Sanjay Dutt - Quotes about Sanju (since 2007)





"The infectious smile on his face, the pathos in his melancholy eyes, the common man's lingo that he so naturally mouths and his unassuming manners are the qualities that have endeared him to people." (Shyam Pandharipande, in: India eNews, January 2007)

"I have seen Sanjay Dutt going through real hell, even during the last film. He had to go to court every week. He had to take special permission just to shoot in Pune. I remember, he would sob like a baby in the van and then come out and deliver a funny line. That's the brilliance of the man. It's inspiring. I didn't know him so well when we worked together the first time and I often wondered whether he would be able to deliver in such a disturbed frame of mind. But he would request some time to himself and really pull himself together. Sanju has amazing resource of strength. He makes it look so simple. You know something, Sanju is actually Munna. He is childlike, a guy with a great soul. Terrible things have happened to him and he somehow moves on. He has a lot of honesty in his eyes." (Rajkumar Hirani, in: Filmfare, January 2007)

"If I were to think of someone with great star presence, someone whose presence sends an electric current through the room, I think it would be Sanjay Dutt to a very large extent. Plus, he is adored by the public that is willing to forgive him anything." (Shobaa De about "undisputable stars"; in: Newsline, January 2007)

"Sanju is a domestic man. He follows traditions and is God-fearing. If he gets an opportunity, he would love to spend the entire day at home with his family!" (Manyata Sheikh, in: Mid-Day, January 2007)

"Who would've ever thought that the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS would end up making more money than the original? Thanks to Sanjay Dutt, a new terminology was introduced in the country - Gandhigiri. The man, who in real life was facing a charge of abetting violence, carried forward the message of peace and non-violence in his unique and inimitable way. His striking performances in films like Zinda and Tathastu also elevated his status as an actor of substance. No other actor of his age has been able to sweep the audiences like Sanjay and that's his biggest achievement." (Stardust Yearbook 2007)

"Sanju has a unique personality. You could put him in any circumstance, his presence and personality takes care of everything. He's one of the most lovable persons in the film industry. He's adopted Abhishek as his younger brother. I know Sanju from the time I came to Mumbai to become an actor. Dutt Saab and Nargisji had taken me under their wings, nurtured me…" (Amitabh Bachchan, in: SantaBanta, February 2007)

"I was surprised to know that Sanju’s very good at playing the air guitar. He had even won a gold medal when he was studying in USA. Air guitar is different from actually playing the guitar. It looks like as if you are playing the guitar in the air. It’s quite difficult as it looks very real and you have to act as if you are really playing it. (...) I have known him for more than 15 years. We are good friends. I remember an incident with him way back in 1992, when I was new to Mumbai and would get into a lot of fights with journalists. During one such fight with a certain journalist, Sanju came to know about it and called me over to his home to sort it out. I felt very touched as I didn’t know too many people and he had been there for me. We had gone out in his jeep and talked through the night about our moms. Then again we met in Mauritius while he was shooting for Aatish and I was shooting for Zamana Deewana. Since then, we have become good friends." (Shahrukh Khan, in: Mid-Day, March 29, 2007)

"The biggest influence in my life has been my cousin Sanjay Dutt, even though I have not acted with him in any film till date. I do not believe in clubbing personal relationships with professional ones. I want to make it as an actor in Bollywood on my own steam, though Sanju is related to me by blood. I know that the day Sanju feels that there is a role, which will suit me, he will definitely offer me one. I will sign a film with my eyes closed, whatever role he offers me because I have blind trust in him. I hero worship Sanju Baba, who is even today very soft hearted, though he is known as an action hero." (Nimai Bali, in: Cybernoon, April 27, 2007)

"I hero-worship Sanjay Dutt. He's a great friend of mine but I absolutely adore him. As a matter of fact, there are so many times when so many producers come to me with film offers and I ask them, 'Did Sanjay Dutt ask you to get in touch with me' and they say yes. So you know, when you are going through a lean period, you have friends like him who will always support you and be there for you." (Suniel Shetty, in: CNN-IBN, May 15, 2007)

"Working with the producers Sanjay Dutt and Sanjay Gupta was great. Not once did they make me feel like a newcomer. I have known Sanjay Dutt since my childhood. He is like a father figure." (Sikandar Kher, in: IndiaFM, May 15, 2007)

"Sanjay Dutt has been my teen idol. I have been crazy about Sanjay Dutt. In fact when I was in Class 8, Sanjay drove all the way from Delhi to Ajmer. As he was leaving I said I have one more request, just don’t tell dad, but could you please come to the girl’s school with me? He obliged and said 'yes'. Thanks to him, I was a hero there for the next six months." (Vivek Oberoi, in: IBNlive, May 24, 2007)

