Sanjay Dutt - Quotes on Sanju (1)



Sanjay Dutt. Photo by Gautam Rajadhyaksha


"As for Sanjay Dutt, he's the only friend I have in the industry. Sanju and I communicate as two human beings and not as a boy and a girl. Do you know something, Sanju was the only person I could call up at two in the night when I split with Ravi and cry with." (Amrita Singh, in: Stardust, January 1988)

"Wow! Here is one hero whom I call a good friend. Initially he did try to flirt with me but I stopped him, told him I was not that type of girl. After that things have been different and we've been good friends since then. I'm thrilled to bits whenever I am shooting with Sanju... we are constantly making digs at one another and competing in giving gaalis..." (Farha Naaz, in: Movie, June 1988)

"The industry's Greek god. Sanju makes a super friend - a little moody though!" (Amrita Singh, in: Filmfare, May 1989)

"The only actor I am comfortable with." (Anita Raaj, in: Filmfare, May 1989)

"Adorable, very protective about me, treats me like a kid sister. Great fun." (Neelam, in: Filmfare, May 1989)

"My dream guy... I used to dream of him in school." (Sonam, in: Filmfare, May 1989)

"I love his boyish charm. I hope he never grows up!" (Sonu Walia, in: Filmfare, May 1989)

"He was damn pally with the unit members, patting someone, ruffling someone's hair, bumming a beedi off another. I think he is adorably cute and quite a harmless guy." (Shilpa Shirodkar, in: Star & Style, August 1-15, 1989)

"My instinct says that Sanju's definitely on the threshold of something extraordinary. It's paradoxical you know this personal crisis and the heart-wrenching experience he's going through will make him capable of displaying much more. I believe one always draws from one's personal traumas, tragedies. (...) We're doing this film Sadak together and the role suits him to the T. His character is going to be like Mel Gibson's in Lethal Weapon and he'll make it dazzle. The character is that of a manic depressive - an obsessed person and Sanju understands depression well. (...) Today he's like a baby bubbling with enthusiasm, so excited about this film and I feel this is what separates him from the flock. He has retained his innocence. He's vulnerable and can be wounded easily, at the same time he can be stoical." (Mahesh Bhatt, in: Movie, May 1990)

"And then I delivered my coup de grace. I was determined to prove that it was entirely my charm and sociability which had to be credited so I went and met the strong(est) and (most) silent angry young man - Sanjay Dutt. Now, to make him talk would be a plumage in my cap indeed. I first met him in Kodai Kanal, then very often in Bombay. And believe me when I say I was very, very tentative when I did my second interview with the deadly Dutt. The reason for my tension was that I'd heard of his hot temper and the questions I had to ask him were of the 'controversial' variety. Sanju burst out laughing when I nervously told him this and then proceeded to give me one of his best ever interviews where he really spoke, much to the surprise of everyone in the industry. Today Sanju is one person I am genuinely fond of (and I hope it is mutual) for his bold and honest nature minus the mandatory artificial facades that guys put on." (Omar Qureshi, in: Stardust Annual 1990)

"Sanju is a fantastic human being. He's very nice at heart and, contrary to what people think, he has a good sense of humour. He's the only guy who can keep me in splits. He doesn't play games, he is a very straight-forward." (Madhuri Dixit, in: Stardust, August 1991)

"Sanju is something else on outdoors. On one occasion we had to do some fight scenes. The night before, he sat up doing his homework and chalked out the entire fight sequence with the number of shots the fight director would have to take. The next day he gave the break-up to the fight director and asked him to shoot accordingly. So impressed was the director with Sanju's involvement, and authenticity of the interpretation of the scene, that he shot the scenes exactly as Sanju had indicated!" (Pooja Bhatt, in: Showtime, October 1991)

"Today the one actor I feel genuinely happy for is Sanjay Dutt. Because his is a very well deserved success. It makes me feel great to see him in a commanding position for I know exactly what all he went through. To be born in a famous film family is not an automatic take-off to the skies." (Rajiv Kapoor, in: Movie, March 1992)

"My favourite is Sanjay Dutt. He's such fun really. The biggest fibber. The yarns he spins, really keeps me in splits. A thorough gentleman too." (Madhuri Dixit, in: Ciné-Blitz, October 1992)

"Sanjay Dutt has personality, style, a very magnetic screen presence. I liked him very much in Naam, I've liked him all along. Given a nice, meaty role, he can do wonders." (Amitabh Bachchan, in: Filmfare, January 1993)

"Andolan opposite Sanjay Dutt happened to be the first film for which I faced the camera. I remember it was a romantic scene. I was supposed to look at Sanju lovingly, but instead I would keep giggling nervously time and again. Finally Sanju took me aside and told me not to be nervous but to just imagine that he was my boyfriend. He must have been amazed when I told him I'd never had a boyfriend! Finally of course the scene was completed and Sanjay distributed laddoos to everyone. He really was very helpful and sweet." (Somy Ali, in: Showtime, May 1993)

"I remember once Sanju and I were going out and there was a group of kids standing at the corner and they asked him for a drive. Sanju took them in and drove all around Pali Hill and then dropped them back. That's the kind of guy Sanju is. These kids love him." (Kumar Gaurav, in: Stardust, June 1993)

