New Delhi: Since he walked past the iron bars of Pune’s Yerwada jail, earlier this year, cine star Sanjay Dutt has been at the receiving end of many questions. His life journey, in and outside jail, has intrigued many since a really long time. Aged, 56, Sanjay has completed the jail term given to him by the court under Arms Act and is now a free man.
For the first time, after his release Sanjay Dutt opened up about his life in the prison. At a Delhi event, Sanjay spoke with candour about everything from drug abuse to jail to Bollywood’s friendships.
Sanjay’s words contradicted many who thought he was given a VIP treatment in the prison.
He explained that the food was gross, and the Pune prison was full of flies. Remembering his stay, Sanjay said,
“In the Pune jail, there are flies all over, billions of flies, in your hair, your clothes and even your food. Main makhi nikaal ke daal pi jaata tha, mera co-accuse nahi peeta tha. I used to tell him, Bhai for how long will you stay hungry. I said ‘jail me protein nai milta hai, daal me protein hota hai.’ I never complain when my wife cooks daal these days.”
Sanjay added that his kids, even now, don’t know that he was in jail. He and his wife Manyata had told them, that he was off to shoot in some mountainous region which has weak network.
During one of his paroles, Sanjay gained media attention because of his well sculpted body. He said, that he did not need a gym to lose weight.
“I was 110 kgs before I went to jail, because I was drinking like a dog. To lose weight, I started running in the yard, lifting heavy buckets of water. I used to hit nails in the wall till me knuckles hurt and wrists swelled,”
the Munnabhai actor cited.
Speaking about Bollywood and friendships Sanjay made it quite clear to never expect anything from anyone.
“I had no hope in jail. Once I let go of hope, the term became easier. When I was in jail, I didn’t expect anyone to visit my home or see me in jail. It didn’t hurt me when they didn’t.”
Sanjay also revealed that he did not get into drugs because of his mother Nargis’ death; he said that it was just an excuse.
“When my father took me to America for rehab, there was no drug which I had not used. I left drugs because I wanted to be out of it.”
Sanju Baba had a little piece of advice for all youngsters.
“Every person in India should know the law. I made a mistake by not knowing it. I want to tell all youngsters, live your life, love your family and work, it is better than cocaine.”