"The best thing about Sanjay Dutt is that he is so gentlemanly that he never lets his star status weigh heavy on you. He’s very easy going and encouraging, I enjoyed my stint with him." (Neha Dhupia, in: Newindpress, May 25, 2007)

"I absolutely adore Sanjay Dutt. His way of talking, walking, dancing is just so cute. He is the real macho hero of Hindi cinema these days. What a physique he has!" (Kavita Kaushik, in: The Times of India, July 23, 2007)

"Sanjay gets his resilience from my parents. You cannot mistake his vulnerability and innocence for weakness. He is a very strong willed person and has a great strength of character. (...) It is his simplicity and his vulnerability (that keep him public sympathy). He is down-to-earth and has no pretences; you have to love him for what he is." (Priya Dutt, in: Hello, July 2007)

"Sanjay Dutt is addressed as 'Sanju Baba' not just by his colleagues, but by all the workers of the film industry. They all say, 'Sanju Baba' acts first, thinks later. People call him 'Baba' for a reason. When the industry gives you a name, it means it. The workers - the spot boys, the light guys, the grips, all the people who work on the sets - they just adore him. He has a golden heart. Everyone's problem is his problem. I don't think he's ever looked at his accounts, but if he asked for them, he probably wouldn't have any money with him. It's with everyone else - the driver, the camera crew - anyone who needs anything gets it." (Suniel Shetty, in: Hello, July 2007)

"Sanjay's life has attained a kind of cult status, with the public adoring him despite his failings. His trials and tribulations have already made him a legend. He is one of a kind." (Gayatri Rangachari Shah, in: Hello, July 2007)

"Sanjay is one of the nicest persons that I have come across in the industry. He has been like an elder brother to me. Whenever you are in need, he is one person, who has always come to help. That’s the reason why everybody is concerned for him. Anybody who is close to him would wish him all the best and pray for him." (Rohit Roy, in: DNA India, July 24, 2007)

"Sanjay is among the few good men that I have met in my life. It’s definitely a privilege to know a person like him. I can only wish the best for him for the rest of his life. As far as the case is concerned, all his friends and family are with him throughout. It’s not his test alone. All of us are in it together." (Owen Roncon, in: DNA India, July 24, 2007)

"I wish Sanju sir lots of peace, you should see him on the sets, everybody loves him. I wish you could get the opinions of the unknown people he works with. The light boys, for instance, or the unit hands who get him lunch from home." (Abhishek Bachchan, in: The Times of India, July 25, 2007)

"I wanted to match up to Sanjay. I have always been in awe of Sanjay. His career - from ‘Naam’ to ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ - has been an unbelievable journey. I’ve already worked with him in ‘Plan’ earlier. He makes you so comfortable that you don’t feel you’re working with a big star." (Rohit Roy, in: DNA India, August 12, 2007)

"I can’t talk about the law but I’m praying for him. I remember being hesitant about having to shout at him for a particular scene in Kidnap. But, he told me: 'Just blank yourself and forget that you are screaming at Sanjay Dutt'. When my parents who don’t come from a filmi background visited me on the sets, he took such good care of them." (Vidya Malvade, in: The Times of India, August 16, 2007)

"Sanjay Dutt and Shahrukh Khan are both superstars...adorable and phenomenal in what they do. However, while SRK radiates high energy, Sanju is a shy guy who even when he’s talking to you looks down at the ground. He was going through a lot when we were shooting but he never let that come in the way of his work. There was a lurking sadness in his eyes and a smile on his face. You have to admire that strength." (Vidya Malvade, in: Screenindia, August 24, 2007)

"I am so proud that Sanjay Dutt is my father. In fact, just calling him 'dad' puts a smile on my face." (Trishala Dutt, in: Savvy, September 2007; the complete interview please find here.)

"Sanju is quite a tough guy yaar. What you see in Munnabhai films is what Sanju is in real life. He's the sweetest six feet hulk I've ever come across in my career. He's got a child's heart and that's what he's in real life. All the rest of the things he does on screen, is all acting. I think people have finally got to know what he's actually. I have a strong belief that he would surely come out of all the problems he's going through at the moment." (Arshad Warsi, in: Stardust, September 2007)

"If I were in Sanjay's place, Dhamaal would have never got completed. Amidst so much of pressure and tension, Sanju used to come on the sets with a smiling face, do my shots and enjoy the scenes. I admire and appreciate him because it's not possible to work under such pressure, especially in case of a comedy film. If a sword is hanging on your head and somebody tell you to do comedy, you would definitely love to kill him. The audience will love his character in the film." (Indra Kumar, in: Stardust, September 2007)

"Sanjay is a good soul and a generous person. Let me tell me you something, Arshad Warsi and I would not be what we are if we didn't have his generosity. Despite being the hero of the film, the two supporting actors who were not even parallel heroes got so much out of the films. He's been very tough mentally. I am amazed at his resilience. Not just last few months or fourteen years but all his life he has had a tough time." (Boman Irani, in Press Trust of India, September 27, 2007)

