Sanjay Dutt's conviction: Rs 300-350 crore riding on Bollywood actor
The Supreme Court of India sentenced Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt to five years in jail for getting guns from gangsters involved in the 1993 serial bomb blasts case in Mumbai.
The tall, muscular actor had a stint at a drug rehabilitation center in the United States in the 1980s. He returned to Bollywood in the early nineties. But his hit film "Khal Nayak" in 1993 almost coincided with his arrest on conspiracy charges in the serial blasts in Mumbai.
The actor resurrected his Bollywood career with "Munnabhai M.B.B.S." in 2003 playing a funny, do-gooder gangster.
"Lage Raho Munnabhai", the second in the series in 2006, saw him espousing the non-violent principles of Mahatma Gandhi.
A big shock for Sanjay Dutt fans and particularly the Box Office as the actor will have to now spend three-and-a-half years in jail and will be taken into custody once Mumbai Police gets a certified copy of the court's verdict.
According to a rough estimate, approximately Rs 300-350 crore is riding on Sanjay Dutt's finished and unfinished projects in the next one to two years.
Sanjay Dutt’s imprisonment would affect the box office in a big way. There are a number of flicks, which are under production while others have duly signed by the actor.
On the floor are several films that Dutt is involved in or is doing a cameo. He is shooting for 'Policegiri' directed by KS Ravikumar, 'Zanjeer' remake (tentatively titled 'Toofan'), directed by Apoorva Lakhia, 'Ungli' under Dharma Productions, directed by Rensil D'Silva, and a minor role in Raj Kumar Hirani's 'PK', which has Aamir Khan in the lead role.
On the floor now is Raj Kumar Gupta's 'Ghanchakkar', the shooting is over for this film. Next to go on the floors was the latest edition of the 'Munnabhai' saga, which is to be directed by Subhash Kapoor.
Given Dutt's huge commitment and with so many millions riding on his shoulders, Dutt's counsel requested the court that the actor be released on probation primarily considering his past conduct and association with charitable organisations and social work.
However, the court was unimpressed saying it cannot be done considering the gravity of the crime. However, the court did reduce his sentence from 6 to 5 years.
The apex court stated that the evidence and materials perused by the TADA court in arriving at the decision against Dutt was correct. Dutt can still file a review petition against the verdict within the next four weeks. If he doesn't appeal against his sentence in the given time period, he will have to surrender before the court and will be sent to jail to serve his sentence.
The industry reacted with shock and sadness and this news brings gloom to the Bollywood fraternity.
Sanjay Dutt's statement
"I have already suffered for 20 years and been in jail for 18 months. If they want me to suffer more I have to be strong.
I am heart-broken because today along with me, my three children and my wife and my family will undergo the punishment. I have always respected the judicial system and will continue to do so, even with tears in my eyes.
I am going to complete all my films and won't let anyone down. I am overwhelmed by the support of my fans the industry people, the media and all the well-wishers. They have always stood by me and supported me.
I know in my heart that I have always been a good human being, respected the system and always been loyal to my country.
My family is very emotional right now and I have to be strong for them. I am shattered and in emotional distress. I am sorry I can't come down and meet you all.
God is great and he will guide me through this."