his twins Shahraan and Iqra.
He says, “I have found this newfound spirit from my wife to do well. She is the most important person in my life. I had once given up on my career and myself and she is the reason why I am back with a bang. Just to see my kids as toddlers, then crawling, walking and now talking is unbelievable.” Speaking fondly of his teenaged daughter More >
Tired of asking Rajkumar to start Munna Bhai 3-Sanjay Dutt
15 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Mehul S Thakkar (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 1, 2012)
Back in ‘action’ with Samy, a leaner and meaner Sanjay Dutt met us at his Bandra residence. Dressed in a white shirt and denims, the actor looked relaxed as he spoke about the one woman who has made his life ‘beautiful’ and production plans easier. Excerpts…
What’s next for Sanjay Dutt Productions? You mentioned talking to Rohit Shetty, Milan Luthria and Prabhu Dheva… Nothing is finalised. They are all very busy. They will work with me when they have the time. As a producer, I am not into the habit of pushing people.
Several younger actors have set up their production houses and doing rather well. What do you think has worked for them and what has been an eye opener for you? There is no eye opener for me. I know one thing – if I turn producer, things are going to move very slowly. And thus, production is handled by my wife. I take care of the creative. She is more corporate like the younger actors. I will just end up spending everything. (He laughs and right then Manyata walks in eliciting a “See, here’s the Boss” from Sanjay. After she leaves, we continue)
Your recent release Son of Sardaar touched the 100 crore mark? Do you associate yourself with numbers? I can’t associate with numbers, though it’s a good feeling. I associate myself with good roles.
But as a producer, you have to think about numbers… That’s where my wife comes in. If I am the producer, all my projects would go way over budget.
How has she More >
I believe in woman power-Sanjay Dutt
011 months ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
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 More >
No more negative roles for Sanjay Dutt
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Post a critically acclaimed role in Agneepath, Sanjay Dutt says he wants to concentrate on doing other characters now
Upala KBR (BOMBAY TIMES; February 12, 2012)
Sanjay Dutt is on a roll. Not only does he have several film offers, he is also being given a variety of roles to choose from. Dutt has also hiked his fee. The actor-producer, however, remains grounded, attributing his success to “team effort”. A chat with Dutt on what makes him one of the most in-demand stars today.
You are now part of the Rs 100 Crore Club with Agneepath… • It feels great, but what few people know is that Lage Raho Munnabhai was one of the first films to enter the Rs 100 crore bracket years ago. At that time, there weren’t too many multiplexes but it still did rocking business. However, things like box office business and how much money a film makes has never bothered me. What I want is for a film to work.
People feel you are a major reason for the film’s success… • I am happy to hear that. But it’s not just me; everyone has contributed to the film.
Who would have thought that at 52, your career would be on such an upswing! • I have always admired Amitabh Bachchan. The kind of work he’s doing at this age is amazing. Amitji is my role model. He has gone through so many ups and downs and made such a comeback.
Jaya Bachchan once said you’re a dark horse and the next superstar after Bachchan. • I am thrilled to hear that. It’s a huge compliment coming from her.
Besides the numerous films More >
Coudnt bear to myself as so wicked, evil, crazy-Sanjay Dutt
11 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Sanjay Dutt recounts his experience of getting into the skin of his latest character, who is evil personified
Upala KBR (BOMBAY TIMES; January 17, 2012)
When Kancha Cheena leers at the camera in Karan Malhotra’s Agneepath, the impact is so immediate that one recoils in horror. The actor talks to BT about the film and why Kancha is the one character that has him spooked.
What was your first reaction when offered the role of Kancha Cheena? Karan Johar (Agneepath’s producer) came to meet me. He told me the role was a negative one. He added that he hadn’t worked with me all these years as he couldn’t offer me anything substantial. But he said Kancha Cheena was such a role. But it was when Karan Malhotra came and narrated the script that I was blown away by it. It was phenomenal!
What drew you to such a dark role? I loved the character. Kancha Cheena is so complex, crazy, dark, unpredictable and larger-than-life. I was an anti-hero in Khalnayak but this guy was something out of this world! I have never seen or played a character so dark and evil. Yet though Kancha is a very dark character, his lines are very funny!
Are you aware that with your portrayal of Kancha you have brought back the era of strong villains back into Hindi films? If I have done that, it is because of Karan Malhotra! He was very clear about what he wanted from the character. He had sketches of Kancha right from his look to the way he walked and talked. I found Kancha extremely challenging as I haven’t More >
Kancha is a completely dark character-Sanjay Dutt
01 year ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
By Nikhil Ramsubramaniam, Jan 12, 2012 – 13:46 IST
Ever since the first promo of Agneepath was launched, the whole nation was in a frenzy looking at Sanjay Dutt’s character Kancha. Dressed in a black robe, sporting a bald look with those menacing eyes, Dutt looked every bit the New Face of Evil. In his illustrious career, Sanjay Dutt has portrayed many iconic characters but there is something about Kancha which has once again brought a smile on the faces of his fans. Known to be very media-shy, Dutt opens up like never before in this exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama‘s Nikhil Ramsubramaniam and speaks about the whole Agneepath experience. You don’t want to miss out on this one…
The promos of Agneepath have created a tremendous buzz and your look as Kancha seems menacing and deadly…what kind of feedback have you been getting? I’ve got some really positive feedback. People seem to have already taken a liking for Kancha Cheena. I am really happy as we have all worked very hard on this film
What was your first reaction when Karan offered you the villain’s part in Agneepath? Karan Johar and I go a long way. I had done Gumraah for his father Mr. Yash Johar many years ago and was always looking forward to working again with Dharma Productions. One day I received a call from Karan who said that he had a role for me. I went and met him and was introduced to the director Karan Malhotra who narrated the script of Agneepath. I remember there were these sketches of Kancha More >