"I know Sanjay, he's very warm and friendly. I have a tremendous amount of affection for him." (Amitabh Bachchan, in: Filmfare, July 1993)

"Sanju, of course, is F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C! He is mad, he is wild but he has a very big heart. No hassles, no problems. Sanju and I hit it off right at the beginning. He and I share a lot of common interests. We are both fond of wild life, nature and trekking. I can confide in Sanju, he is a friend. Anytime I have a problem I run to him like a little girl. He is like a big daddy to me. Basically, working with him is a mad trip." (Raveena Tandon, in: Movie, October 1993)

"Sanjay Dutt has a raw sex appeal. Childlike innocence, a great physique and totally in step with the latest hairstyles and fashions." (Rahul Roy, in: Movie Glamour Special 1993, "The 6 best dressed stars in showbiz 93")

"The friendship between Sanju and me is one that has evolved over a time span. The first time we met was at a CAA meeting. Then I wouldn't dare to call him Sanju, he was Mr Sanjay Dutt, a guy who had achievements to his credit. I was having a problem with some producers and this guy just came upto me and said, 'Chal main tere saath chalta hoon' (Don't worry, I'm by your side). I mean who would do such a thing just out of the blue? The next time we met was when Chunky had given a party for Sanju's birthday at his Madh island bungalow and amidst all the merry making the two of us sat down together, remembered our mothers and cried. The scene was an unusual one. Can you imagine two men sitting in the midst of a celebration and crying their hearts out?" (Shahrukh Khan, in: Movie, August 1994)

"I did Amaanat because I'm a Sanjay Dutt fan. I love Sanjay Dutt. He has no airs about himself, he is like any other guy." (Heera Rajgopal, in: Stardust, December 1994)

"Sanjay Dutt is one person I love. He has an uncanny ability of being at the right place at the right time. He's always been there for me when a lot of other people weren't. I've known him even before I joined the industry. We share a unique male bonding which is not an impulsive attachment. Yes, I am in awe of him. There is something animal like about him. Some kind of raw appeal. I have yet to see such a personality. It intrigues you, the way he walks, talks. I notice that when people are in touch with him, they leave the room walking or talking like him!" (Atul Agnihotri, in Ciné-Blitz, July 1995)

"When we did that cover together, he came across as very genuine, caring and protective. There's a vulnerability about him that you can't ignore." (Aishwarya Rai, in: Ciné-Blitz, September 1995)

"I think Sanju has learnt his greatest lesson now. He will never be the same again. I don't think he has been devastated or broken. What he has gone through has made him tougher. Only the chosen few have the privilege of going through hell and learning from their experience. There's an inner glow about Sanju today. Trust me, there's no stopping him now. It's my Sanju baba's day. So eat your hearts out now, all you so-called reigning supremos out there." (Rekha, in: Filmfare, October 1995)

"I miss my Sanju a lot. I keep praying for his release; everyday I think, this painful experience will make him all the more stronger. I know my buddy. He's a tough Leo, a survivor." (Jackie Shroff, in: Stardust, November 1995)

"I'm very close to Sanju. I love that guy. He is a super humanbeing. All these days, when he was inside, we missed him like mad. Time is such a funny thing. I mean, say you haven't met somebody for fifteen months. Then, you bump into that person, one day, and hey presto! The pain of all those months disappears in that one precious moment. With Sanju too, it's been the same case. Full marks to his family and Rhea for supporting him, ya. But I still feel sad that Sanju couldn't be with me when I needed him. He wasn't there to attend my wedding. That's the greatest regret in my life." (Atul Agnihotri, in: Stardust, December 1995)

"Fate fell in love with Sanjay Dutt long before we did. She has dogged him as persistently and vengefully as a thwarted mistress throughout his eventful life, giving him a glimpse of the depths of depravity as well as the heights of glory. Fate has indeed slugged Sanjay Dutt a good many times in his short span of life: He lost his mother at an early age, he went wild with drugs and alcohol in the next phase, then he got extricably entangled with the law, and now, he is on the verge of losing his wife to cancer. It is not surprising that Sanjay Dutt walks around with a sign that says 'Love Me', at least his demeanour does. He doesn't have to, actually. True, he may have alienated sympathy from some sections of the general public. But as far as the female sex goes, Dutt is Mr Vulnerability himself, a little boy concealed in the cloak of a macho man. A delicious combination, perfect for their protective instincts." (Bharathi P.G., in: "People we love – Catty List of Favourites", Stardust Annual 1996)

"I've met Sanju recently, he's the same... hurt deep on the inside but a smile on his face which is what I like about the boy." (Jackie Shroff, in: Ciné-Blitz, March 1996)

"When working with Sanjay Dutt, the whole unit invariably falls in love with him. He is a real child. I remember when we were shooting for Yalgaar he'd come and and sleep on my mom's lap. He is like a child yearning for love. He is a big baby. He is one helluva good-looking guy. I remember he used to be my pin-up guy before I came into the industry, and yet there were no romantic sparks when I finally met him. After his bad phase in his life I have begun to respect him more." (Manisha Koirala, in: Stardust, April 1996)

"If I were Sanjay Dutt I wouldn't change a thing about myself. Sanjay is too good. I'd be thrilled to have a physique like his. He's totally Hollywood. I get a complex just by looking at his muscles." (Govinda, in: Showtime, June 1996)