"It's a great pleasure to work with a person who is the nicest soul around. Being such a huge star, he is so humble and down to earth and I'm glad that I've got an opportunity to work with Sanjay in some more films after 'Dhamaal'. He is a gem of a person!" (Aashish Chowdhary, in: Planet Bollywood, October 2007)

"Sanju belongs to one of the finest families of the Hindi film industry. He's suffered a lot for years and I always pray for him that may God give him the courage to come out of all this. After all, he's an artist and like a family member." (Govinda, in: Stardust, December 2007)

"Sanjay Dutt is the no hang-ups dude, chills even if it takes an eternity to set up the next shot. When he cusses, it’s not with malice. Takes time to show up for the morning shift but when he does, delivers the goods at Ferrari speed." (Kiran Rathod, in: IndiaFM, December 4, 2007)

"Sanju is a jaan. He is one actor who allows his co-actor to share the limelight. Working with him in Tathastu was an unforgettable, cherished experience, one which I would like to store through out my life. He is a man who deserves hero worship. After all how many people are ready to co-operate to any extent while working. Also he readily helps others to perform well." (Amisha Patel, in: Radiosargam, December 8, 2007)

"Sanjay Dutt is such an open and receptive person that it makes a fantastic experience to be his co-star. Our very first shot together was for an intimate scene where we are seen sharing the same bed. We shot it spontaneously and it happened only because he accepted me very well. When I laid my head on his chest for the first time, it felt as if I have done it for years." (Dia Mirza, in: expressindia, December 10, 2007)

"It’s always a pleasure working with Sanjay. He’s wonderful company both on and off screen. I’ve always admired him as a human being and an actor. We go back a long way. We had great fun doing Daud together. And then in Khubsoorat he even sang for me. There’s so much bonhomie on the sets, it’s good to have Sanjay Dutt back.” (Urmila Matondkar, in: The Times of India, December 18, 2007)

“I’m happy that Sanju baba is back in action. He is a wonderful human being." (Arjun Rampal, in: The Times of India, January 4, 2008)

"My favourite actors are Aamir Khan and Irfaan Khan, but I am a die-hard fan of Salman Khan also... and I am just crazzzzzzy about Sanju Baba." (Iira Soni, in: India-Forums, January 2008)

"It is not difficult to work with him at all. On the first day of the shoot, we had a hospital scene and I had to be in his arms and lay my head on his chest. When I did that scene, I realised that it was fairly comfortable to work with him. He is so calm and pure. He has no complexities or insecurities. Boman and Arshad used to always tell me about this, but I never realised." (Dia Mirza, quoted in: ChatDD Blog, January 2008)

"People compare Baba to what he used to be. When we are under pressure, all of us let ourselves go. I read that article (saying that Sanjay Dutt needs to get back in shape for his films) and I think it was so unfair to say Sanjay Dutt needs to work out. Sanjay Dutt first needs to work out his mind, his life and be at peace with himself so he can fall in love with himself again. Sanjay is a great personality. And for EMI, Baba works just as he is. Baba may not look physically fit but he is a strong man. We need to learn how to stay afloat after two decades of extreme pressure from him. I would be a nervous wreck if I had to deal with the kind of pressures he's been facing for the last 14 years. Let's not compare strengths and physical appearances because, don't forget, Sanjay Dutt is also 47-48 years old. Let others age as well as him and then we'll talk." (Suniel Shetty, in: Filmfare, January 23, 2008)

"Dutt is magic in front of the camera. He is an honest actor. The way he goes about playing a character and giving his takes is very professional. He has surpassed my expectations." (Saurav Kabra, in: Filmfare, February 2008)

"According to me EMI is Sanjay Dutt's life's best performance. I can shout this from the rooftop that he is outstanding in the film. He is like a brother to me, there are a lot of things between us which are unspoken yet said. People say that I stand by Sanju like a rock, but I think it is the other way round. Today if Sanju gets any film, he says Anna ko le lo saath main…achcha lagega. When I was producing films he was the first actor to say I will do your film. So he is the one who is supporting me and not vice versa. I am not among the producer, actor or friend who would exploit him for money. Whoever gives whatever to Sanjay Dutt, I will always give him a rupee more, because I believe he is worth it." (Suniel Shetty, in: Business of Cinema, February 23, 2008)

"I started working as Baba's spotboy for Vidhaata when he was shooting in Agra. I was in the dress department. Baba was a star everybody loved. He would sit and chat with everyone from the crew to the lightmen. I had to work very hard as the third assistant so one day when Baba saw me working hard he told me, 'you come and work with me.' Since I joined him I never wanted to work with anyone else. He's more than family woh hame bachche se zyaada pyaar karte hai. Deepak Batte, Baba's make-up guy and I worked with him for almost 30 years. Sanju baba dil se pyar karta hai humse we get anything that we want without asking." (Mohammad, in: oneindia, March 12, 2008)

