Sanjay awaits final verdict

Mumbai: Thirteen years after serial blasts ripped Mumbai apart, the TADA court will finally declare its verdict on the case starting on Thursday.

Of the 123 accused is actor Sanjay Dutt, who was arrested in April 1993 for allegedly storing arms in his home that had been allegedly delivered to him by the blast-accused Abu Salem.

Sanjay spent 16 months in prison and has been out on bail since.

The actor's fate is unquestionably linked to the court's verdict, and as a result, filmmakers in Bollywood who have projects in the pipeline with Sanjay are justifiably concerned.

Sanjay has cancelled all his shooting schedules recently and has been maintaining a low profile, which he wants to till the court passes the verdict.

He visited the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi on Sunday, presumably to seek blessings before the big day.

At least four films starring the actor are as yet incomplete.

Director Abbas Mustan's untitled thriller co-starring actor Ajay Devgan, Indra Kumar's Dhamaal, director Apoorva Lakhia's Shootout at Lokhandwala and director Sanjay Gupta's Dus Kahaniyaan are in various stages of production, with at least Rs 75 crore invested in them.

However, two Dutt starrers, Munnabhai Lage Raho and Eklavya are complete and will be released in the coming weeks.

The actor is scheduled to begin shooting for three new films in the months ahead including, director Soham Shah's adventure film Race produced by Karan Johar, director Sanjay Gupta's Alibaug, and Beehad, a film he will star in and co-produce with his brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav.

It would perhaps be an accurate calculation to say that at least 140 to 160 crore rupees are riding on Dutt at the moment.

The actor, once a dependable action star, has recently turned out a safe bet for light-hearted comedies.

He agreeably did supporting roles opposite younger stars in interesting films including, Parineeta and Shabd.

At 47, Sanjay is undoubtedly among the busier stars in Bollywood.

Sanjay is also a partner in the production company White Feather Films along with close friend Sanjay Gupta.

Sanjay’s goodwill in Bollywood is legendary and it is fair to say that the not just the industry but even his fans are hoping the actor will not be convicted when the court declares its verdict.

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