"Sanjay is no stranger to the roller coaster. A free-wheeling spirit, impulsive, there's something of a buccaneer in him, quite like Errol Flynn. The ups and downs of his life attest to it. Images of him flash across my mind, crystal sharp. Marlin fishing in Mauritius, the speed boat slicing through the choppy, ink-blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the sun at its zenith, the wind blowing and Sanjay looking magnificent at the stern. Sitting on a road-divider below my house with Aishwarya Rai for some informal pictures. We managed seven before the crush of people almost buried them. Sanju with his long mane and puma gait attracted people like a magnet. His boyish charm and disarming vulnerability make him well-loved in the industry. He once told me, 'I respond to love and kindness with all my heart. If I get a little I am willing to give everything.'" (Gautam Rajadhyaksha, in: Faces, 1997)

"Now where do I begin on Sanjay? There are so many facets to him. He's really a bundle of contradictions. I've only been teamed in one film with him. We were shooting for Safari in a small village in Kerala. Life out there is pretty laidback. There was only one TV set in the entire village. So after pack-up, we would gather in Sanjay's room and end up watching wildlife films for the entire evening. Sanju would regale us with tales of his hunting trips. The entire unit calls him baba. He'd sit with the unit chaps, smoking bidis and tucking into their khaana of rice and rasam. I tried the food out, it was so pungent that I felt I was on fire. Then, of course, a lot of things happened to him. We lost touch with each other. Even now, he's a cool guy. He always recited the Hanuman Chalisa every day. I was quite surprised because you would never associate the Hanuman Chalisa with a disco-going, body-building heart-throb of teenagers. But then as I said, he's a bundle of contradictions." (Juhi Chawla, in: Filmfare, January 1997)

"Whenever he has to shoot outside Mumbai, permission is secured from the court. For this schedule we were shooting in the city's studios itself... so he'd attend court in the day, do his work-out for an hour after that... and work through the night till 3 a.m. His will-power is amazing." (Ram Gopal Varma, in: Filmfare, February 1997)

"He's a good actor... not many have acknowledged this yet. I mean, in Saajan he was so sensitive that he should have certainly picked up an award for the performance. Unfortunately, in India good acting is associated with emotional scenes. He has a range - he can handle both emotional and comic scenes expertly. He has determination. We had to do a classical dance number for Daud. Even I found it a little difficult. He started learning the steps at 2.30 a.m. I moaned to myself... now he'll take the entire night to learn those steps. But he didn't give up till he had the steps right. And he didn't take much time either. When we finally shot it, I needed three retakes but he was perfect. And he's a star. He just stands out in a crowd. He's a real life hero. For him to go to jail and come out to regain his former position, is something only a hero could have done. But there's one thing I can't understand about Sanju. Why does he insist on calling me madame?" (Urmila Matondkar, in: Filmfare, July 1997)

"What a man! Sanjay Dutt is the only Indian star who has star value. He looks like a Hollywood hunk. What a physique!" (Pooja Batra, in: Stardust, February 1998)

"He's a cool guy to work with." (Kajol, in: g, June 1998)

"Sanju converts his problems, his sorrows into positive traits." (Sanjay Gupta, in: g, June 1998)

"Sanju has an exclusive appeal. He has a tough exterior, but is vulnerable within. You can't help, but feel affection for Sanju, however annoyed you're with him. (...) You have to see how crowds react to Sanju even today. His characters on screen make him easily accessible to the common man. They can reach out to him, touch him. That makes him stand apart. (...) There is a terrible sorrow in Sanju today. Due to his experience in jail, he reacts more intensely to situations. And he's not even aware of it." (Tanuja Chandra, in: g, June 1998)

"None of these actors can take Sanjay's place because Sanju is a blend of machismo and vulnerability. His eyes speak volumes. You can't miss the suffering in them. Besides, unlike other actors, Sanjay has not played action-oriented roles. His characters have always had an emotional side to them, which is what Sanjay is all about in real life. (...) There is a madness in Sanju that gives him that extra edge. (...) There is more depth in his performances today. And Sanjay is not even conscious of the change in him. He's the analytical kind. Has a philosophical attitude to life." (Sanjay Chel, in: g, June 1998)

"I noticed that Sanjay is a very restless guy. There is a tremendous amount of energy waiting to explode. And that's exactly what my character in Vaastav demanded. He's perfect for my film. (...) There's an aura about him that cannot be missed. (...) The trauma he's gone through could simply break a person. But Sanjay emerged a winner. His daily routine includes a visit to court, exercise for two hours, after which he shoots till three or five in the morning." (Mahesh Manjrekar, in: g, June 1998)

"Sanjay has a very dominating presence on screen and is an excellent actor. The present breed of actors don't have the right blend of machismo and sensitivity. Sanjay does. We have stars who are either brawn or who are performers, never both. That's the reason why Sanju scores over them. (...) I never thought of replacing him (in Safari), which says a lot about his credibility as an actor. (...) Sanju's emotional scars have been transformed into positive traits. His performances have improved." (Jyotin Goel, in: g, June 1998)