"I'd do anything for a respected and adored actor like Sanjay Dutt." (Sophie Choudhary, in: Indiaglitz, March 15, 2008)

"For me, Sanjay is a legend." (Suniel Shetty, in: Inside Bollywood, April 2008)

"Sanju is amazing. I am blessed to have found someone like Sanju to train. His smile lights up the whole place and I love to see him smile after a good workout secession. Sanju has a heart of gold." (Lawrence Gonsalves Jr, in: Mumbai Mirror, May 7, 2008)

"Working with Sanjay Dutt in Zinda was a wonderful experience!! Sanjay Dutt is an institution in himself, but he was so down to earth and made us feel so comfortable." (Strings, in: ZeeNews, May 23, 2008)

"He has a hard exterior and a very soft heart. His bark is worse than his bite. He says something, but means something altogether different. You have to read between the lines to understand Sanju." (Manyata Dutt, in a Sahara Samay interview, May 2008)

"We hero-worship each other. Sanju is a great friend and I absolutely adore him. I realized his goodness many years ago when producers would come to me with film offers and I would learn that Sanju had told them to get in touch with me whenever he couldn't do a film. When you are going through a lean period, and you have friends like him to support you - all seems well." (Sunil Shetty, in: Movie, June 2008)

"I've always been a Sanjay Dutt fan. After the show I've become an even bigger fan." (Rohit Roy, host of the talk show Inside Bollywood, in: Bollywood Hungama, June 2, 2008)

"I have never met a dedicated and accommodative actor like Sanjay Dutt. He is one actor who has worked with a lot of new directors and has a very good understanding with his directors. He is so superb, I could not ask for more. Every day was a new experience for me while working with Sanjay Dutt." (Saurav Kabra, in: Buzz18, June 16, 2008)

"Sanjay has a larger than life persona and that comes out on screen. He was born cool. He doesn't have to do anything to look tough. Even when he is just standing around in a frame he looks dangerous." (Apoorva Lakhia, in: Filmfare, June 26, 2008)

"It is always a treat to work with Sanjay Dutt. As an actor, he is completely without mannerism. Sanju is extremely natural as an actor, and that’s why Munna Bhai is very real in his performances." (Rajkumar Hirani, in: The Times of India, June 29, 2008)

"Let’s get this clear - Sanjay is not a terrorist, and has been exonerated by the court. Whatever happened was a long time ago and he has reformed himself since then. I think, Sanju is a great example for kids. Yes, he’s been a drug addict, but he is also one of the few who could kick the habit. His ability to bounce back in spite of everything that he’s gone through is remarkable. Instead of harping on the negative, people should be happy that someone wants to do some good work for them." (Priya Dutt, in: DNA, July 2, 2008)

"I've tremendous admiration for Sanjay Dutt. He always plays his roles so straight and transparent. I'd like to achieve the same level of transparency in my performance." (Irrfan Khan, in: Bollywood Hungama, July 7, 2008)

“Dutt has this tough, big guy look, which suits the negative roles he portrays. Very few actors have the ability to bring out the real essence of the characters the way he does." (Ashwun Mushran) / “I feel Sanjay was brilliant in Vaastav. Who can ever forget his mind-blowing performance? Sanjay is capable of doing justice to any kind of role. Be it a rugged criminal or a suave and evil gangster, he carries them all off very well." (Bhavana) / “I like Sanju baba the best when he plays the bad boy. Not only does he have the looks and physique that go well with dark characters he plays, he also has a unique style of dialogue delivery that makes it very convincing." (Avinash) (in: The Times of India, July 13, 2008)

“I have been a huge fan of Sanjay Dutt and post Munna Bhai MBBS, I like him even more. I am really looking forward to working with him." (Kunal Kapoor, in: Newsline, July 13, 2008)

"I have the greatest regard for Sanjay Dutt because when he is on a set, whatever he is going through outside, doesn´t affect him. He is true to the moment. We were doing Lage Raho Munnabhai which is, again, such a positive happy film and when he was on the sets, nothing bothered him. When Raju said 'Action' he was transported to another place." (Vidya Balan, in: Ciné-Blitz, July 2008)

"Sanjay Dutt has an overpowering screen presence." (Akshaye Khanna, in: SantaBanta, August 1, 2008)

"Kidnap is a thriller and it is a very important film for me 'coz in this film, I have worked with actors like Sanjay Dutt. In Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na I have worked with youngsters who are on my wave length but when a senior actor like Sanjay Dutt steps in, suddenly a certain standard step up happens. I used to be very nervous on the sets with Sanjay Dutt. I was in a state of blind panic; he saw that and would make an effort to calm me down." (Imran Khan, in: Stardust, August 2008)