"I started my career as a director with Taaqatwar, with Sanjay and Govinda. In fact, Sanjay was the one who got me the film. I am now working with him after 10 years in Haseena Maan Jaayegi. Sanjay has changed a lot. He looks so good now and he has become an even better person, sweet and considerate to the core. He's an amazing actor and excels at comedy. With this film, people will realise his flair for comedy. It's great to work with Govinda and Sanju together. Their camaraderie has to be seen to be believed." (David Dhawan, in: Ciné-Blitz, July 1998)

"I have wanted to act with Sanjay Dutt since I was nine years old. I had a major crush on him. He had come to Sanawar once and I still have a photograph with him. I remember, he ruffled my hair and the picture shows his hand just above my head. I felt very intimidated by him. I feel pleasant when I meet him now (blushes)." (Preity Zinta, in: Ciné-Blitz, August 1998)

"Sanjay Dutt is the second guy on whom I had a massive crush. He's my kinda style-bhai. I hero-worshipped him. It was like one of those teenage crushes with me hanging on every word spoken by him. We did Jeena Marna Tere Sang, Vijeta, Kshatriya, Zamane Se Kya Darna, Aatish and we'd been paired in Mukul Anand's Dus. I'd behave like him, copy him and even try to talk like him. I think he was amused by my antics. I became his bhidu. My relationship with Sanju is a lot like mine with Suniel Shetty. We're like high-school bum chums. While shooting for Kshatriya in Bikaner, Sanju would narrate ghost stories to Divya and me. I was petrified. During Aatish, he taught me how to hold a light machine gun. He took me for deep-sea fishing and snorkelling in Mauritius. He'd love to party, there can never be a dull moment when Sanju's around." (Raveena Tandon, in: Filmfare, October 1998)

"The one big guy - and probably the only one (after the glory-days of Amitabh Bachchan) - with star-presence is Sanjay Dutt. Gone are the reckless days of the deadly Dutt. The lion is now tame and civilised. Honed by fate, polished to a luminescent shine by the beautiful (more so inwardly) Rhea. Sanju has always had a soft spot for me because he was the first star I ever interviewed on my first day on the job itself. He took a great pride in grinning to all and sundry. 'I remember that incident to date. He was so f-ing intimidated by my image. But, he was fair to me.' The image, yes. But at heart the deadly hero was putty - a true softie. (...) I still remember one night he was driving me back into town after a night at 'Jazz by the Bay' with Rhea and a few friends. I was admiring his BMW when he did the unthinkable. On the steep slope leading up to the bridge over Kemps Corner, he stopped. 'Go on! Drive it,' he told me. The night-fuelled cars of Bombay whizzed past dangerously, hurling abuses - but Sanju ignored them all, even abusing back, 'Go on.' Of course I didn't drive the dream automatic. But I did see a raw emotion in a man often accused of being unemotional. Sanju is far from unemotional, he's just learnt to keep it within. The turmoil only showing in those hurt, vulnerable eyes." (Omar Qureshi, in: Stardust Annual, 1998)

"I like Sanjay Dutt who I think is the coolest guy. So believeable, without any airs." (Manisha Koirala, in: Stardust, December 1998)

"I had a crush on Sanjay Dutt when I was in college. (...) He was my hero. I worshipped him literally. I wanted to become like Sanjay Dutt. Sanju was like a Hollywood star. According to me, he deserves to be an international star. He was like a god, man. He used to be my favourite pin-up hero. I've always fantasized about Sanjay Dutt... He's the ultimate female fantasy! (...) And the thing with Sanju is, when you're with him, you always end up laughing your guts out. The man's a total prankster. He was always up to some mischief. Sanju used to be the life and soul of the unit. He still is. (...) Seriously, Sanju's an absolute sweetheart. He's one of a kind. A class apart." (Raveena Tandon, in: Stardust, January 1999)

"Sanju's a jaan. If there's one couple with whom I can unwind after pack up, it's Sanju and Rhea. They don't gossip, they don't pass moral judgements. I admire him because after all those ups and downs in his personal and professional life, he's still smiling. Hussain thinks Sanju's real cool. Hope life's fair to Sanju at least from now on." (Manisha Koirala, in: Filmfare, February 1999)

"Sanjay Dutt is my favourite actor and a very friendly person. I didn't have to break the ice with him. He insists on talking to me only in Punjabi. We connected instantly because of our common passion for bodybuilding. We used to train together for hours in the gym." (Rahul Dev, in: Zee Premiere, July 1999)

"From dopey-eyed stare to killer glare, Sanjay Dutt is the industry's favourite winning story. When Sanjay Dutt walks into a room, everything else pales into insignificance. He has the presence that spells 'star' in capitals, bold and underlines. Commanding a mass-worship and fan-following that no one can match, Sanju baba is as loveable as your innocent upstartish kid brother who will never grow up. All the pain that he's been through in life has added a depth of character to Sanju's persona that reaches out and touches you." (Bhavani Iyer, in: Stardust, March 2000)

"Working with Sanju is always fun. No, I'm not trying to flatter him. He's confident. He's not worried about the length or substance of his co-star's role. Unlike some other actors in this industry. Sanju and I have worked together in Do Qaidi, Andolan, Taaqatwar and Haseena Maan Jaayegi. He treats me like a younger brother. He's open to suggestions and he isn't kaan ka kachcha. I feel very touched by the affection he showers on me. When Sanju hugs you, his feelings are genuine. Haseena Maan Jaayegi was enjoyable because of the action-reaction Sanju and I share on screen. The audience loved us and the film was a success. Sanjay was the hero. I had no problems playing the second lead." (Govinda on the occasion of his Best Actor in a Comic Role Award for Haseena Maan Jaayegi, in: Filmfare, April 2000)

"I must admit that I have a major crush on Sanjay Dutt. The man is so good looking! Sanjay is one of the most gorgeous hunks in the industry, with a very powerful personality. His influence is such that anyone who spends a day or two with Sanju, automatically starts behaving like him. When I saw Sanju on the posters of Vaastav, my heart literally skipped a beat! I immediately called Rhea and told her that whoever says he doesn't find Sanju hot, is lying!" (Urmila Matondkar, in: Ciné-Blitz, August 2000)

"What's nice about Sanju is that he's considerate. I was touched when even recently when he won the best actor for Vaastav, at an award function in London, he called me up on stage to share the honour with him." (Mahesh Manjrekar, in: Filmfare, August 2000)

"It is his humility that touched me. He is very real; he is what he is - there is nothing fake about him." (Rhea Pillai, Atlanta 2000)

"Do you consider a solid rock, or a huge boulder a symbol of macho sex appeal? If so, Dutt's your man. 'Duh?' is the operative word here. But what an attractive 'Duh?'! He's the film industry's only boy-man or child star. Indulge him." (Shobaa De, in: Ciné Blitz "Ah Men!", 2001)

"Sanjay Dutt was a gentleman through and through. He cared for my comforts throughout the shooting period (Mission Kashmir). He is one helluvan actor. I liked his acting post-intermission, after the death of my character. It was mindblowing the way he portrayed the grief he felt." (Sonali Kulkarni, in: Showtime, April 2001)

"Sanjay Dutt is a superb human being. Inspite of suffering so much, inspite of being jailed for almost 14 months, he has gone ahead and through sheer determination turned his life around and carved success for himself. I really admire him and count him among the few people that I hold as my ideals." (Chandrachur Singh, in: Showtime, June 2001)

"I'd known his wife Rhea long before I met Sanju on the sets of Jung. He's given me invaluable health tips. He has maintained himself very well. He cleared various food myths I'd believed in. Jung has sparked off several controversies. At one point, the producer wanted me out of the film but Sanju stood by me. He's very straightforward, manipulations don't figure in his scheme of things. He treats everyone equally... whether he's talking to a producer or a spot boy, he'll always address the person with a ji. I've never come across any other actor who does that. He's preserved his positive attitude. The tremendous lows he's been through haven't made him bitter at all." (Shilpa Shetty, in: Filmfare, August 2001)

"Sometimes actors behave strangely, they're majorly into one-upmanship and try to put you down. Sanjay's just the opposite, he's easy, supportive, he gives you space... Yeah, but he could be much more punctual." (Nandita Das, in Filmfare, September 2001)

"Sanjay Dutt is one of the coolest people I've ever met in my life. He's not really concerned with what you give him, as long as the filmmaker likes it. He's pretty cool and he is also concerned not to give anybody too much trouble. He just concentrates on his performance and he's least exhausting for any designer. All the designers love working with him because he's not at all interfering. He trusts the person who's hired to do his clothes. He's a lovely man." (Shahid Aamir, in: Ciné Blitz, September 2001)

"Sanjay has the largest heart I've ever known. (...) Sanjay is the most chilled-out actor. He knows everything about the craft yet he'll never interfere with a film-maker. Most actors are so image-conscious, they're unwilling to try anything beyond the predictable." (Mahesh Manjrekar, in: Filmfare, February 2002)

"Sanju, I want to say something to you, I couldn´t tell you, if just you and me were alone. I want to say it, so you can´t answer back. I want to tell you... Thank you very much for making a better director out of me, for making a better person out of me. Just looking at you - looking what a wonderful person you are, what a childlike personality, what a trusting man... brother if I may say so... I want to be more like you." (Vidhu Vinod Chopra on video in: Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai, Zee TV, April 2002)

"I did two films - Daud and Haseena Maan Jaayegi - with Sanjay. You can't get better than him: every outfit and colour looks good on him! He should keep his hair short. He has a great body and height which is why it's important that the length of his pants is right. He isn't interested in the cut and the design of his outfit but the fit should be right. He is such a lovely human being and that reflects in his dressing. He is one of the most humble artistes I have met. He loves his black and blue Levi's jeans, singlets, body tights and shirts. He looks wonderful in a French beard, chic in a suit and yet so raw in a ganji and jeans." (Vikram Phadnis, in: Ciné-Blitz, May 2002)

"He is a gem of a person but bechara, bad luck seems to stalk him constantly... Yet it's admirable the way he handles it all. He's also the biggest prankster if you know him well!" (Afzal Khan, in: Ciné-Blitz, May 2002)

"During one schedule for Muhje Jeene Do, Sunil Dutt brought his family along for the location shoot. One day Nargis was holding three-year-old Sanjay and talking to me when she realised the little fellow was staring at me continuously. 'Kya ghoorta hai?' (What are you looking at?) she asked him. When he kept silent, she asked him teasingly, 'Achha, bata kisse shaadi karega?' (Ah, well, whom do you want to marry?) Without taking his eyes off me, Sanjay pointed at me and said, 'Aunty.' That's become such a joke ever since!" (Waheeda Rehman, in: Filmfare, September 2002)