"Sanjay Dutt was the first pin-up boy of young girls. He is the actor who has seen maximum evolution, from the droopy-eyed, sexy pin-up boy to the intense actor we know today. Maybe it has a little bit to do with his turbulent off-screen life. Even at age 50, he has the legacy of Munna Bhai to his credit. Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan have this common connectivity with the audience, people feel he's one of us. Sanjay Dutt is iconic. He has started the fitness hysteria. There have been many Me Toos and Me Threes but Sanjay Dutt was the first jeans-clad, cool dude we had in Hindi cinema." (Karan Johar, in: Movie, August 2008)

"Apart from having a big heart, he is, perhaps, the only actor who does not want to see how he looks on the monitor after the shot is taken. Most actors want to see themselves but Sanju would tell me, 'If it is okay with the director, I am happy!'" (Sanjay Gadhvi, in: Mid-Day, August 12, 2008)

"I was intimidated by him on the first day of shooting. I had to hold a gun and deliver some dialogues and kept fumbling and forgetting the dialogues and the shot had to be taken again and again. He came and gave me a tight hug and all my fears just melted away in the emotion I felt for him. (...) He is a quiet person and shy. He is soft and gentle and doesn’t talk much. Maybe that’s why people misunderstand him." (Imran Khan, in: Masala, September 23, 2008)

"Shah Rukh is full of energy and life. Sanjay Dutt is more reserved and chilled out. Beneath the deadly Dutt there is a soft and tame being. I call him a gentle giant. I absolutely admire him and enjoyed working with him in Kidnap." (Vidya Malvade, in: Glamsham, September 23, 2008)

"I didn't learn anything from him. He doesn't preach. If you know him at all and have tracked his career, you'll come to the conclusion that he is a guy who has walked his own path. He is very much the rebel, very much the rock star. He does it his way and the way he wants to do it. Sanju baba is not the one who is going to go around telling people how to live their lives. (...) We are doing a scene together and I'll sit with my dialogues for 45 minutes before I get ready. I'll march up and down the stairs doing rehearsals and reciting my lines this way - that way, taking a pause here and there. Sanju baba will walk on the sets and the assistant director will hand over the dialogues to him. He will sit and read through it once. We then do the scene where I say my lines and he'll say his line and look at me with sheer intensity that I forget the rest of my lines. Such is the weight of this actor. The gravity he brings with him shocks you." (Imran Khan, in: Bollywood Hungama, September 24, 2008)

"I have picked up many things from Sanjay. It takes a lot for any actor to stand in one frame with him. He is a total rock star, probably the last that we have in Bollywood today. He is very quiet, shy and reserved otherwise but when the director says action, you have a different Sanjay Dutt in front of you. He has a tremendous screen presence. You can feel a gravitational pull towards him when he takes the screen." (Imran Khan, in: DNA, September 24, 2008)

"Sanjay is one actor who keeps getting better and better. He has mellowed down a lot now. He is a wonderful person and a fantastic actor. We have great vibes so it makes even easier." (Urmila Matondkar, in: SAWF, September 24, 2008)

"Initially I was nervous. I've never met Sanjay Dutt before and he's like this 'deadly Dutt' a 'deadly giant'. So rugged from the exterior but sweet and soft spoken from the inside. He made me really comfortable with everything. He told me to just chill around and do whatever I felt like doing on the sets. No need to get worried about anything. (...) Sanjay Dutt has been an inspiration. (...) In terms of Sanjay Dutt, he was going through a very bad patch in time and there was a time when I didn't even know if the film would see the light of the day or not but Sanju baba never got any of his worries on the sets. He was still the kind and a gentle person that he is. He would do his job and then go back home. I've never seen Sanjay Dutt scream or yell. He was very patient. (...) A big part of Kidnap is Mr Sanjay Dutt. I respect him totally for what he has gone through and the way he has come out shining, Kidnap truly belongs to him if not dedicated." (Vidya Malvade, in: Bollywood Hungama, September 26, 2008)

"Sanjay Dutt is the Mel Gibson of Bollywood. Both actors have been very successful career wise. Like Sanju, Mel Gibson has also been father to 17 and 18-year olds on screen, while playing the lead. Both of them can give younger actors a run for their money... Sanju Baba is very sweet. He’s a very shy person who doesn’t talk much, but a very senior actor who naturally commands respect." (Minissha Lamba, in: ZoomTV, September 30, 2008)

"Sanjay is quite an inspiration himself after what he has been through in his life as well as during the making of Kidnap... I remember when he was on the Kidnap set he would just be so into everything that we were doing. He never brought his stress on the sets. He was very sensitive and soft spoken. He is so shy that he will look down when he is talking to you. It is quite contrary to the ‘Deadly Dutt’ image he has outside. He is very sweet actually." (Vidya Malvade, in: Indiatimes Movies, October 13, 2008)

"Sanjay Dutt is very naughty, a complete child and a big prankster. He takes you by surprise with his pranks each time. When I was doing a shot (for Kidnap), suddenly someone ran out of the frame, dressed in exactly the same manner as I was and started dancing with me till I realised it was a man! Sanjay had supervised the entire thing, he got the same hot costume I had worn, the hairstyle and everything was a replica. I was shocked with the incident, wondering what was happening! Sanjay has got the greatest of hearts and is genuinely caring. Having gone through a bitter experience earlier he is very warm, encouraging and loving." (Sophie Choudhary, in: The Daily Mail, October 2008)

"I’ve always admired Sanjay Dutt and wanted to work with him no matter what it takes for me to go around, I would do it for him ’coz he’s too warm and a great guy. He’s the ultimate rock star the industry has. When I met him after signing the film, I hugged him and told him that I was dying to work with him." (Arjun Rampal, in: Stardust, November 2008)

"It’s a great pleasure to work with a person who is the nicest soul around. Despite being such a huge star, Sanju Sir is so humble and down to earth and I’m glad I’ve got an opportunity to work with him in couple of films. He is a gem of a person." (Aashish Choudhary, in: Stardust, November 2008)

"Being such a big actor, I’m glad that Sanju Sir sweetly listened to a first-timer like me. When he hears the script, he becomes part of it, understanding his character and the storyline thoroughly. One could see the reactions on his face. It was intimidating to work with him considering he has delivered lots of hit films in his career. Initially, it was difficult to concentrate that besides being his big fan, I’m the director of 'EMI'. I personally feel that he’s how Sattarbhai was written." (Saurabh Kabra, in: Stardust, November 2008)

"Sanjay's like an older brother. We don't meet very often but when we do we meet up at the same point at which we'd left off. Though we are two different individuals we are similar. We both went to boarding schools and boarding school boys are boys who bond over the years they spend together, share a closeness and are protective. And they always grow up to be men." (Salman Khan, in: Filmfare, November 26, 2008)

"Sanjay has been phenomenal. He is memorising four pages in 10 minutes and most of his takes are one-take shots. Sometimes it goes up to just two takes. He is at his best. Rarely do you see such dedication and enthusiasm." (Rahul Dholakia, in: DNA, January 5, 2009)

"Sanju sir is the sweetest person I've ever met in the industry. He has got a bigger heart than the Earth. He is my Godfather and he helped me to walk when I was learning how to walk in the industry. He is one of the most special persons in my life. I will always regard and love him for what he has done for me. I always pray to God, 'Hey Bhagwan hamesha mujh se zyaadaa khushi Sanju sir ko denaa'." (Krishna Beura, in: Planet Bollywood, March 2009)

"Heart of a lion. He is truly a great man, and I enjoy the time I spend with him." (James Bomalick in: theBollywoodFan, May 2009)

"He has a shy innocent smile, which is a killer. You want to protect him." (Vidya Balan, in: Filmfare, May 13, 2009)

"Sanju is the Robert De Niro quotient for Bollywood." (Ajay Devgan, in: TOI, May 23, 2009)

"Sanju is a zero complex guy. He has no issues with anybody or anything. He is also not insecure like other actors who'd get other actors' scenes chopped to keep their own part. It's just too cool working with him and that is why our comic timing and everything match." (Arshad Warsi, in: Bollyspice, July 4, 2009)

"One thing is for sure, he has got a towering personality. He commands respect." (Chitrashi, in: Bollywood Hungama, July 13, 2009)

"Sanjay Dutt was someone, who I have always admired. He has this unmatched persona and sets the screen on fire every time he is in front of the camera." (Anubhav Anand, in: Screenindia, July 24, 2009)

"I have been working with him since his first film 'Rocky' and it's amazing how even today, he is as daring in nature as he was then. Sanjay and I have literally grown together. We came to the industry at the same time and it feels wonderful to see how he has grown over the years. I hope that he prospers for many more years to come." (Allan Amin, in: The Hindu, July 28, 2009)

"I've worked with many hot actors - John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar... but if I had to choose the hottest, it would have to be Sanjay Dutt. Yes, he's a good looker, but there's more to him than that. He's the perfect gentleman. Just when you thought chivalry is dead, Sanju shows up... He's a great actor, a superb co-star and a lovely human being. We have worked in Zinda together, and now I'm looking forward to Blue. We have performed some hi-end action stunts, and the it's all thanks to Akshay and Sanju that I've been able to do my underwater sequences quite smoothly. So a big thank you to Sanjay for everything and best wishes to him on his 50th birthday. May he continue to rock!" (Lara Dutta, in: Indiatimes Movies, July 28, 2009)