"How do I explain to anybody what Sanju means to my family or to me? How do you explain to anybody how important your hand is to you? What's amazing about Sanju is that he's still such a baby. Yet, Sanjay Dutt has the capacity to make everybody gooey-eyed in his presence. He is the original. There is no other Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay Dutt has a distinct personality of his own that no amount of battering or bruising will take away from him. Some people are just born with that sustaining ability." (Pooja Bhatt, in: Showtime, January 2003)

"I guided Sanjay till his first film. Then he was on his own. He has treaded the wrong path many-a-time. But has always found his way back. And that's what makes him a winner." (Sunil Dutt on the sets of Munnabhai MBBS, 2003)

"Sanju is a kind of guy who comes onto the set, and everybody is happy. He does his thing, he's so spontaneous, you don't know at what point he's preparing for something because in front of the camera it just works." (Boman Irani, in: Making of Munnabhai MBBS, 2003)

"Sanju baba is... I mean, what do I say about him? He's somebody we all grew up watching. When I got to know that I'm working with him in the film, the first thing that struck my mind was, I have to do that slapping scene. And I wanted Raju to not have that scene in the film, but Raju was very stubborn and he made it happen. When that scene was happening he (Sanju) saw how nervous I was, and he came to me and said, do it now, and I said, are you mad, I can't do it, I just can't slap you. Somehow or the other we managed, and that was tough enough for me." (Jimmy Shergill, in: Making of Munnabhai MBBS, 2003)

"Sanjay Dutt is a very spontaneous actor and, if guided properly, is capable of delivering surprises. Sanjay, having no preconceived notions about himself, will always be one of my favorite actors." (Vidhu Vinod Chopra, in: The Times of India, January 26, 2004)

"And of course, Sanju did a brilliant job (in Munnabhai MBBS); his emotional scenes, his comic timing was perfect. You know, there's a scene of us together in which we are both drunk and Sanju is crying away. In one of the takes, I was so amazed by his performance that I completely forgot it was my scene as well. I cried out spontaneously, 'Damn good, yaar!' and then realised that it was not my line! (laughs) Had it not been for Sanjay, my hard work would have gone down the drain. He is a doll. I probably wouldn't have done the film if Sanjay Dutt were not the hero. I know how the film industry functions, there is so much insecurity around. But not with Sanju. He doesn't care. He's the best co-star to work with; he has no hang-ups, doesn't interfere with anybody's work, does his job and goes home." (Arshad Warsi, in: Filmfare, February 2004)

"Working with Sunil Dutt and Sanjay Dutt - wow! That was fabulous. On the first day I simply couldn't use that tapori lingo in front of Sunil Duttji, I was nervous. He has an enviable personality and is the most disciplined person from the film industry. Sanju is the most chilled out actor I have seen in my entire career. During the shooting he would always stare at my butterfly knife and say, 'mujhe bhi sikha dena... mujhe bhi seekhna hai.' Though Sanju seems to be a hunk with an attitude, he is basically a kid." (Arshad Warsi, in: Stardust, March 2004)

"I adore this guy. He's my role model." (Fardeen Khan, in: Filmfare, April 2004)

"In Shabd, Sanju and I have a couple of very intense scenes together, which we both thoroughly enjoyed. After doing those scenes we'd embrace each other and Sanju would exclaim, 'Man, this is the way to work. We rock.' And I'd say, 'Yeah, we do.' In a way we discovered each other." (Aishwarya Rai, in: Filmfare, October 2004)

"Sanju is a real sweetheart. He used to tease me saying, 'Arre, industry mein heroine nahin, hero aya hai', and used to call me Sam Lara Croft. He's like my elder brother. After he saw the rushes, he presented me a large screen television because we both are gadget freaks. Not only that, when I signed Anees Bazmee's Benaam, Sanju had called me from LA saying, 'Sam, you're working with lovely people. All the best.' I really appreciated this gesture." (Sameera Reddy, in: Stardust, November 2004)

"Sanju treats me like a younger brother and he is such a great person, and there is very little you can say to make it greater." (Zayed Khan, in: Stardust, November 2004)

"Sanjay Dutt is the most amazing man. I treat him as an elder brother, respect him and love him. He does the same by treating me like a younger brother. We are very close. I’ll stand by him the way he would stand by me. He stood by me, he used to be there, every single night in my worst moments. We have our problems but it is only out of love and love and love only. He is the one man who can come, whack me, slap me, abuse me and I would never say one word." (Salman Khan, in: "Just Pooja" 2004)

"Sanju can just get into the moment during some scenes (in Shabd), that he sometimes breaks the line between acting and being. There are many moments in the film where he rose above the script and was completely engrossed in the character. There were also times when he came up with ideas and suggestions. (...) I didn't know that Sanju is such a lively person until after a couple of days' shooting. He would joke a lot and enliven the whole working atmosphere with his wit and humor. It's great fun working in such an environment." (Leena Yadav, in: Stardust, January 2005)

"Sanjay is a complete man in more ways than one." (Kumar Gaurav, in: Ciné-Blitz, March 2005)