"We did Parineeta together, and then of course there was Lage Raho Munnabhai... I remember our time while shooting Parineeta. It was my first movie and i was shooting with 'the' Sanjay Dutt. So you can imagine how unnerving that can be. To top it, we had an intimate scene together. I wasn't too sure how to handle it. But Sanjay Dutt made it so easy for me. I'll never forget that. On his 50th birthday I wish him happiness, and hope all his wishes come true." (Vidya Balan, in: Indiatimes Movies, July 28, 2009)

"Sanjay is extremely hot even today. I wish him a very happy birthday. Sanjay to me is a thorough gentleman. He loves simple things and thus simplicity in people. I worked with him in Kidnap and his energy was inspiring. He not only takes care of actors but the entire crew. I remember him doing a stunt in Kidnap where he had to dive in an ocean and rescue me. It was freezing cold and Sanju had an extreme close up scene, he still managed to get everything right! He has a sharp memory and not many people know that. He recognized my mum who was his senior at school after he met her recently! A million hugs from me for Sanju..." (Minissha Lamba, in: Indiatimes Movies, July 28, 2009)

"I was lucky enough to get to work with SRK (Chak De) and Sanju (Kidnap) both at the beginning of my career. They are as different as chalk and cheese. SRK is often geared up all the time while Sanju is laid back and chilled out. Sanju takes care of people around him and is extremely loving. Lots of love for Sanju on his birthday from me." (Vidya Malvade, in: Indiatimes Movies, July 28, 2009)

"Working with Sanjay Dutt was amazing. He has been working in this industry for so long and has such a powerful persona that I learnt a lot just from watching him. He is very polite and quiet on the sets. He is very easy to work with. He doesn't look like he is 50." (Shruti Haasan, in: Rediff, July 29, 2009)

“Sanjay Dutt is a very nice, sincere and dedicated actor. He is a professional but also a friendly person.” (Neetu Chandra, in: The Statesman, August 15, 2009)

"It was fantastic to meet and work with Sanju. He is an amazing person." (Vipin Sharma on Facebook, August 16, 2009)

“The younger generation should learn from these ‘cool’ guys (Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff) who are not pretentious. They are frank and openly talk about the mistakes they made in the past. They don't fake when they say, ‘this was our life - this is what we used to do - drugs, alcohol, women, today we have left all that and learnt from our mistakes and experiences'. I have a lot of respect for these guys.” (Salman Khan, in: TOI, August 22, 2009)

"With guys like me and Sanju, whether our movies are hits or flops, that is of no consequence. Everybody wants a hit film... but somewhere or the other we have taken the wrong decisions, no one has forced us in doing that. But when you go out the respect that is there, the love, adulation from the fans is a lot more than what the other people enjoy." (Salman Khan, in: Indiatimes Movies, August 28, 2009)

"Sanju is completely an instinctive actor. If I ask him for a rehearsal, he will look into my eyes and say 'What? You want to rehearse one month in advance?' which is completely impossible. And I know if I make him do that, he will come prepared and will fail miserably. But if I ask him to do something impromptu, he does it the way you want it. If I think it’s not right, then he will instinctively do it another way." (Rajkumar Hirani, in: Mumbai Mirror, September 9, 2009)

"I was scared. Sanjay is a big guy. And I was quite apprehensive in the beginning... almost frightened. But he just strolled over to me on my first day and said ‘hello’. He made an effort to communicate and make me comfortable. After that, it has been a joy ride on the sets." (Mugdha Godse, in: TOI, September 11, 2009)

"Sanjay Dutt is my lucky charm. I have done five films with him. I started my career with him in Tatasthu. It was he who recommended my name for Kidnap. I respect him a lot because he respects women. When he speaks to a woman, he never looks into their eyes -- he keeps his eyes low. He is a prankster. I'm always on my toes when I'm shooting him. That's why I love it. He does not like photo shoots; he is camera shy. If I tell him to pose, he asks me to hurry up. So I don't tell him when I start clicking. Sanjay's face has character. Sanjay is very helpful. I have seen people asking him for money. He never says no. He's a real life Munnabhai. He had invited me for his wedding anniversary. When I went, I saw that he greeted everyone and treated everyone equally." (Gaurav C Bhat, in: Rediff, October 1, 2009)

"Sanjay is an extremely intense and clever actor. I learnt a lot from his style of acting." (Jacqueline Fernandez, in: Sunday Observer, October 11, 2009)

"Working with Sanju is always a joy. We had a fabulous rapport while making Zinda. And what I like about Sanju is that he knows how to lead his co-actor. He seems very casual in his approach to work but when it comes to the crunch, Sanju is a dedicated actor. And always a delight to work with." (Lara Dutta, in: TOI, October 12, 2009)

"As an action hero, I have always admired Sanjay Dutt, and it took me two films to be normal while I acted with him." (Zayed Khan, in: TOI, October 13, 2009)