"I thought that working with Sanjay Dutt would be different. He's a big star and might throw his weight around. But while working with him, I realized that he was just the opposite. He was always involved and would never rush to his make-up van after giving his shots. He would wait for the director's approval. He's utterly sincere and soft spoken. He would report right on time and never interfered or unnecessarily advised anyone about anything. He would completely surrender to the director. He would keep quiet and be with himself." (Raima Sen, in: Stardust, April 2005)

"Sanju is really adorable. I've become a true fan of the person he is. The sly smile that he gives to everyone is mindblowing. Everyone from spot boy to the director, he would respect everyone for what they are. Actually Sanju personifies Munnabhai in reality. He might not give jadoo ki jhappis, but that warm smile when he is on the sets, matters a lot. After all, at the end of the day, we are all working for approval and appreciation. In fact, the day he was leaving Kolkata, he went up to everyone, hugged them and said, 'Thank you'. I think that's what counts." (Vidya Balan, in: Stardust, April 2005)

"I’m so impressed with Sanjay. In Tathastu, you won’t see the regular Sanju of Vaastav, he’s very emotional and sensitive. For all that the world has to say about him, he’s been the most amazing co-star to have. There was one scene where, in all my intensity, I had scratched him with my nails and not one coo came from him till the shot was over. He’s not insecure about the actress, a hero wanting to be the hero, you know. He’d say, 'Why don’t you say my dialogues also?' Most of the times, heroes try to hog the limelight. Sanju can be silent and leave an impact, he’s grown so much as an actor. I told him, 'Sanju, I was never really a fan of yours. Munnabhai made me, but after working with you, I’m blown.'" (Amisha Patel, in: Stardust, May 2005)

"The actors I meet on a regular basis are Sanju, Salman, Suniel, Amitji, Hrithik and Abhishek. I meet everyone with a lot of love because they meet me with love. The love Sanju has for me can smother me." (Shahrukh Khan, in: Filmfare, July 2005)

"I've always been a Sanjay Dutt fan - I used to buy his posters and postcards. I was very excited when I got to work with him. He's macho on the outside and a small child inside. He used to play video games with me. For me, he's next to God and I worship him." (Koena Mitra, in: Filmfare, July 2005)

"At the end of the scene I went up and thanked Sanju for helping me such a great deal. And he just patted my head and said, 'I know how it is, we've been through it too, so you don't have to thank me for it.' These are gestures of a great person and there were many more such instances which made me realise why Sanjay Dutt is so fondly called Baba. People just love him, from the spot boy to the director, everybody loves Sanju Baba!" (Vidya Balan, in: Movie, July 2005)

"It did feel a bit weird initially (playing the main lead in Parineeta while a senior actor like Sanjay played the secondary role). But when I saw the film, I realised Sanju can afford to do a cameo. I still have so much more to prove that he already has. When you see Sanju in the film, you don't ask why he did it. It is a role and he's done it really well. Just proves that there's no such thing as a small role." (Saif Ali Khan, in: Filmfare, August 2005)

"Sanjay Dutt is a lovely human being. He made me feel so much at ease while shooting and that, I think, is the mark of a true gentleman. (...) When I was signed for the film (Parineeta), I knew this (lovemaking scenes with Saif and Sanjay) was a requirement I would have to meet. (...) We first shot the scene with Sanjay, which gave me more confidence (even though that was the tougher scene of the two. But) Sanjay helped me a lot by putting me at ease. He was joking around, making the atmosphere friendly. But you know, Sanjay is really a very shy person. It was really endearing because he would shut his eyes before every take and open them only when he heard 'Action'. After the scene was over, he told me, 'It's nice to see that there are still some girls who are shy about these things. When I watch all those videos, I think sharam naam ki cheez hi nahi rahi.'" (Vidya Balan, in: Filmfare, August 2005)

"I can rely on Sanjay Dutt. He is extremely dependable. He is a true friend and has proved so on numerous occasions." (Suniel Shetty, in: Filmfare, August 2005)

"Sanjay is a great friend - a very loyal friend." (Amitabh Bachchan, in: Making of Viruddh, 2005)

"I think Mr Sanjay Dutt is too hot. I used to forget my dialogue when I was working for Shaadi No. 1 with him because I used to be busy staring at him. I find him all man." (Esha Deol, in: Filmfare, December 2005)

"Salman Sir is just awesome. Even Sanju Sir keeps telling me, 'whenever you have time you should workout with me'. I still have posters of these people in my room. I am their die-hard fan." (Mimoh Chakraborty, in: Stardust, February 2006)

"Sanjay Dutt is the sexiest and handsomest man the industry has. The man only looks better with age." (John Abraham, in: Filmfare, March 2006)

"The film belongs to Dutt. He once again proves that he has it in him to actually go beyond the script." (Hindustan Times City, Review Tathastu, 2006)

"...Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan are bachelors so they're living their lives the way they want to and need to live it. And why not, yaar? They work hard and they party hard. There's no problem. But, out of the five million people that I've met, I think Sanju and Salman are two of the very few who have hearts of gold. And for me, I get along with them, not because I'm a family man and they're not, but because gold is what they're made of. (...) Salman has no insecurities. He's doing a film with David and Govinda knowing that David and Govinda are an awesome combination. He's not bothered about such things. He knows he's a star and that he's bigger than the biggest. Likewise with Sanju. It doesn't even matter to Sanju. He'll say, 'Yeah, take my lines yaar'. That's why they are what they are and that's why I get along with them so beautifully. Sometimes I see that they are such lovely guys and I wish they have an anchor in their companions. Of course, I wish for them to have stable family lives. That's why when I'm with them, the brother in me comes out, and even though I'm probably younger to Sanju, I'm like an older brother to him. They can appreaciate family structures and maybe that's why they bond with me so closely." (Suniel Shetty, in: Stardust, March 2006)

"Thinking of Sanju, I can think of just one character - Superman. Yes, Sanju is a Superman! He is a gem of a person. We are great friends and I share a very good chemistry with him onscreen. He loves to help everybody. If there is one person I can depend on for anything and everything, it has to be him." (Arshad Warsi, in: The Telegraph, June 30, 2006)

"My favourite co-star is Sanjay Dutt. I've worked with him most often. I love him and have tremendous respect for him. As an actor and as a human being, he's the finest person I've ever met in my acting career. Being a great actor, I'll not be adamant, but if you're a good person, then you're important to me. Other than Sanju, everyone has been a good co-star to me. But Sanju is exceptional. I also maintain the fact that Sanju is a veteran actor and I can't call him my buddy because he's somebody I respect a lot." (Arshad Warsi, in: Stardust, August 2006)

"Sanjay Dutt is a thoroughly professional actor. While shooting with him, you may feel that he's just okay about his character, but actually, there's a lot going on in his mind about how to do it differently. He is an effortless actor and a lovely human being. When we were working morning shifts, Sanjay used to wish good morning to every unit member on the sets. He's such a good human being. I've done three films with him so far and it was really a lovely experience to work with him." (Vidya Balan, in: Stardust, September 2006)

"The song 'Samjho Ho Hi Gaya' had Sanjay and Arshad flirting with girls, so I asked the makeup man to plug Sanjay's face with lipstick marks. He tried using many lipsticks but it wasn't appearing convincing to Sanju and me. So in order to be perfect and look good, Sanjay gave me an idea. He asked me why we couldn't request the girls present on the sets to kiss him, as it would make a difference then. I was apprehensive about it but told Sanju to do what felt right. He just yelled, 'Who would like to kiss me? Please come.' I was surprised with Sanjay's act. What I saw the next moment was just unbelievable. Hordes of girls jumped on Sanjay to kiss him..." (Rajkumar Hirani, in: Stardust, September 2006)

"Today Sanjay Dutt has got it all what does he want now? Now he wants great films. He always had it all but now there is no pressure of doing multiple films. He can work according to his desire. Shahrukh Khan came and then Hrithil Roshan but Sanjay Dutt is still there. He never aspired to or tried to be No. 1. One thing is special about Sanju. Unlike upstarts who may deserve just 30 lakhs but demand a crore or two, this guy still has the standard fee of one and a half crore. He's in the position today to ask for three, three and a half. But he doesn't. He always gives Dharamji's example that throughout his career, Dharamji had a standard rate of Rs 20 lakhs. He used to never charge more because he always said, 'For me to survive, the producers have to survive. I can't raise my price or the producer will die.' Following that formula he went strong for 50 years. And it is the same with Sanju, he has been going strong for 25 years now and he will continue going strong. Sanju is ageing beautifully. He's right there." (Sanjay Gupta, in: Filmfare, September 2006)

"Sometimes he is as invincible as Superman. Other times, fallible like Kent Clark. Either ways, Sanjay Dutt knows how to take the rough with the smooth. He practically invented and reinvented it. He made us laugh. He made us cry. With Lage Raho Munnabhai he made Gandhi cool. Not to mention friendship, truth and good old fashioned love. Good things come in big packages." (Filmfare, November 2006, "Man of the month: Sanjay Dutt for his bravura performance in LRM")

(Vidya Balan respects Sanjay Dutt very much. Confronted with a former quote that "with respect came a certain distance and I can never be on backslapping terms with him", she confessed:)
"Oh that still stays, he is way too senior for me to treat him casually. But Sanju is very protective towards me. You know, once I was called on the sets a little too early and I had to wait for a few hours before he came in. When he got to know, he ticked off the production guys for making me wait. I was touched." (Vidya Balan, in: Filmfare, November 2006)
(Vidya's words of respect remind me of the Making of LRM when she told about her nervousness before the scene in which she had to slap Sanju - and how she practised with a tall extra... I just loved the way she described her scruples to slap a man with the impressive physique of a Sanjay Dutt!)

"Now, I am waiting for someone to cast me in a remake of Pulp Fiction. I think Sanjay Dutt and I would be perfect for it. (...) Sanjay is one of the warmest human beings that I have ever met. Beneath his stony exteriour, he is a child with a heart of gold. I didn't know him when we were doing Munnabhai MBBS but he didn't throw his weight around at all. And after that he always treated me like his younger brother. Like, whenever he is abroad he calls up and says, 'Bro, I am in such-and-such place. Do you need anything from here?' Sanju is one of the finest comic stars we have today. Why should we make generalisations about anything? Just because Sanju has Italian good looks, with a tall, well-maintained physique, that doesn't mean you should confine him only to tough-guy roles. He is an actor and it's up to the director to draw out the best from him." (Arshad Warsi, in: Filmfare, November 2006)


Continued - more quotes on Sanju you'll find here.


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Quotes about Sanju concerning his TADA case please find here.