"There’s great rapport between Sanju and me. His performance in All The Best is his best - after Munnabhai, what timing, but Sanju was behaving like a producer... he was more worried about the film than me!” (Ajay Devgn, in: TOI, October 15, 2009)

"Sanjay Dutt is the most down-to-earth person I have met. I never thought we would chat. I was in awe of him when he came up to me and spoke to me." (Mugdha Godse, in: Rediff, October 15, 2009)

"Sanjay is a lion. I love Sanjay. He has a heart that never stops." (James Bomalick, on: Bollywood Hungama, October 2009)

"You can't help being protective and affectionate about Sanjay. Once he accepts a film he adopts the whole unit. Sanjay was more like the producer of All The Best than Ajay Devgn. In the evenings, Ajay, Fardeen and the rest of the gang would be chilling out in Goa while Sanjay would sit with me poring over the next day's schedule. He was bothered about every thing, from the food for the unit to my travel plans. Whenever I had to leave the Goa location for Mumbai, he would be anxious about my return flight. I can't understand how many recent films have misused or underused Sanjay Dutt. He signs films for emotional reasons. And it's the director's moral duty to make sure his presence is justified." (Rohit Shetty, in: Bollywood Hungama, October 16, 2009)

"Sanju is a great friend and its fantastic working with great human beings and good actors." (Ajay Devgn in the Bollywood Hungama Chat, October 16, 2009)

"Oh my God, he is so tall! He has such a towering presence and I had to actually stand on my toes and look up. He turned out to be so sweet and gentle. Really, when you meet him, he gives you such good vibes. I expected him to be rough but he wasn't. He was also such a great guy to work with. I have met Mrs. Dutt as well and she is very polite and humble." (Jacqueline Fernandez, in: Glamsham, October 29, 2009)

"Sanjay Dutt is probably the only man in India who could play Munnabhai - look at him! He was - and is - in his heart Munnabhai." (Vinod Chopra at the LRM Screenplay Book Launch, December 7, 2009)

"Sanju is a superstar by birth. He never talks down to his co-actors; and he is also fully confident that no one can enter his space. Working with him on Munnabhai was a pleasure. Sanju is not condescending or patronising. He is just Sanju… secure in his place. No games, no manipulations." (Arshad Warsi, in: Bangalore Mirror, February 6, 2010)

"It's truly an honour to have worked with Sanju sir. He is someone who I have grown up putting up posters in my cupboard!" (Ranbir Kapoor, Taj Lands End, March 25, 2010)

"I've grown up watching his movies. He's the only actor whose poster was mounted on my cupboard. I've been a big fan of his work; he's amazing to work with. Even at this age, the kind of enthusiasm he has, wearing that 5 kg outfit, staying in character so dedicated and true to what the brief (in the advertisement) demanded. I hope when I reach his age I am half as honest and as true to my work as he is." (Ranbir Kapoor, Youngistaan Chat, April 2010)

"Sanju is a really really cool guy, he is very easy to get along with and he makes life really very easy... Sanju is No 1 to 10 in Kashmir, they are really fond of him." (Kunal Kapoor, Bollywood Hungama, June 5, 2010)

"Sanju Sir is a rockstar. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t gone through the phase where they want to be Sanjay Dutt, walk like him, talk like him, have a haircut like him. At least I have. When you meet him, you realise he’s such a cool guy, he has no insecurity. He is really comfortable with himself as a person and as an actor and that makes your job (working with him) really easy. He is full of entertaining stories about film industry, life etc." (Kunal Kapoor, in: Deccan Chronicle, June 24, 2010)

"I love, love, love Sanju. I adore him. I truly believe that Sanju is God’s child. Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) and I would get into tiffs on the sets of Parineeta. He refused to give me instructions for my introductory scene with Sanju and I just wasn’t getting it right. Finally, Sanju got up, asked the assistant who was cueing me to move and said, 'I’ll cue her myself.' Now Sanju doesn’t give cues and he hates retakes. So it was sweet of him. And I got the take right. I was a newcomer; he didn’t have to go out of his way for me. Even during the lovemaking scene he saw how nervous I was and reassured me that we didn’t have to do anything that I wasn’t comfortable doing. Sanju has a very protective air about him. He would invariably come late on the sets of Lage Raho Munnabhai but they would give me a very early call time. I'd sit on the sets waiting for him. On the third or the fourth day he found out and fired the assistant saying, 'Why are you calling her at 8 am when you know I won’t turn up before 11 and we won’t shoot before 3?' With that, he won me over for life." (Vidya Balan, in: Filmfare, June 29, 2010)

"It was lovely working with Sanjay. He is extremely sensitive and sensible and a very straightforward person, which is a great thing about him." (Rahul Dholakia, in: Sify, 1. Juli 2010)


***
Quotes about Sanju concerning his TADA case please find here.